The terms psychotherapy and psychologist are often confused, even though they refer to distinct concepts. Psychotherapy describes a guideline-based procedure for the treatment of mental disorders. A psychologist, conversely, refers to a professional group who are experts in human behavior, mental processes, and emotional responses.

Psychologists have completed a Bachelor's and Master's degree in psychology and can work in various fields such as research, counseling, or organizational psychology.

It is important to note that psychologists can also be psychotherapists, but only after completing specific training and obtaining their official licensure (Approbation).

This official licensure typically requires a training period of 4 to 5 years after completing their psychology studies.

Therefore, psychologists who choose to pursue psychotherapeutic work can offer psychotherapy after completing their training.

The Subtle Difference Between Psychotherapy and Psychological Counseling

In the realm of psychological support, the terms

• Psychotherapy and
• Psychological Counseling

are often intertwined, yet they actually denote distinct approaches and services.

While one is geared towards intensive, specialized treatment, the other focuses on versatile support and guidance for psychological concerns.

Psychotherapy is Offered by Licensed Psychotherapists

Psychotherapy is a guideline-based procedure, meaning it is founded on scientific findings and proven methods.

There are 4 different forms of therapy that aim to alleviate psychological distress and enhance well-being.

Here are the 4 forms of psychotherapy:

• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: This form of therapy is based on the principles of depth psychology, particularly psychodynamics. It aims to uncover unconscious conflicts and patterns that may originate from childhood. By working with these themes, behavioral patterns can be changed and psychological well-being improved.
• Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Psychoanalytic therapy is strongly influenced by the theories of Sigmund Freud. It focuses on exploring the unconscious, the meaning of dreams, and the analysis of Freudian slips. The goal is to understand and process deep unconscious conflicts and patterns to alleviate psychological suffering.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This form of therapy focuses on identifying and changing unwanted behaviors and thought patterns. Through targeted exercises and behavioral modifications, positive changes in the client's behavior and emotional responses are sought.
• Systemic Therapy: In systemic therapy, individual problems are viewed as part of a larger social system. Family, partnerships, work environment – all of these are brought into focus to understand problems within the context of their relationships and to develop solutions. Systemic Therapy has been a guideline-based procedure since July 1, 2020. Source

While psychodynamic psychotherapy, psychoanalytic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and systemic therapy are recognized as guideline-based procedures and are often covered by health insurance providers, there is also the option of psychological counseling.

The main difference lies in the fact that psychological counseling services are generally not covered by health insurance and are not necessarily based on scientific findings and proven methods.

Psychologists and Their Psychological Counseling Services

Psychological counseling offers supportive and solution-oriented assistance for various life questions and challenges.

Psychologists can assist, among other things, with stress management, conflict resolution, decision-making, professional issues, and personal development topics.

In contrast to the guideline-based procedures of psychotherapy, which are deeper and longer-term interventions, psychological counseling sessions are often short-term and focused on specific concerns.

They can take the form of individual or couples counseling, family counseling, or group workshops.

It is important to note that the costs for psychological counseling in general must be covered privately.

Psychologists who offer psychological counseling often utilize interventions and methods from guideline-based procedures to help their clients. Additionally,  psychological tests are increasingly employed to gain an understanding of the client's current state.

For example, talk therapy is often used. It is important to know, however, that talk therapy is not a guideline-based procedure and therefore is not covered by health insurance.

Talk therapy focuses on empathetic and appreciative conversations between the psychologist and the client.

It is a therapeutic method that aims to help the client discover their own resources and solutions.

Although it is frequently used in psychological counseling, the costs for pure talk therapy sessions must generally be covered privately.

As an Online Psychologist, I can share from my perspective that psychological counseling offers a flexible and accessible form of support for people.

Updated on: 11. Juli 2025

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