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Psychotherapists go deeper and therefore spend a longer time to understand the established attitudes, thoughts and behaviours that are causing problems in one’s life. The ‘root cause’ is worked on and how this impacts relationships, life responsibilities, life goals and other activities in daily life.

Psychotherapists can support people to understand their personal stories and motives much better, with the goal of transforming their relationship with the world. A psychotherapists often supports people to uncover solutions.

A psychotherapist can use different channels to achieve this. Talk therapy is the most common method. However, when this is difficult for a person, other channels, such as art therapy, can be used to achieve the same results. It can also be more fun, safe and engaging.

To distinguish, a psychologist can do extra training to become a psychotherapist. Also, a psychotherapist doesn’t have to be a psychologist as they have gone through their own extensive qualifications and training.

Psychotherapy is unfortunately not available on Medicare. But watch this space, as peak psychotherapy associations are pushing for this option with the Government.

Psychologists have formal university qualifications to better understand how a person’s mind works - the mental and biological functions. This helps psychologists understand certain behaviours, thought patterns and emotions. They are usually trained in particular approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). However other approaches can be used depending on the psychologists.

The knowledge and training a psychologist has can be used to help you understand yourself better and identify the causes of the problems you experience. This process can empower you and help you thrive.

Psychologists must also be registered by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), which is why they are available on Medicare.

A recovery coach has knowledge of mental health through formalised training (like a Certificate IV) or through their own lived experience. Because of this, they know how the health system and other services work, which is important when trying to navigate your recovery journey.

Although recovery coaches don’t provide therapy like a psychologist or psychotherapist, they still take the time to really know you and are skilled at matching and suggesting ways that will support you along your journey. They can also help keep you focused and motivated as any other good coach does.

If it’s an NDIS informed recovery coach, they will know the ins and outs of the NDIS and how to best implement your plan. They can help you discover whether a psychologist, counsellor or psychotherapist is best for you.

A peer specialist is a support worker who has lived experience. They are someone who can assist you with all your daily activities, such as shopping, getting to appointments and basic household duties. Sometimes it’s hard to be mentally focused when going through mental health challenges, so a peer specialists are great at understanding what you’re going and can step in while you focus on your recovery.

Peer specialists are passionate about their work and often build professional friendships over time.

Counsellors can help with issues and problems in everyday life. They can help you understand your thought patterns, behaviours, emotions and reasons for why certain behaviours and thoughts are troubling.

Counsellors and psychotherapists are sometimes used interchangeably, however, counsellors provide more short-term consultation (around a specific problem area) and don’t delve into the deeper reasons, or root cause.