Hello. I am a psychologist, not a counsellor, although I have friends who are counsellors. The distinction is that psychology is the scientific study of the mind (e.g. thoughts) and behaviour (e.g. actions), as well as our emotional states that interact with mind and behaviour. Psychology studies humans as well as animals, it is interested in the biological bases of mind and behaviour (i.e. the brain and nervous system), and takes in the influence of social and cultural processes on our thoughts and actions. It may or may not be interested in mental health. Counselling on the other hand is a talking therapy aimed at helping people who are experiencing perturbing psychological symptoms: that is, difficult thoughts and feelings (e.g. trauma, depression, anxiety) and undesirable behaviours, such as addiction, self-harm, etc. Counselling will draw on the ideas, concepts and theories of scientific psychology, and also on other knowledge systems. Psychology is essentially an investigative science, but can also be applied in many areas of life, such as education, clinical therapies, organisations, design, to name just a few. Counselling is a way of understanding and helping people get better by focusing on thoughts, feeling and resultant behaviours. Hope that helps.
Share