What’s the difference between a clinical psychologist and a counselling psychologist?

It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what type of treatment would work best for your needs, especially if you are new to therapy. With this post, I hope to clarify some key similarities and differences between clinical and counselling psychologists.

Therapy can be an important tool in supporting psychological well-being, whether you are experiencing mental or physical health issues, trauma, loss, or any other source of distress. Although all types of therapy aim to help people understand and cope with the problems they are facing, there are slight differences in how different treatments work and the options different types of professionals can give you. It is hard to know the difference between clinical and counselling psychologists In the United Kingdom because in reality they often work in the same work roles and provide the same therapies. Over time, the professions have begun to overlap because as knowledge and practice in psychology has grown, they have increasingly adopted similar approaches; however, historically there are some differences.

What do both clinical and counselling psychologists do?

Clinical and counselling psychologists work with clients to provide support for or treat mental health issues that are negatively impacting their well-being through talking therapies. Both practitioner psychology trainings in the UK require their students to be trained in therapy placements while studying and both require their students to undertake a novel piece of doctorate research.

First I should mention that the word “psychologist” is not regulated in the United Kingdom, which means anyone can say they are a “psychologist”. It is important to check the person is stating they are regulated by the HCPC as a “clinical psychologist” or “counselling psychologist”. Or, they may use the term “practitioner psychologist”. These terms are protected titles for regulated psychologists who are trained in clinical work.

First, psychologists often carry out an assessment to find the best course of action for their client – this might include interviews, psychometric tests, or observation with information about the person from across the life span. They often offer therapy to help the client address their issue and improve their psychological well-being. They can also refer the client to other professionals to provide the most effective treatment. Practitioner psychologists use evidence-based practice - this means their clinical work is informed by research and their clinical experience. They are called “scientist practitioners”.

How do psychologists help their clients?

Psychologists work alongside their clients (and sometimes the people close to them) to implement the interventions using psychological therapy. Depending on the situation, these sessions could be individual, couple, family, or group-based.

The goal of these changes is to improve daily functioning. This process involves learning skills to limit distress, alongside building positive relationships and fulfilment through work or leisure activities.

Psychologists are trained in different forms of therapy and use this scientific knowledge to help people. All practitioner psychologists are trained in at least 2 forms of psychotherapy and typically integrate modalities to meet the needs of the person in front of them.

Counselling and clinical psychologists provide clients with a compassionate, non-judgemental space to discuss their feelings and experiences. They provide emotional support tailored to the client’s needs, taking into account a range of factors (such as social, economic, and cultural circumstances).

Psychologists help clients improve their well-being, and better understand their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. They do not usually offer advice, but support people to find their own solutions to problems.

What are the differences between a clinical and counselling psychologist?

While both qualification routes require a piece of doctorate research and viva completion, the work experiences are different. Clinical psychologists historically have trained in the NHS and therefore their training both in education and work is paid, with the understanding that likely in future they would continue to support public health through the NHS. Interventions learned are grounded in research and guidelines for best practice depending on the concern. In contrast, Counselling psychologists subsidise their own education. While some also are trained in NHS services, they may also have held honorary positions in charities and third sector organisations during their doctorate to gain clinical experience. Counselling psychologists would have considerably more variability in their training and experiences during the doctorate. For example, from the flexibility afforded to me by the Counselling Psychology route, I was able to tailor my doctorate research and placements to align and learn more about traumatic stress recovery.

Clinical psychologists have been trained in the past to work in the medical model of the health care system. My thoughts are this is changing over time, based on what I have heard from colleagues. Counselling psychologists may work within the medical model but have always been trained to consider mental health from within the therapeutic relationship as a foundation, and we learn to take systemic, cultural and group dynamics and inequalities into account as contributing to mental health difficulties.

Both types of psychologists are trained in two modalities of therapy that may include psychodynamic and systemic therapy, for example. All clinical psychologists are trained in CBT (cognitive-behavioural therapy). Counselling psychologist training is person-centred at the core, and pluralistic, meaning they combine therapies to meet the needs of the client and take client preference into account, and most are trained in CBT.

As increasingly there is more overlap between the professions, my recommendation is to look at work experiences, qualifications and approach of the practitioner that resonate with you rather then the title (as long as they are regulated). I have worked with excellent clinicians who may be clinical or counselling psychologists, and do not feel one type of training is better, rather how the clinician understands and applies their knowledge in practice that makes the difference.

There is considerable overlap between clinical and counselling psychologists, and experiences during and after training vary widely. If unsure, it is reasonable to ask questions to the person you are considering about their training and work experiences to help you make a decision.