Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Counsellors

Do You Know The Difference Between Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Counsellors?

What Is The Difference Between Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Counsellors?

There are some quite significant differences between the qualifications and general style of treatments used between psychologists, psychiatrists and counsellors.

Often the term counsellor is used to describe someone who is actually a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.

It is important that you take some care in understanding whether the service being offered will meet the level of care you expect and pay for.

Psychologists

Psychologists study the physical, cognitive, emotional and social aspects of human behaviour.

They are trained in techniques to diagnose and treat a wide range of emotional, behavioural or cognitive problems.

To become a psychologist you must complete a minimum of 4 years university study in psychology and complete a minimum of 2 years supervised practice to become a registered psychologist in Australia.

Psychologists cannot prescribe medication.

At Guidelight Psychology we have experienced registered psychologists on staff. And our treatments focus on changing behaviour without medication. We use techniques based on considerable scientific evidence showing these treatments are effective.

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists also have to go to university to study psychiatry. They have a medical degree, which involves 6 years of studying general medicine, followed by further study of the mind to specialise in psychiatry.

They specialise in the medical treatment of mental illness. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication.

Some psychiatrists combine medication with other forms of therapy.

Counsellors

Counsellors listen to clients personal problems and provide support and advice.

Currently in Australia, counsellors are not regulated, and therefore there are no uniform standards of qualifications required.

Effectively anyone can set up practice as a counsellor or a psychotherapist. As a result there is a wide variation in the level of training and expertise among cousnellors. This can range from Masters Degrees to 3 day courses.

It is important that you take some care in understanding whether the service being offered will meet the level of care you expect and pay for.  

We hope that this brief information on the differences between psychologists, psychiatrists and counsellors helped clear up some of the confusion regarding the different types of help that you can seek.

At Guidelight Psychology our counselling staff are all trained psychologists. To make an appointment please feel free to phone us or contact us by email.

After hours and Saturday counselling appointments now available.

5527 0123

you will make positive changes within 7 days
or your money back

Our services include:

• Gold Coast Counselling and Psychotherapy Services
  Confidential counselling appointments are available for individuals, couples and families to work with our psychologists on a range of issues and concerns including the leading issues in today's world such as stress, anxiety, depression and relationship issues. Learn more about our Gold Coast Psychotherapy and Counselling Services and how they can help you.

• Business or Organisational Services
  Our qualified professionals are experienced and skilled in all types of people problems and workplace solutions. As organisational psychologists we are qualified and skilled to assess and deal with organisational human resource issues. Learn more about our Gold Coast Organisational Psychology Services.

Guidelight psychologists get results. Just one session with any one of our counsellors will have you looking at your life differently and making positive changes within the next 7 days.

After hours and Saturday appointments now available.

5527 0123

Peter Doyle B. Psych (Hons) MAPS

Guidelight Psychology
Gold Coast Counselling and Psychology Services
Level 2, Stradbroke Plaza
66 Marine Parade
Southport
Phone: 07 5527 0123
Fax: 07 5527 0987

If you have any other counselling questions or psychology questions contact us.

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