Know the difference: Psychology versus Psychotherapy.

In this article, Fettle Online Therapy will explain some of the differences between psychologists and psychotherapists. All of Fettle's therapists are fully accredited or pre-accredited with recognised bodies such as the IACP. We aim to provide as much information on our website as possible for you to choose the right therapist for you.

What is psychology?

Psychology is the study of people: how they think, how they act, react and interact. It's concerned with all aspects of behaviour and the thoughts, feelings and motivation behind a person's behaviours.

Psychology is a discipline that is firstly concerned with the normal functioning of the mind and has explored areas such as learning, remembering, and the normal psychological development of children. It is one of the fastest growing university subjects.

Psychologists are not usually medically qualified and only a small proportion of people studying psychology degrees will go on to work with patients.

Psychologists can specialise in a number of areas, such as mental health and educational and occupational psychology. In healthcare, psychologists specialise in clinical, counselling, forensic or health psychology.

Anyone who describes themselves as a psychologist should have done a three-year degree, a master’s degree and usually a doctorate in their chosen specialty. 

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is conducted with individuals, groups, couples and families. Psychotherapists help people to overcome stress, emotional and relationship problems or troubling behavioural habits.

There are many different approaches in psychotherapy, or talking therapies, which include:

• cognitive behavioural therapies

• psychoanalytic therapies

• psychodynamic therapies

• systemic and family psychotherapy

• arts and play therapies

• humanistic and integrative psychotherapies

• Hypno-psychotherapy

• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) 

A psychotherapist may be a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional, who has had further specialist training in psychotherapy. To qualify as a psychotherapist takes at least seven years including an undergraduate degree, four years part-time training in one of the psychotherapeutic disciplines, with additional time required for accreditation by a governing body. 

If you want to become accredited with the IACP, which is the largest accrediting body in Ireland, then you have to do an additional 450 hours of supervised client work on top of your academic qualifications. 

Choosing?

Most individuals who seek therapy are those who want to talk about their lives, and in doing so, they may experience insight. In therapy, people are not bystanders of their lives, but active participants in their own happiness. When an individual works with a therapist and is able to come to a realisation about their needs or their ability to function in a healthy and productive manner, it is extremely empowering.

There can be  a difference in the way you are treated between psychologists and psychotherapists. A psychologist depending on the setting may have the task of overseeing your mental condition and being responsible for your improvement. They may also be able to help you find a doctor or psychiatrist who can provide medication, again depending on the setting.

When it comes to your happiness, the differences between a therapist and a psychologist are few. Both are there to help you. 

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