Often used interchangeably, psychotherapy and therapy have several key differences. Both are used to treat emotional concerns, but they differ in scope and duration. Psychotherapy is a comprehensive, long-term approach typically aiming to identify an issue’s root to change a patterned or repeated behavior. Therapy is a short-term, solution-focused approach targeting a specific problem at any given time.
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What Is the Difference Between a Psychotherapist & a Therapist?
The terms “psychotherapist” and “therapist” are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle distinction. Therapist is a broader term encompassing mental health and physical therapists, whereas psychotherapists specifically refer to mental health professionals who provide talk therapy and address psychological and emotional issues. So, while they are similar, “therapist” includes a broader range of professionals beyond mental health practitioners.
What Are the Different Types of Psychotherapists?
There is a diverse range of psychotherapists, each specializing in distinct therapeutic approaches. These professionals include clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, licensed social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychiatric nurses. They employ various therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis, humanistic therapy, and more, tailored to address a broad spectrum of mental health issues and individual needs.
The different types of psychotherapists include:
Psychologists
Whether holding a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or PsyD (Doctor of Psychology), psychologists are trained mental health professionals who diagnose and treat psychological disorders. They share a common framework of understanding human behavior, emotions, and cognition using evidence-based practices.
Both undergo rigorous graduate training, which typically includes coursework, supervised clinical experience, and research.1 The primary difference lies in their focus: PhD programs emphasize research and academia, while PsyD programs emphasize clinical practice. PhD psychologists often research extensively, while PsyD psychologists prioritize hands-on therapy and assessment skills for direct client care.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists, whether holding an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental illnesses. Their framework is rooted in a medical approach, allowing them to prescribe medication and provide comprehensive medical assessments alongside psychotherapy.2
Both MD and DO psychiatrists complete medical school and residency training, but DOs also receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine, a holistic approach to healthcare that considers the whole person. In practice, the main difference is their approach to patient care, with DOs often emphasizing a more holistic and hands-on approach to medicine.2
Licensed Clinical Social Workers
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) are mental health professionals who strongly focus on psychotherapy and social work. Their framework is based on a holistic approach that considers social, environmental, and emotional factors impacting an individual’s well-being.
LCSWs are trained through graduate-level social work programs and supervised clinical experience, emphasizing the development of therapeutic relationships and a deep understanding of societal and familial dynamics. They provide counseling, support, and advocacy – typically in human service agencies and publicly funded programs and institutions – to help individuals cope with various mental health challenges and navigate complex life situations.1
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs) are mental health professionals who provide counseling and psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, and families. Their framework is based on a client-centered and strengths-based approach, focusing on their clients’ emotional and psychological well-being.
LPCCs typically complete a master’s degree in counseling or a related field and then undergo supervised clinical training. Their training emphasizes assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and therapy techniques to help clients address various mental health concerns and improve their overall emotional and mental well-being. They often work in private practice, community mental health agencies, schools, and other healthcare settings.
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) are mental health professionals specializing in therapy for couples and family therapy. Their framework is rooted in systemic and relational theories, focusing on understanding and addressing the dynamics within interpersonal relationships.
LMFTs typically complete a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and undergo supervised clinical training. Their training emphasizes family systems, communication patterns, and conflict-resolution techniques to help clients navigate relationship issues. They work in various settings, providing counseling to help clients improve communication, resolve conflicts, and build healthier, more functional relationships.
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What Are the Different Types of Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy encompasses diverse therapeutic approaches, each tailored to address specific mental health concerns and individual needs. These approaches vary in their techniques, philosophies, and goals, offering a range of options for individuals seeking psychological support and personal growth.
The different types of psychotherapy include:
Psychoanalysis & Psychodynamic
Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapy are therapeutic modalities developed by Sigmund Freud in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They delve into the unconscious mind, exploring how unresolved conflicts, repressed emotions, and early life experiences shape current thoughts and behaviors. Initially, Freud’s work focused on psychoanalysis, which delved deeply into unconscious drives.
Psychodynamic therapy, an evolution of psychoanalysis, maintains the emphasis on the unconscious but emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and understanding of how past experiences influence present behavior.4 Both approaches aim to bring insight and self-awareness to help individuals better understand and address their psychological challenges.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely practiced psychotherapy developed by Dr. Aaron T. Beck in the 1960s. It’s grounded in the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and that negative thought patterns contribute to mental distress.3 CBT aims to identify and challenge these harmful thoughts, helping individuals develop more adaptive beliefs and behaviors.3
Over time, CBT has evolved into various specialized forms, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), each tailored to address specific mental health issues and offer effective strategies for change and personal growth. Its evidence-based nature has made it one of the most prevalent and versatile therapeutic approaches today.
The different types of CBT are:
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT): MBCT combines principles of CBT with mindfulness techniques. It was developed to help individuals who have recovered from depression to prevent relapse.5 MBCT teaches clients to be more aware of their thoughts and emotions without judgment, fostering greater emotional regulation and resilience.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT, created by Marsha Linehan, focuses on individuals with borderline personality disorder but is also effective for various conditions.3 It emphasizes skills training in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness to help clients manage intense emotions and improve relationships.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): ACT, developed by Steven C. Hayes, encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than trying to control or eliminate them.5 It aims to help clients identify their values and commit to actions aligned with them, promoting psychological flexibility and greater life satisfaction.
- Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT): Developed by Albert Ellis, REBT is a CBT approach that concentrates on changing irrational beliefs that lead to emotional and behavioral issues. REBT teaches clients to challenge and replace irrational thoughts with more rational and constructive ones, fostering emotional well-being and healthier responses to life’s challenges.5
Humanistic Therapy
Humanistic therapy is a therapeutic modality that emphasizes the importance of self-actualization, personal growth, and the inherent goodness within individuals. It was developed by figures like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow in the mid-20th century as a reaction to more traditional psychoanalytic and behaviorist approaches.5
Humanistic therapy integrates person-centered, gestalt, and existential therapy. It prioritizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and a focus on the here and now to help clients gain self-awareness, develop a stronger sense of self, and make positive life choices.5
Different types of humanistic therapy include:
- Person-Centered Therapy (Carl Rogers): The person-centered therapy approach emphasizes the therapeutic relationship, with therapists providing empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard to create a safe space for clients to explore their feelings and experiences.5
- Gestalt Therapy (Fritz Perls): Gestalt therapy focuses on the present moment and personal responsibility, encouraging clients to become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors through experiential techniques like role-playing and empty-chair dialogues.5
- Existential Therapy: Rooted in existential philosophy, existential therapy explores questions of meaning, freedom, and responsibility, helping clients confront their mortality and make authentic choices in their lives.5
How to Find & Choose the Right Psychotherapist
Finding the right psychotherapist is crucial for effective therapy. A good starting point is to identify your specific needs and goals. Are you seeking help for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or another concern? Once you have a clear idea, consider using an online therapist directory or online therapy platform to help narrow down potential mental health professionals who align with your needs.
To determine if a therapist is the right fit for you, consider scheduling an initial consultation or phone call to discuss your concerns and get a sense of the therapist’s approach and personality. Trust your instincts during this initial interaction; feeling comfortable and safe with your therapist is important. Additionally, inquire about their qualifications, experience, and approach to therapy. A good therapist should be open to answering your questions and collaborating with you on a treatment plan. Lastly, remember that the right therapist for you may take some time to find, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t feel an immediate connection – sometimes, building rapport takes a few sessions.
In My Experience
I may be slightly biased, but in my opinion, everyone can benefit from therapy! Whether you’re looking for a solution-focused person to help guide you through a time of adjustment or transformation in your life, or you’re looking to gain a deeper understanding of generational patterns in your family with hopes of dismantling the cycle, therapy can help.
It is courageous to start a therapeutic process and to begin a relationship with a counselor. The professionals in this field are non-judgmental and will help you see things objectively. My advice is always to trust the process. Therapy is a transformative journey meant to leave you feeling validated and empowered. In my professional opinion, it is always worth a shot!
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
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There are a number of factors to consider when trying to determine which online therapy platform is going to be the best fit for you. It’s important to be mindful of what each platform costs, the services they provide you with, their providers’ training and level of expertise, and several other important criteria.
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Online psychiatry, sometimes called telepsychiatry, platforms offer medication management by phone, video, or secure messaging for a variety of mental health conditions. In some cases, online psychiatry may be more affordable than seeing an in-person provider. Mental health treatment has expanded to include many online psychiatry and therapy services. With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming to find the one that is right for you.