Counselling and Psychotherapy Definitions
PACFA members are clinical therapists building valuable therapeutic relationships with clients to assist them in addressing challenges. PACFA therapists use various modalities drawing upon different resources, philosophical approaches, and advanced training undertaken by the practitioner. Internationally, and in Australia, there are a wide range of definitions of counselling and psychotherapy, as practice and its understanding varies. Below are definitions developed by PACFA’s colleges which may aid understanding and client choice of a clinician. Most important for any client seeking support is their personal connection with the therapist, as this forms the basis for any assessment and intervention(s) used by the clinician to facilitate change and empower clients.
What is Counselling?
PACFA's College of Counselling has developed this definition of counselling:
Professional counselling is a safe and confidential collaboration between qualified counsellors and clients to promote mental health and wellbeing, enhance self-understanding, and resolve identified concerns.
Clients are active participants in the counselling process at every stage. Counsellors work with children, young people, adults, couples, families, and groups. Counselling may be short-term, long-term, or over a lifetime, according to clients’ needs.
Counsellors are fully present with their clients, using empathy and deep listening to establish positive working relationships. Counselling is effective when clients feel safe, understood, respected, and accepted without judgement. Counselling is a profession with a strong evidence base. Counsellors use empirically supported interventions and specialized interpersonal skills to facilitate change and empower clients.
Counsellors are trained in a range of modalities to work with clients from diverse backgrounds. Counselling can be broad or focused.
Clients may explore: aspects of identity, spirituality, relationships with self and others, past experiences, parenting, grief and loss, trauma, domestic violence, child abuse, use of alcohol and other substances, depression, anxiety, and other experiences.
Changes facilitated by counselling include: change in perspective, new insight, new ways of thinking about situations, new awareness of feelings, enhanced capacity to tolerate and regulate feelings, new actions or behaviors, and new decisions about life.
PACFA registered counsellors have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate counselling qualification. They are expected to participate in ongoing professional development and supervision, including their own counselling, to stay current with developments in their profession and to ensure safe, ethical practice.
*Confidentiality is limited when there are risks to the safety of the client or others.
What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is an evidence-based practice within a multidisciplinary group of helping professions, including counselling, psychology, psychiatry, social work, mental health nursing, and pastoral care. Psychotherapists work with individuals, couples, and families.
A Registered Clinical Psychotherapist®, a PACFA trademarked title, is used exclusively by psychotherapists who are members of the PACFA College of Psychotherapy. Those who hold this title have met the rigorous PACFA College of Psychotherapy requirements and adhere to the PACFA Psychotherapy Training Standards.
How does a Registered Clinical Psychotherapist® work?
Psychotherapy focuses on the whole person, encompassing somatic, emotional, mental, cultural, relational, and spiritual aspects of health and well-being...