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 counseling 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 face, different treatments work in slightly different ways, and different professionals offer different options. It is hard to know the difference between clinical and counseling psychologists in the United Kingdom because, in reality, they often work in the same roles and provide the same therapies. Over time, the professions have begun to overlap because, as knowledge and practice in psychology have grown, they have increasingly adopted similar approaches; however, historically, they have differed.
What do both clinical and counseling psychologists do?
Clinical and counseling psychologists work with clients to provide support for or treat mental health issues that are negatively impacting their well-being through talking therapies. Both psychology practitioner training programs in the UK require students to complete therapy placements while studying, and both require students to undertake a novel piece of doctoral research.
First, I should mention that the word “psychologist” is not regulated in the United Kingdom, which means anyone can call themselves a “psychologist”. It is important to check that the person states they are regulated by the HCPC as a “clinical psychologist” or “counseling 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 lifespan. 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 is to improve daily functioning. This process involves learning skills to limit distress, alongside building positive relationships and fulfillment 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.
Counseling and clinical psychologists provide clients with a compassionate, non-judgmental 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 usually do not offer advice, but support people in finding their own solutions to problems.
What are the differences between a clinical and counseling psychologist?
While both qualification routes require doctoral research and viva completion, the work experience differs. Clinical psychologists have historically trained in the NHS, and therefore their training, both in education and work, is paid, with the understanding that, likely in the future, they would continue to support public health through the NHS. Interventions are grounded in research and best-practice guidelines, depending on the concern. In contrast, Counselling psychologists subsidize their own education. While some are also trained in NHS services, they may also have held honorary positions in charities and third sector organizations during their doctorate to gain clinical experience. Counseling psychologists would have considerably more variability in their training and experiences during the doctorate. For example, from the flexibility afforded to me by the Counseling Psychology route, I was able to tailor my doctoral research and placements to align and learn more about traumatic stress recovery.
Clinical psychologists have traditionally been trained to work within the medical model of the health care system. I think this is changing over time, based on what I have heard from colleagues. Counseling 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-behavioral therapy). Counseling psychologist training is person-centered at its core and pluralistic, meaning they combine therapies to meet the client's needs and take client preference into account; most are also trained in CBT.
As there is increasing overlap between the professions, I recommend looking at work experience, qualifications, and the practitioner's approach that resonates with you rather than the title (as long as they are regulated). I have worked with excellent clinicians who may be clinical or counseling psychologists, and I do not feel one type of training is better; rather, how the clinician understands and applies their knowledge in practice makes the difference.
Clinical and counseling psychologists overlap considerably, and experiences during and after training vary widely. If you are unsure, it is reasonable to ask the person you are considering questions about their training and work experience to help you decide.
