Counselling and Psychotherapy: How Therapy Supports Mental Health
- Priscilla Schwartzman
- May 7
- 10 min read
Updated: Sep 5
In this article, you will discover the difference between counselling and psychotherapy, how each approach supports emotional wellbeing, and which therapy format, online or in-person, might suit different needs. You will also learn how to choose a counsellor or psychotherapist who feels like the right fit, what to expect when working with a therapist, and how to get started with counselling. Additionally, we address frequently asked questions about therapy and mental health support.
What You’ll Learn
If you are considering support for your mental health or emotional wellbeing, understanding the roles of counselling and psychotherapy is a vital first step. Both offer a safe, confidential space to talk through your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a trained professional who listens without judgement. Therapy is not only for crisis situations. It can help you make clearer choices, build steadier relationships, and foster meaningful personal growth.
Whether you seek help for anxiety, depression, stress, or relationship issues, counselling and psychotherapy provide valuable tools to deepen self-awareness and develop practical strategies for coping. With the rise of online counselling services, accessing therapy has become more convenient and flexible, allowing people across Australia to receive support from the comfort of their own homes. Online counselling may be as effective as in-person counselling for many mental health issues (see Healthdirect). Some platforms also provide free initial consultation sessions to help you find the right fit.
Key Takeaways
Counselling focuses on current concerns and practical strategies; psychotherapy explores deeper patterns over time.
Therapy offers a safe, confidential space and supports both mental health challenges and personal growth.
Choose a therapist who feels like the right fit and has appropriate training and credentials.
Online and in-person sessions are both effective; choose the format that suits your access, comfort, and schedule.
How is counselling different from psychotherapy in Australia?
Counselling and psychotherapy both aim to support your mental health, but they differ primarily in focus and depth. Counselling usually centres on specific concerns and present-day challenges, helping you develop practical skills to manage daily life. It often addresses issues like relationship breakdown, family and relationship issues, stress, and coping with transitions. Counselling tends to be short to medium term, focusing on immediate support and strategies.
Psychotherapy, on the other hand, involves a deeper exploration of emotional patterns and the impact of past experiences on your current feelings and relationships. It is typically longer-term and suited to complex or longstanding mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or identity challenges. Psychotherapy encourages insight, integration, and lasting change by exploring the roots of mental health issues.
Many mental health professionals integrate elements of both counselling and psychotherapy, tailoring their approach to your individual needs. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right kind of therapy for your situation.
What to Expect from Counselling?
Counselling is a talking therapy that provides a grounded, supportive space to explore your feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. People often seek counselling for stress, grief, relationship issues, family concerns, work difficulties, or life transitions. Sessions focus on the here and now, offering strategies and tools that fit your context.
A qualified counsellor ensures a private, respectful environment where trust and confidentiality are paramount. Counselling support is typically short to medium term, and you set the pace of your therapy sessions. The goal is to equip you with practical skills to manage specific issues and improve your mental health.
Key features of Counselling:
Focuses on specific issues
Present-focused skills and strategies
Offers a safe, non-judgemental space for growth
What to Expect from Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy invites you to explore deeper emotional patterns and the roots of your current difficulties. It often involves examining how earlier experiences shape your present-day responses and relationships. This form of therapy unfolds over a longer period and supports complex concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or identity challenges.
Psychotherapy may be provided by counsellors, psychotherapists, registered psychologists, or social workers, depending on their training and scope of practice. It encourages insight and integration, aiming for lasting change and a deeper understanding of yourself.
Key features of Psychotherapy:
Offers longer-term support
Exploration of past experiences
Tailored approaches to complex or longstanding mental health issues
Encourages insight, emotional growth, and lasting change
Counselling vs Psychotherapy: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Aspect | Counselling | Psychotherapy |
Main focus | Present-day challenges and coping skills | Deeper exploration of emotional patterns and past experiences |
Duration | Short- to medium-term | Long-term, often ongoing |
Practitioner title | Counsellor | Psychotherapist or other mental health professionals |
Common concerns | Stress, grief, relationships, and life transitions | Anxiety, depression, trauma, and identity concerns |
Choosing between counselling and psychotherapy depends on your goals and what feels most supportive. A good therapist will guide you in making this decision. To get to know Priscilla please visit my About Page.
The Role of the Counsellor and Therapist
Your experience in therapy is shaped not only by the approach but also by the relationship you build with your therapist. Counsellors and psychotherapists in Australia typically hold formal qualifications in counselling, psychotherapy, psychology or social work. They engage in ongoing professional development and supervision to maintain high standards of care.
Membership in a professional body, such as the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), Australian Register of Counsellors & Psychotherapists(ARCAP) or the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), indicates adherence to ethical standards and continuing education. Accredited online counselling services follow safety and quality standards to protect your privacy and information.
These professional counsellors bring core relational skills to their practice, including attuned and active listening, warmth and empathy, clear boundaries, professionalism, and respectful, confidential communication. Qualified therapists on online platforms may include psychologists, counsellors, social workers, and psychotherapists, each with specific education and accreditation.
In Australia, the title ‘counsellor’ is not legally regulated, so it is important to check for professional registration and qualifications before beginning therapy. Always ask if your therapist belongs to an organisation like PACFA or ACA for your safety and peace of mind.
How to Choose a Counsellor or Psychotherapist?
When choosing a counsellor or psychotherapist, consider their qualifications, registration, and therapeutic approach. It is helpful to ask whether they are accredited with PACFA or ACA, what experience they have with concerns similar to yours, and which therapy modalities they use. You might also want to speak with more than one provider to find someone you feel comfortable with, as a strong therapeutic relationship is key to effective therapy.
Establishing the Counselling Relationship
Therapy works best when built on trust, respect, and collaboration. Your counsellor or therapist provides a grounded, non-judgemental space where you can set the pace of your sessions. Confidentiality is essential and protected by law, with limited exceptions related to safety concerns such as suicide prevention.
As therapy progresses, your goals may evolve. A collaborative approach ensures the work remains responsive to your emerging needs, helping you feel supported throughout your mental health journey.
Therapeutic Approaches: Gestalt and Beyond
Therapists draw from a range of modalities depending on your goals. For example, Gestalt therapy focuses on present-moment awareness and curiosity about your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Sessions may include dialogue, visualisation, or body awareness exercises to foster insight and connection.
Other common approaches include:
Somatic therapy, which supports mind-body regulation
Person-centred therapy, offering an empathic, client-focused space
Solution-focused therapy, building on strengths and practical change
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), addressing helpful thinking and behaviour patterns
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), promoting psychological flexibility
Psychodynamic and psychoanalytic therapies, exploring formative patterns
Many therapists blend these approaches flexibly to meet your unique needs.
Exploring Therapy Formats
Therapy can be accessed online or in person. Each format offers distinct benefits and the right choice depends on what feels most supportive for you. Online counselling services can be especially convenient, providing flexible access to mental health support from home.
Online Therapy
Online therapy sessions may be conducted via secure video calls, phone conversations, or encrypted messaging platforms. Benefits of online counselling include flexible scheduling, greater comfort and privacy at home, no travel time, and accessibility for people in regional or remote areas of Australia.
Online therapy is often more affordable than face-to-face sessions. To prepare for online sessions, you need a device with a camera and microphone as well as a reliable internet connection and quiet, private space. While online therapy can be highly effective for most people, it may not be suitable if you are in crisis, if so, please seek immediate support from a crisis helpline.
If you’d like to discuss your goals or see if therapy feels right for you, you’re welcome to book a free 15-minute connection call. There’s no obligation, just a chance to connect and explore your options.
Online Therapy Key Takeaways
Flexible appointment times to suit your schedule
No need to travel to an office or clinic
Greater privacy and comfort at home
More options if you live in a regional or remote location
May be more affordable than face-to-face sessions
In-Person Therapy
Face-to-face therapy offers the advantage of full access to body language and non-verbal cues, which can enhance the therapeutic connection. It also provides a neutral space away from home distractions, which some people find helpful for certain structured or experiential activities.
In-person sessions are often best for play-based therapies with children, movement-focused approaches, and group therapy. Group therapy and play therapy make use of shared space, materials, and activities to build connection, encourage social skills, and support emotional development.
In-Person Key Takeaways
Clearer communication through body language and facial expressions
Builds rapport, trust, and a strong therapeutic alliance
A neutral environment away from home distractions
Opportunities for more structured activities, such as art, play, or movement-based therapies
Easier to engage in therapies that require in-person interaction, such as EMDR or group sessions
Comparing Online and In-Person Sessions
Aspect | Online Therapy | In-Person Therapy |
Location | Home or private space | Therapy office or clinic |
Commute | None | Required travel |
Scheduling | More flexible options | May have fixed hours |
Privacy | Must create a private space | Built-in private setting |
Physical cues | Limited (video or audio only) | Full access to non-verbal cues |
Pricing | Often more affordable | May include higher fees due to overheads |
What to Expect in Therapy Sessions?
Beginning counselling is a big step toward understanding your feelings, building resilience, and improving your emotional wellbeing. Knowing what to expect can help ease any nerves and allow you to get the most from your experience.
Your first session is an opportunity to discuss what brings you to therapy, understand how confidentiality works, and set initial goals together. Sessions typically last between fifty and sixty minutes, and you control the pace of your therapy.
Between sessions, your therapist may suggest tools such as journalling, mindfulness exercises, or simple practices to help consolidate your progress and support your mental health.
To get the most out of online therapy:
Find a quiet, private space without interruptions
Use a computer, tablet, or phone with a stable internet connection
Check your technology a few minutes beforehand
Making the Most of Counselling
Counselling is a collaborative process. Being open and honest, as much as you feel ready, can help deepen the work you do together. Progress often happens through small, steady steps. Celebrating these changes, even the subtle ones, is part of the healing journey.
If you have questions about the process, your counsellor will welcome them and any other feedback.
Accessing Counselling and Psychotherapy in Australia
In Australia, you can contact a private counsellor or psychotherapist directly without a referral. Many counselling services offer convenient booking options to fit your schedule. Sessions with private practitioners are often outside the Medicare rebate system, meaning there are no diagnosis requirements or session limits. Some therapists provide flexible value packs to make ongoing support more accessible.
If you prefer, you can also access psychology services under a mental health care plan from your doctor, which may offer Medicare rebates for a limited number of sessions in a calendar year.
If you are seeking mental health support options, including online therapy, crisis help, or guidance on finding the right professional, please visit my resource page for trusted Australian information and helpline contacts.
At Rising Phoenix Counselling, for example, you can use the contact form to get started, book online counselling sessions at a time that suits you, and read more about the therapeutic approach before deciding.
fully during your time with your counsellor.
At Rising Phoenix Counselling, you can:
Use a direct contact form to get started
Book online counselling sessions at your convenience
Learn more about Priscilla’s approach and background before deciding
FAQs: Questions About Counselling and Psychotherapy
Q: Do I need a referral to start therapy?
A: No. You can book privately without a GP referral or a mental health care plan.
Q: Should I see a counsellor or a psychotherapist?
A: If you want present-focused support with a specific concern, counselling may be suitable. For exploring deeper patterns or longstanding issues, psychotherapy may be more helpful. Many therapists combine both approaches.
Q: Is counselling or psychotherapy better for anxiety?
A: Both can be effective. Counselling focuses on practical strategies and regulation, while psychotherapy looks at underlying emotional patterns. Some people benefit from a blend over time.
Q: Can I try both counselling and psychotherapy?
A: Yes, and in many cases, you won’t need to choose one over the other. Many therapists, including Priscilla, draw from both counselling and psychotherapy depending on your needs, preferences, and what you bring to each session. The focus can shift over time, supporting both short-term relief and long-term personal growth.
Q: What happens in the first session?
A: You discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, confidentiality, and initial goals. The pace is set by you, with support and clarity from your therapist.
Q: Is online therapy secure and confidential?
A: Yes. Sessions use secure, encrypted platforms and comply with Australian privacy laws. Using headphones and a private space enhances confidentiality.
Q: Are sessions covered by Medicare?
A: Private sessions outside the Medicare system offer flexibility without diagnosis requirements or session limits. Value packs may be available. If Medicare rebates are important, you can see a psychologist under a GP mental health care plan.
Q: What is it like to work with Priscilla?
A: Clients often describe Priscilla as welcoming and easy to talk to. Many share that they feel truly heard, seen, and understood in her sessions. She creates space where people can express themselves openly and begin to discover more of who they are.
Ready to Begin Your Counselling Journey?
Counselling and psychotherapy provide a calm, supportive space to reconnect with yourself, explore new perspectives, and navigate change at your own pace. You do not have to face mental health challenges alone. All parts of you are welcome, and all communities, including LGBTIQA+, are respected.
Through therapy, you can build more authentic and connected relationships, strengthen inner confidence and self-trust, develop emotional awareness and resilience, and create sustainable habits that support good mental health.
When you feel ready, you are welcome to book an online counselling session or get in touch to start the conversation. Support is here when you need it. For ongoing inspiration and resources, follow on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube for calming prompts and emotional insight.
By understanding the difference between counselling and psychotherapy, exploring various therapy formats, and knowing how to find a qualified mental health professional, you can take confident steps toward improving your mental health and wellbeing with the support of therapy. Whether through online counselling or in-person sessions, the right help is accessible and ready to guide you on your journey.
