What’s the difference between psychology and psychotherapy?

This is one of the first questions I get asked when people hear me say I’m a Psychotherapist. It’s a really good question, and the answer is both generic and individual depending on who you ask.

That’s because there are different kinds of Psychologists and Psychotherapists. So, let’s keep it simple and give a comparison of the Clinical Psychologist and the Clinical Psychotherapist.

The most important thing for you to take away is that you find a qualified, registered mental health practitioner that aligns with you and who you feel comfortable with to take this journey with you.

The difference between psychotherapy and psychology lies in their focus, scope, and professional activities. Psychology is the broad academic and scientific study of the mind, while psychotherapy is a specific type of applied treatment for mental and emotional issues.

Both Psychologists and Psychotherapists choose from a large range of modalities to help them practise psychotherapy; they can choose from the same list (e.g., CBT is a modality). It is up to you to find a therapist who practises in a way that works for you. In your first session, your therapist should outline what modalities they use and how that might apply to your situation. Sometimes they might refer you to someone more experienced in the area of psychotherapy you need. So, for example, if you wanted help with an eating disorder, this is not my area, I would refer you to a therapist who specialises in eating disorders, so you get the best possible care. Some specialised areas require further study; these are called areas of special interest. We no longer call these areas of expertise because that language is deceptive. You can see the areas of my practice and special interest on my services page and on the modalities I practice on my Meet the Therapist page. 

Psychotherapy (The Applied Treatment)

Psychotherapy is the applied practice of treating mental and emotional issues through verbal and non-verbal techniques. It involves a structured relationship between a trained professional and a client.

• Scope: Specific and applied. It focuses on facilitating change, alleviating symptoms, improving functioning, and promoting personal growth.

• Focus: Treatment, intervention, and relational work. The goal is to apply psychological principles to help clients resolve problems.

• Professionals: A person providing psychotherapy is called a Clinical Psychotherapist or Counsellor. They may come from various backgrounds, including counselling psychology, social work, psychiatry, or specialised psychotherapy degrees (like my Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy). Whilst many modern Masters of Psychotherapy include research, this is not an avenue many graduates peruse as they wish to practice clinical psychotherapy.

• Study: Clinical Psychotherapy

PACFA Psychotherapy Clinical Standard

1. Foundational Degree - 3 years

Relevant Bachelor's Degree (cognate field, often psychology or social science).

Must be AQF Level 7 (Bachelor) or above.

2. Specialist Master's Degree - 2 years

Accredited Master of Psychotherapy AQF Level 9.

Must include a minimum of 400 hours of instruction. Requires a minimum 40 hours of supervised client contact placement during the course.

3. Post-Graduate Clinical Training

750 Hours Clinical Client Hours & 75 hours Clinical Supervision.

Minimum 2 years post-graduation

Total Study + Clinical Time: Minimum 7 years

Psychology

Psychology is the comprehensive, scientific discipline dedicated to studying the mind, brain, and behaviour. It is an academic field that seeks to understand why people think, feel, and act the way they do.

• Scope: Broad and scientific. Psychologists study everything from brain function and child development to social behaviour, cognition, and abnormal behaviour.

• Focus: Research, theory, and assessment. The primary goal is to gather and interpret data to advance the understanding of the human condition.

• Professionals: A person with a Clinical Master's qualification in psychology is called a Clinical Psychologist. A Clinical Psychologist works with clients and provides psychotherapy. *Some Clinical Psychologists work primarily in assessment and testing and don't provide psychotherapy. (Not all psychologists provide psychotherapy; many work in research, education, business, or forensics - these are non-clinical or academic psychologists).

• Clinical Psychologist Study:

Clinical Psychology Standard

1. Foundational Degree - 3-year

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology (AQF Level 7 )

2. Honours - 1 year

3. Clinical Master's in Clinical Psychology (AQF Level 9) - 2 years

4. Registrar Program - Final supervised practice 1–2 years

Total Study + Clinical Time: Minimum 7 years

 Psychologists can accept Medicare