Although there is a difference between counselling and psychotherapy, the distinction can be blurred. Counselling is often thought of as short-term, with a focus on milder forms of mental illness (such as grief reactions), whereas psychotherapy is a longer-term treatment option, focusing on psychiatric or psychological disorders where clients are more severely distressed or impaired.

There is an assumption that a counsellor has less formal training than a psychotherapist. The training of a counsellor/psychotherapist can vary and is dependent on his/her professional affiliation.

Counselling may be offered by various allied health professionals such as psychologists, counsellors, psychiatrists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, family counsellors and pastoral counselors.

The training of a counsellor is varied, but may consist of one to two years of specific training in counselling. Alternatively, training may consist of a Bachelor degree and a Master degree in Counselling Psychology. Counsellors can specialize, e.g., couple counsellors, drug counsellors, career counsellors, and therefore, it is important to ask the counselor about his /her training and qualifications.

Counselling is often seen as a very cathartic process. 'Cathartic' is a term that refers to the process of releasing distress by talking about difficulties and emotional reactions.

People are given the opportunity to share their experiences in detail. The outcome, like psychotherapy, depends on the particular approach used by the counsellor and the resulting relationship built with the therapist.

Counselling can help people who are:

• feeling overwhelmed by life's problems;
• feeling depressed, anxious or angry, and day-to-day activities are affected;
• having difficulties with how to manage a major life decision;
• having trouble with a relationship;
• having difficulty coping with a serious illness;
• finding their job too stressful and they can't handle it anymore; and
• struggling with knowing what to do, or where to turn for help.

There are times when issues may be too difficult to discuss with friends or family. A trusted relationship with a skilled counsellor can be beneficial.