What’s the difference between all the types of therapists I can see at Little Window?

When seeking a therapist for yourself, there can be a common misconception that only Psychologists are able to support you to work through mental health concerns, particularly with more significant issues. We are here to inform you that this is definitely not accurate! ~ Research based on the efficacy of support with Counsellors shows similar and in some cases, better treatment outcomes than when treating long-term mental health concerns with Psychologists. We as the Directors have been trained as Psychologists, however the majority of our training and experience as Therapists occurred post-study, when we undertook specialised training and developed our own counselling framework and experiences over the years. In our own personal therapy, we have seen Counsellors who have been exceptional and effective Therapists.

We strongly believe that it is a combination of who you are as a person; ongoing mental health and counselling training that aligns with the complexity of the human experience; conducting approaches which resonate and are tailored to each individual client/s; and the Therapist engaging in their own work in Therapy, that makes the most effective and supportive Therapist.

Psychologists

Traditionally, Psychologists are trained at university to assess, diagnose and treat mental health, and are taught to use interventions that are more cognitive and behavioural. Some Psychologists can also tend to engage in more short-term and solution-focused work with individuals which does not always cater to the complex nature of the human experience and long-term mental health maintenance. Psychologists are required to undertake 4 years of undergraduate study plus 2 years of post-graduate study or supervised practice to become registered.

Psychologists are recognised by Medicare as a governed mental health discipline, therefore a Medicare rebate can be accessed, however this does not mean that Psychologists are the better or more effective discipline compared to Counsellors.

counsellors

Counsellors can become registered through different pathways that can include completing a diploma, course or degree. They have training in therapy specifically in active listening/supporting, working collaboratively with goals, and delving deeper into long-term counselling and psychotherapy.

Since the COVID pandemic, Counsellors and other mental health Therapists are being recognised as highly supportive and effective options for therapeutic support and in Victoria are now able to offer support with a Medicare rebate. It is only a matter of time before Queensland and other states will follow suit. 

MENTAL HEALTH SOCIAL WORKERS

We also work with Mental Health Social Workers (MHSW) on our team, who are trained respectively specialising in their own field, however are trained similarly to Counsellors and Psychologists in the area of mental health counselling and support, and focus on holistic support for your concerns. You can read more about MHSW here.

At Little Window, all of our Therapists are less focused on diagnosing and instead, are more interested in a counselling-based, whole-brained and person-centred approach. Therapists are typically drawn to working here with us because they value and enjoy this kind of counselling work, and when we recruit for Therapists, we spend time ensuring that they align with our practice framework of relational safety.

This means that regardless of who you book in with on our team, your therapist will engage with you using a person-centred approach, either short or long-term depending on your needs, and will focus on the therapeutic relationship as the core of the work, which studies tell us is most effective for meaningful and positive outcomes for mental health and wellness.