The primary difference between these two therapeutic communication treatment courses lies in the suggested time required before benefits can be observed. Counseling often refers to a short treatment focusing on behavior patterns. On the other hand, the focus of psychotherapy is to work for a longer-term with the client and draw from insight into emotional difficulties and problems.
What Do Psychotherapists and Counselors Do?
Psychotherapists are trained professionals who can provide clients with a form of counseling. However, someone who has similar qualifications may also decide to be referred to as a counselor instead. In general, a practitioner who offers short-term treatment is called a counselor. A professional with a couple or more years of training opts to be called a psychotherapist.
The term counselor sounds less intrusive to the general public and it is also more easily acceptable compared to what the term psychotherapist implies. Psychotherapists may then call themselves counselors to attract more potential clients.