Counselling vs. Psychotherapy: What’s the Difference?

Why This Comparison Matters

If you’ve searched for mental health support, you’ve probably seen both counselling and

psychotherapy offered. While they’re often used interchangeably, there are key differences that

can help you decide what’s right for you. Knowing these distinctions can also help with

insurance coverage and finding the right therapist for you right here in Ontario.

What is Counselling?

Counselling usually focuses on helping you manage specific, present-day challenges. Whether

it’s relationship stress, grief, or workplace burnout, counselling is typically short-term and geared

toward practical tools and emotional support.

Counselling is a collaborative process that helps you gain clarity, feel supported, and develop coping

strategies. Many people turn to counselling during life transitions or when they just need a place

to talk things through. Counselling is very focused and specific.

While the word counsellor isn’t legally protected in Ontario, many professionals who offer

counselling are also Registered Psychotherapists (RP) or Registered Social Workers (RSW),

meaning they meet professional standards and are covered by insurance.

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy tends to be a deeper, longer-term process that explores patterns, emotional

wounds, and the root causes behind certain feelings or behaviours. It’s not just about managing

stress but understanding why certain challenges keep showing up. If you’re working through trauma, long-term anxiety, or patterns that feel stuck, psychotherapy can help unpack these experiences and create lasting change. Therapists might use structured approaches like DBT, EMDR, IFS or Brainspotting to guide this work.

Unlike counselling, psychotherapy is a regulated act in Ontario, which means only licensed

professionals can offer it, and it’s eligible for reimbursement under most benefits plans. In

Ontario, the CRPO allows only specific professionals to practice psychotherapy, which includes

Registered Psychotherapists, Registered Social Workers, and some other registered health

professionals.

Where Things Overlap

In practice, many therapists offer a blend of counselling and psychotherapy. The process may

start with counselling for immediate support and naturally deepen into psychotherapy as trust

builds. Often, it’s not about choosing one or the other, but about finding a therapist who can

meet you where you are and ultimately trust you to guide the process to get what you need from

it.

How to Choose

If you want support with a specific issue or decision, counselling may be the right fit. If you’re

interested in exploring deeper emotional patterns or healing from long-standing struggles,

psychotherapy is often the better choice. And if you’re unsure, that’s okay—your therapist can

help you decide as you work together.

FAQ: Counselling vs. Psychotherapy

Do I need to know the difference before booking?

No. Most therapists will help you figure out what approach fits your needs during an initial

consultation.

Is one more effective than the other?

Effectiveness depends on your goals. For short-term problem-solving, counselling works well.

For deeper healing, psychotherapy may offer more lasting results.

Will my insurance cover both?

Most extended health plans in Ontario cover sessions with Registered Psychotherapists or

Registered Social Workers, whether you’re doing counselling, psychotherapy, or a mix of both.

Can I do both at the same time?

Absolutely. Many therapists use both approaches together, adjusting based on what you’re

working on.

Getting Started

At Health Counselling and Therapy, we offer counselling, psychotherapy, or a blend of both. We

provide free 15-minute consultations to help you explore what’s right for you. Sessions are

available in person in Sarnia or online, by phone anywhere in Ontario.

Final Thoughts

Whether you start with counselling, psychotherapy, or both, the most important thing is that you

feel supported in your growth. Your mental health matters, and we’re here to help you find a

path that works for you.