What's the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

These two terms are often confused and overlap regularly. Throughout the duration of your treatment, there may be times that are more stereotypically counselling and times that are psychotherapeutic. In reality, it is often hard to distinguish between the two approaches. At Kinship, we are trained for both approaches and alternate depending on the client's needs and desires.

Typically,  counselling refers to short term, solution-focused therapy, while psychotherapy refers to longer-term treatment. Counselling deals with present issues explored on the conscious level, whereas psychotherapy examines a person’s psychological history. In other words, counselling is more concerned with practical or immediate issues and outcomes, while psychotherapy is focused on helping a person understand their life in a more profound, reflective manner.

Counselling helps a client process powerful emotions, such as grief, anger, stress, or anxiety. It often clarifies values and identifies available options when making important personal or professional decisions. It aids in managing conflict within relationships, developing better interpersonal and communication skills, or intentionally changing unproductive thoughts and behaviours.

Psychotherapy helps a person look at long-standing attitudes, thoughts, and behaviours that have resulted in the current quality of one’s life and relationships. It typically goes deeper to uncover root causes of problems, resulting in more dramatic changes in perspective regarding oneself, one’s life experience, and the world in general. Ultimately, psychotherapy aims to empower the individual by freeing them from the grip of unconscious triggers or impulses through increased self-awareness.

In terms of training, it generally takes four years to gain the necessary qualification to become a psychotherapist. A counsellor can become so in under two years.

How long does each session last?

The length of a session varies, depending on the location. Session that are indoors or in city parks last for 50 minutes. Sessions that take place in the wilderness may be longer. These details will be discussed beforehand with your therapist.

Is therapy confidential?

An essential factor in therapy is the security of a confidential space. Kinship offers this confidentiality. Our therapists attend regular supervision where clients remain anonymous. There are also legal limitations that will be more fully explained during your first session.

How long does therapy take?

There is no set time frame for therapy sessions. It varies from person to person depending on the goals and desired outcomes. It can range from four weeks to four years. Typically, an agreement for an initial six session is put in place with a review after five weeks, resulting in either a new extension of therapy or final closing session.

How regularly should I attend therapy?

Key to the therapeutic process is the relationship between the client and the therapist. For this reason, sessions typically take place once a week. After a period of time both parties may decide to meet fortnightly, but this will need to be discussed with your therapist.

What if I need to cancel a session?

If you need to cancel or change a session, a minimum of 72hrs is required. If this is not possible, session fees will still be charged. Regardless, every effort will be made to find an alternative meeting time that week.

What if I feel therapy isn't working?

Often, therapy brings up difficult and uncomfortable feelings. Key to the process is your connection to your therapist. If you feel you are not a good match, it is beneficial to address this with them. At Kinship, you and your health are our priority. If we aren’t meeting your needs, we are happy to find you a situation that better suits you.