Counselling, is offered as part of the psychotherapy process; whereas a counsellor may work with clients in a psychotherapeutic manner.

Counselling usually refers to a brief treatment that centres around behaviour patterns. Psychotherapy focuses on working with clients for a longer-term and draws from insight into emotional problems and difficulties.

A psychotherapist is a trained individual who is able to offer a form of counselling to clients.

Generally a practitioner offering short-term treatment is known as a counsellor. An individual with two or more years of training will opt to be known as a psychotherapist.