Counsellor or psychologist?
If you have made the decision to seek help, you want to find the best support available. Like anything new, it can be a process finding out exactly what will work best for you. I am often asked what the difference between a counsellor and a psychologist is.
What is the difference between a counsellor & a psychologist?
Counsellors are trained to sit with people in distress and work towards greater understanding and solutions
A counsellor is a trained mental health professional.
They have completed a university degree in counselling.
Psychologists can diagnose clients with mental, physical or behavioural health issues & develop treatment plans.
Psychology is a science based university degree.
Psychologists charge more than counsellors but usually provide a Medicare rebate which assists in the total cost.
Why would I see a counsellor?
No need for a doctor's referral or a mental health care plan.
No limit on how many sessions or visits you can have.
Able to work with wide ranging issues including relationship breakdown (including affairs & divorce) anxiety, depression, grief & disability).
Can be less clinical and intimidating.
But most important of all...
You need to feel comfortable with your chosen mental health care provider. 70% of a good outcome will boil down to whether you gel with your practitioner. So if it doesn't feel like a right fit, then it isn't!
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