Psychological counselling: what is it?
Psychological counselling is not psychotherapy. Comparis explains the differences, duration and costs of psychological counselling services.
Therapy is about healing. In contrast, counselling focuses on defined topics from everyday work or life. Find out more about the difference between counselling and therapy.
1. What is psychological counselling?
It’s a conversation, person to person. The goal is to solve a clearly defined problem and it supports people in the following situations:
Conflicts at work
Choosing a job
Making career decisions
Parenting and learning difficulties
Finding answers to major life questions
Psychological counselling is limited in time (two to 10 sessions). Consultations may be added depending on the situation. Unlike therapy, counselling is not about healing.
Online self-tests
Not sure if you need help? Online tests like those from our partner Klenico can give you an initial idea. An online questionnaire assesses your psychological stresses. Afterwards, you can book a digital assessment consultation with a psychological specialist, where you receive appropriate treatment recommendations directly.
2. What is the difference between counselling and therapy?
"Therapy" means treatment, healing and care. It looks at the person as a whole. Psychotherapy supports individuals in the following problem areas, among others:
Fears
Phobias
Depression
Dependencies
Obsessive-compulsive disorders
Relationship issues
Processing trauma
In contrast to psychotherapy, mental disorders classified as illnesses are not allowed to be treated with psychological counselling. Nor can diagnoses be made in counselling. Therapy may only be provided by trained specialists, i.e. by psychiatrists or by psychologists with additional training in one or more psychotherapeutic methods.
As therapy is about topics affecting many aspects of life, it takes longer than a consultation. Short-term therapy takes 10 to 25 hours. Medium-length therapy lasts from 30 to 80 hours. Long-term therapy is not limited in time. If you are looking for psychotherapy, you can find helpful information under therapy services.
3. Who can offer psychological counselling?
Trained psychologists often offer counselling services. Here you can find more information about choosing a suitable psychologist. Unlike therapy, psychological counselling is not a protected term. So, it’s important to check the training of the counsellor in advance.
Trained psychological counsellors have a broad background in psychology as well as special counselling and coaching methods. Psychological counsellors may specialize in specific topics or methods, such as parenting, career, conflict or personality counselling.
Psychological counsellors use methods from various schools of psychotherapy. However, they are not allowed to perform psychotherapy in the strict sense.
4. When should I seek psychological counselling?
The following criteria will help you determine if you should seek counselling:
You have a clearly defined problem or challenge you want to tackle
Your problem relates to your everyday life or work and not to a mental illness
You would like help assessing your current situation and support with self-reflection
You notice behaviours in your everyday personal or professional life you would like to reflect on and change
You are looking for guidance on learning and parenting issues
Not sure if you need psychotherapy instead of psychological counselling? This article on when it is time for psychotherapy can help. It also provides a list of free offers for mental health problems.
5. How much does psychological counselling cost?
Different costs apply depending on the specialist’s training. Psychological psychotherapists usually follow the recommendations of the Federation of Swiss Psychologists (FSP). This is 160 to 180 francs per hour.
Psychologists without psychotherapeutic training and specialists with training in psychological counselling usually have hourly rates between 140 and 160 francs. Five sessions thus come to 700–900 francs. Some psychological counsellors offer a free initial consultation. In each case, you bear the costs yourself.
6. Where can I find psychological counselling services?
In a psychology setting
The Federation of Swiss Psychologists (FSP) is the largest professional association of psychological professionals in Switzerland. Their “Psyfinder” helps you find qualified counsellors. You can also filter your search, for example by "coaching psychology".
In stressful life situations, crises and conflicts
The Professional Association for Coaching, Supervision and Organizational Consulting (bso) lists over 1,200 qualified consultants. There you will find counselling services with a focus on coaching, psychosocial skills and professional issues. (In German and French only.)
In everyday personal and professional life
The Professional Association for Coaching, Supervision and Organizational Consulting (bso) lists over 1,200 qualified consultants. There you will find counselling services with a focus on coaching, psychosocial skills and professional issues. (In German and French only.)
In university and college
Universities and technical colleges often offer free psychological counselling for students and staff. Ask your local institution.
