Differences between a psychologist and a psychotherapist

March 2021

What is the difference between a psychologist and a Psychotherapist? 

A psychotherapist is a mental health professional with a degree in psychiatry or psychology who has studied psychotherapy (usually postgraduate) and has followed several years of internships or clinical experience in this field under the supervision of an experienced psychotherapist.

In some European countries, psychotherapy is taught at postgraduate level and is also offered to graduates of schools of humanities and social sciences such as sociologists or specialist educators.

In practice a psychologist has the academic basis to study the human mind and soul. As an expert he can work in various fields, from human resources to marketing and advertising. After specialisation he can act as a specialist therapist.

A well-trained psychologist can help you understand your problem and its causes, your motivations and your emotions. He or she may then refer you to a specialist for treatment and counseling support.

A psychotherapist uses the tools he acquired during his specialisation (visual, behavioral, hypnosis, etc.) to help you provide solutions to your problem. Its purpose is to help you express yourself, to discuss, to process what you say (or your artistic creation) and finally to feel able to face (or even change) your reality through self-knowledge and self-confidence.