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Counsellors, Therapists, Psychologists & Psychiatrists. 
What are the differences and what do they do?
 

They have different training and approaches. A 'therapist' is an overarching label for all Mental Health professionals and clinicians. 

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Psychiatrists are medical doctors whose specialty is in the diagnosis of mental illness. They have extensive training in the pharmacological treatment (using drugs & medication) methods. Psychiatrists are the only mental health professionals allowed to prescribe medication. They may rely too heavily on medications alone to treat mental conditions, while overlooking psychotherapeutic treatment methods. And differ in their training, comfort levels and competencies in Psychotherapy. A good psychiatrist does not mean a good therapist simply because different skill sets are involved.

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Psychologists delve more deeply into the science, theories and practice of psychology. They specialize in using various psychotherapies and approaches to help clients with specific issues and mental conditions.

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Counsellors help clients learn useful life skills, as well as deal with many concrete life issues and challenges. Counselling tends to be goal oriented and specialized into specific areas such as marriage/relationships, addictions, grief, or work/school related. 

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Who is the best person to see?
There is no simple answer to this question because the answer very much depends on your needs and condition, in addition to your personal preferences. And these can sometimes be very difficult to determine in treating mental health issues and concerns.

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Psychotherapy, or some form of talk therapy is almost always recommended, and necessary as part of the treatment regime for all mental health disorders and issues. Severe and major mental illnesses - sometimes referred to as psychiatric disorders (as set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-5) - such as major depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive and anxiety disorders very frequently require medication - which only a psychiatrist can prescribe - to control, alleviate and stabilize debilitating symptoms such as panic, severe anxiety, withdrawal, sleeplessness, etc.

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Reliance upon drugs and medication alone are usually insufficient in improving mental health, simply because mental issues cannot be resolved with just taking pills. Psychotherapy is recommended and necessary in conjunction with pharmacological treatment.

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It is not uncommon for clients to ‘mix and match’ the mental health professionals they consult. For example, clients can consult a psychiatrist for medication, while seeing someone else for Psychotherapy. There are many reasons for doing so: Clients can dislike or be uncomfortable talking to a particular professional because, there is no therapeutic rapport or trust between them.

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What is this ‘Therapeutic Alliance’ or ‘Therapeutic Rapport'?
Seeking help for mental issues and problems is a really personal process. For counselling and therapy to work and be effective, there MUST be trust and rapport between the Therapist and the client. A good Therapist will have the empathy, intuition, and skills to realize and understand the client’s underlying issues and how to address and treat them effectively. In turn, the clients need to be comfortable with the Therapist - trusting him/her with their confidence and following through with the Therapy. It is a two-way process based upon cooperation and collaboration between the client and Therapist. That is what the ‘Therapeutic Alliance or Rapport’ means. It is an intangible part of the relationship between the client and Mental Health Professional; mutual and built up over time and with trust and effort.

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It can be regarded as a ‘contract’ or implicit understanding between the client and counsellor where both parties pledge their commitment to addressing the issue(s) at hand. Some Therapists may request their clients to sign a declaration of commitment. This can help to raise motivation and adherence to the therapeutic process.

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Finding a Good Therapist
A good starting point to finding a good Therapist would be personal referrals or recommendations from family members, friends or colleagues.

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Consider those suitably qualified with advanced degrees (Masters), and experience in psychotherapeutic treatments, or skilled in their specialized fields. You could also approach the pastoral leaders in any religious or counsellors in educational organizations. At the very least, they could assist in finding someone suitable to your needs to help you.

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It is alright to try different Therapists until you find someone who works well with you. Therapy is really a very personal thing. The bottom-line is that it has to work for both of you to establish the Therapeutic Alliance.

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How does the Therapist help?
Many issues and problems have deep-seated roots. Therapy involves the exploration of these issues – both their origins and present impacts. The breakthrough happens when the underlying issues are identified, understood and acknowledged. Then, the process of healing can begin. Psychotherapy does not require drugs. It is a mental and emotional process that requires commitment, effort and motivation in equal measures to succeed.

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The Therapeutic process can be very challenging but really rewarding. It's a 'journey' you embark with your Therapist who will always be non-judgmental, empathetic and compassionate while supporting you on the road to positive change.

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Privacy & Confidentiality

Mental Health Professionals are governed by a Code of Conduct & Ethics that protects your Confidentiality and Privacy. All information shared in session are guaranteed to be entirely confidential and fully private.

Please refer to, and read the Informed Consent in the Intake Form.

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For your information, Privacy & Confidentiality are not applicable in the following situations:

1. A legal order from a recognized court of law compelling disclosure.

2. Information disclosed affects the well-being and protection of minors and the elderly. (Required by law)

3. Information disclosed affects the preservation of life to self, or the threat of life to others. (Required by law)

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