Understanding the Distinction Between Counselling and Psychotherapy

Honestly, this one was confusing for us prior to specializing as a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and as a Registered Social Worker with the

College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) in Ontario so we set out to get to the bottom of it. The truth is that counselling and psychotherapy resemble each other and may not be overtly distinguishable.

In fact, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (2026) explains how there is not currently a widely accepted distinction between the two. With that said, they describe counselling as employing skills to foster a relationship that aims to help people live lives that are more satisfying. While psychotherapy utilizes the same skills experienced in counselling with the addition of utilizing interventions for treating symptoms of major mental health disorders such as Anxiety, Depression, Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), etc. It is Psychotherapy being utilized, rather than counselling (but alongside counselling), when clients hear technical terms such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Somatic Psychotherapy, etc.

Both counselling and psychotherapy are impactful and valuable. If you are not sure which one to choose, you may ask yourself a few questions. You may reflect on whether regulation is important to you, if you are seeking to treat specific symptoms, if health insurance benefits are applicable (in which case you need to check your coverage requirements), or if you need a supportive listening ear. Of course, this list of questions is not exhaustive, but we hope it gives you a starting point. As always, book a free consultation if you want to inquire further.

Reference:

Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. (2026). The profession & regulation. https://www.ccpa-accp.ca/profession-and-regulation/