Psychologist, Psychotherapist, or Counsellor? Finding the right fit for you

Written By Emma Pateman-Jones

You might be wondering which option is right for you. If you’re exploring support, the aim is to find what helps you feel safe, understood, and able to make change. I offer counselling and psychotherapy, and this page explains the different roles so you can choose what fits.

Who is Who: An Overview of UK Mental Health Practitioners

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose and prescribe medication and may also offer therapy. When someone is a Clinical or Counselling Psychologist, they’re registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC); they provide assessment, psychological formulation, and therapy but do not prescribe. 

Psychotherapists have postgraduate training in talking therapy, often registering with bodies such as UKCP or BACP. They offer short or long-term therapy and do not prescribe. 

Counsellors are trained talking-therapy practitioners, often registered with the BACP, who support a wide range of concerns over short or longer periods. 

“Therapist” is an umbrella term for people who provide therapy, including psychologists, psychotherapists, and counsellors.

What Each Practitioner Can and Cannot Do

Formal diagnosis is offered by psychiatrists and by Clinical or Counselling Psychologists who are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. Only psychiatrists and other medical prescribers can prescribe medication. 

Psychologists, psychotherapists, and counsellors all provide therapy, each bringing different training backgrounds and styles.

How Therapy Works at EPJ Therapy

I am a psychotherapist and counsellor, and I work in an integrative way so your therapy fits you, rather than asking you to fit a single model. We might draw on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for practical tools with anxiety or low mood. We may use psychodynamic therapy to gently explore patterns and relationships. Person-centred therapy offers a collaborative space at your pace, and mindfulness-based strategies can help steady mind and body between sessions. Some people prefer focused short-term work to build coping, while others choose longer-term work for deeper change; many people use a blend over time. If you’re unsure where to start, we can talk it through in an initial online consultation so you can get a feel for the approach.

Scenarios to Help You Choose the Right Support

If anxiety and panic are getting in the way, we can combine CBT with grounding practices to calm the cycle and test new responses in a manageable way. When relationship patterns keep repeating, a psychodynamic and relational focus can help you understand themes and try new ways of relating. For low mood, we might build an integrative plan that includes behavioural activation, self-compassion, and space to process feelings at a pace that feels safe. Support is available in person in Richmond and Twickenham, and securely online across the UK by video or phone.

Psychologist, Psychotherapist, or Counsellor: How to Decide

Training depth varies more by individual than by job title, and all of these professionals can be effective when their approach aligns with your aims. It can help to consider practicalities such as availability, online access, and fees, and then choose the person you feel you can talk to. A brief conversation often clarifies a lot.

Whether you're based in Richmond, Twickenham, or anywhere across the UK, the most important thing is finding someone you feel you can talk to.

Explore Further

If you need urgent help or are at risk of harm, please contact your GP, call NHS 111, or call Samaritans on 116 123. You do not have to do this alone.

Emma Pateman-Jones
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