People seek out psychotherapy for diverse reasons. They may be drawn to therapy because they:

• Have detected a pattern of conflict or loss in their lives, and want to explore the hidden dynamics that inhibit them from reaching their full potential
• Are challenged by an immediate crisis ? a relationship breakup; a job redundancy impacting their sense of self; the death of someone they cherish. Therapy offers a chance for individuals to understand their personal narrative
• Are embracing new opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery and creativity. Therapy is a powerful tool for unlocking insights that help people actualise their goals.

In the context of an individual's life storyline, psychotherapy supports processes of self-reflection, change and renewal. Psychotherapists look at a person's holistic needs, focusing on their emotional, psychological, spiritual, physical and behavioural wellbeing. They support people to explore their unconscious beliefs, desires and aspirations.

A skilled therapist works with clients in the tradition of "unconditional positive regard" developed by Carl Rogers, in an environment where there is no judgement, only support, and in doing so provides a platform for an individual's existential growth and empowerment.

Who can provide Psychotherapy services?

Various professionals provide psychotherapy, including psychotherapists, psychoanalysts, psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors, social workers, and other specialist therapists. 

Psychotherapists draw on numerous modalities, such as Person-centred approach, Somatic psychotherapy, Jungian analysis, Psychodynamic, Gestalt, Existential or Schema therapy. For information on the different approaches, we encourage you to explore Good Therapy's Types of Therapy overview.

A skilled psychotherapist will engage their clients in meaningful practice that rewards their curiosity and enriches their understanding of self, others, and the world they inhabit. Underlying this vital work is years of in-depth training in psychotherapy, developmental, social, and relational theory.

All practitioners offering psychotherapy are required to have studied specialist units or courses. Ideally, they will be registered with the appropriate professional body in their field. The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia requires their member practitioners to:

• Have undertaken substantial, experiential professional training with a demonstrated theoretical base before registration
• Adhere to a Code of Ethics for professional practice
• Maintain up-to-date skills and receive peer feedback on the quality of their work, through ongoing supervision, professional development and participation in a Community of Practice with fellow psychotherapists.

Counselling vs Psychotherapy: What's the Difference?

Counselling is often seen as similar to psychotherapy because both involve a client meeting with a trained practitioner to talk about their issues, problems and concerns.

However, there are important differences between counselling and psychotherapy. Counselling frequently takes place in shorter time-frames. You may seek counselling because you're experiencing an immediate challenge: an issue with work, children, or in an intimate relationship. You may require support with a behaviour, like quitting smoking, or anger management.

While counselling may occur over the longer-term, it generally focuses on solutions to immediate or practical issues that can be resolved on a conscious level. Psychotherapy goes "deeper" to explore unconscious patterns and sources of problems, aiming to enhance people's understanding of their personal stories, motives and archetypes with the goal of transforming their relationship to the world.

Who can provide Counselling services?

Counselling is delivered by a range of practitioners, including psychotherapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors, and social workers. In Australia, the label "counsellor" is applied broadly to advisors in other industries, such as "Finance" or "Law". In the context of therapy, the term refers to a practitioner who has undertaken specialist training in particular areas of interest. For example, they may specialise in addictions, grief, relationships, parenting, or career.

To avoid any confusion over the type of counselling provided or qualifications held by a counsellor, Good Therapy encourages clients seeking counselling to connect with a therapist registered with the appropriate professional body:

• Social workers offering counselling will be affiliated with the Australian Association of Social Work
• Counsellors and psychotherapists will be registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, Australian Counselling Association, or one of several other professional associations
• Psychologists and psychiatrists will be linked with their governing bodies, Psychology Board of Australia, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

This ensures an appropriate level of training and experience. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, in 2017 there were over 20,000 individuals classified as "counsellors" working across Australia.

Good Therapy's Find a Therapist search tool was designed to help you explore the options, and to choose wisely. 

Good Therapy aims to reduce the stress that is often associated with looking for a therapist. At Good Therapy, we believe it's important to keep searching until you find a suitable counsellor or therapist.

What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?

A commonly asked question is: are psychologists doctors? The simple answer is no. Unlike a psychiatrist, a psychologist is not a medical doctor.

Many psychologists do have Masters or Doctoral degrees such as Doctors of Philosophy (PhDs) or Doctors of Psychology, otherwise known as PsyD degrees. These however are not medical doctorates or MDs.

This distinction is perhaps the key difference between psychiatrists and other therapists, including psychologists, counsellors and psychotherapists. Psychotherapists, counsellors and psychologists do not have medical training, and hence cannot prescribe psychiatric medication. Many, in fact, do not subscribe to a "medical model" of psychological intervention, and have therefore chosen professions that involve other evidence based therapies as the foundation for their practice. For some psychological conditions with neurological impacts, there may be the need for medication, and in this case Good Therapy encourages you to consult your GP or other health care provider.

Can I see a Psychiatrist or Psychologist for psychotherapy or counselling?

Psychotherapy and counselling focus on talk-based therapy aimed at developing emotional and relational intelligence through self-awareness and compassion, healing the effects of trauma and loss, or resolving the problems of everyday life. Many psychologists and some psychiatrists offer counselling and psychotherapeutic services.

To access a psychiatrist's services, you need a referral from a GP. The costs of seeing a psychiatrist may be partially met through the Medicare system and private health insurance coverage. To see a psychologist, you won't necessarily need a GP referral, unless you want to take advantage of the Federal Government's Better Access mental health plan option.

Which practitioner should I see?

Depending on your needs and objectives, you can consider reaching out to any of the practitioners mentioned here.

At Good Therapy, we acknowledge and respect people's individual preferences and values. 

Assisting you to find good therapy through providing high quality, meaningful information, we do our utmost to connect you with accredited, ethical practitioners whose focus is to provide you with the support you need. 

You can use Good Therapy's Find a Therapist page to search for a Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Coach or Psychologist. 

We recommend reading our guide to Choosing a Therapist before you begin your search.