Should I see a counsellor or psychologist?

When looking for someone to talk to about your struggles, you might come across titles like “counsellor”, “therapist”, and “psychologist”. It’s easy to get confused about who does what. Let’s break down how counsellors and psychologists differ in the Australian context, and when you might choose one over the other.

Training and Qualifications

• Psychologist: A registered psychologist in Australia has at least six years of rigorous training in psychology. This includes university degrees and supervised practice. Psychologists must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and adhere to strict professional standards. They are trained in scientific methods to assess and treat mental health conditions, and many (especially clinical psychologists) have training in diagnosing disorders as well.
• Counsellor: The term “counsellor” is not a protected title in Australia. This means there isn’t a single mandatory training pathway to call oneself a counsellor. However, professional counsellors typically have qualifications in counselling or a related field – which could range from a diploma or bachelor’s degree up to a Master’s in counselling or psychotherapy. Many are members of professional associations like PACFA or ACA, which require certain education and ethical standards. In general, counsellors focus on providing talk therapy and support, but their training is often shorter or more limited in scope than a psychologist’s.

In short, psychologists have a more standardised and extensive training in mental health (including research and clinical practice). Counsellors’ training can vary widely, so their expertise may vary too. That said, a well-trained counsellor (for example, someone with a Master’s in Counselling) can be very skilled; it’s just a less uniform field than psychology.

Scope of Practice

• Counsellors: Counsellors often help people navigate personal, social, or situational issues. This might include stress management, improving relationships, coping with grief and loss, building communication skills, or boosting self-confidence. Counsellors tend to use approaches like person-centred therapy, which is all about providing empathy, listening, and helping you find your own solutions. They generally do not diagnose mental illnesses (even if you’re dealing with anxiety or depression, a counsellor might talk in terms of “feelings” and “challenges” rather than clinical diagnoses). Think of a counsellor as a guide to work through life’s difficulties and decisions, providing emotional support and practical advice.
• Psychologists: Psychologists can also help with all of the above issues, plus they are qualified to handle clinical mental health conditions. They can assess you for diagnosable conditions (like an anxiety disorder, major depression, PTSD, etc.) and use structured therapeutic techniques to treat those conditions. Psychologists often have training in specific therapies (like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Schema Therapy, etc.) which are evidence-based treatments for mental health disorders. If your situation is more complex or you want a formal diagnosis or a broader range of treatment techniques, a psychologist is equipped for that. Psychologists also often work closely with other healthcare providers; for example, they can communicate with your GP about progress or suggest a medication review if needed (whereas a counsellor, not being in the medical system, typically wouldn’t do that).

One way to differentiate: if your concerns are more about personal growth or navigating life events, a counsellor might be perfectly sufficient. If your concerns involve mental health symptoms that significantly impact your daily life, a psychologist might be more appropriate.

Approach to Therapy

In a counselling session vs a psychology session, the experience might overlap a lot. Both counsellors and psychologists will:

• Listen non-judgmentally to your story.
• Show empathy and understanding.
• Discuss ways to cope or improve your situation.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

However, you might notice differences like:

• A counsellor may focus largely on letting you lead the conversation and express your feelings. They might offer validation and reflections, helping you explore your thoughts. The approach can be less structured: for instance, you might spend a lot of time just talking through what’s on your mind and the counsellor offering support and gentle guidance.
• A psychologist will also listen and provide empathy, but may be more likely to introduce structured techniques or frameworks. For example, a psychologist might say, “It’s like you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety.” A counsellor would talk about the feelings but typically wouldn’t label it in clinical terms.

Which Should You Choose?

Consider the following:

• The nature of your issue: If you’re dealing with something like significant trauma, longstanding depression, or panic attacks that are hard to control, a psychologist would be well-suited (and you’ll get Medicare support). If you’re more facing a situational challenge, like coping with a breakup, managing work stress, or figuring out a career change, a counsellor could be very helpful and maybe more readily available.
• Desire for a diagnosis or formal therapy: If you want to know, “Do I have social anxiety disorder or just shyness? Is this clinical depression or just sadness?”, a psychologist can assess that. A counsellor would talk about the feelings but typically wouldn’t label it in clinical terms.
• Duration and intensity: Psychologists often work with clients over both short and long term, including high-intensity cases. Counsellors can also do long-term support, but many focus on short-to-medium term guidance through a specific issue.
• Personal comfort: Some people might feel less intimidated seeing a “counsellor” because it sounds more casual, whereas “psychologist” sounds more clinical. Others might prefer “psychologist” because it implies a certain credential. These are personal perceptions, but they can affect your comfort level. Remember, both are caring professionals.
• Availability: In some areas, there may be a long wait to see a psychologist (especially a clinical psychologist), whereas a counsellor might have sooner openings. If you need to talk to someone sooner, a counsellor could be a good start while you maybe also book a psychologist for later (if needed).

Importantly, the relationship and fit with the individual therapist is crucial. A highly skilled psychologist who you don’t click with may not help you as much as a less-qualified counsellor you have great rapport with (and vice versa). It’s okay to try one, and if it doesn’t feel helpful, try the other.

Also, it’s not an either/or forever. Some people might start with a counsellor (say, during a tough life event), and later on decide to see a psychologist if deeper or ongoing issues emerge. Others might see a psychologist for a while, then transition to occasional check-ins with a counsellor for general support.

To sum it up:

• A psychologist has more extensive mental health training and can offer a wider range of therapeutic services (including work with mental illness diagnoses and access to Medicare rebates).
• A counsellor provides supportive talk therapy for navigating life’s challenges and emotional issues, though without the clinical scope and Medicare support.

Both aim to help you feel heard, understood, and better able to cope. Neither is “better” universally – it’s about what you need and who you feel comfortable with. Don’t be afraid to reach out and even ask a practitioner about their approach. Many will be happy to clarify their background and how they can help, so you can make an informed choice.