The terms "counselor" and "psychotherapist" are often used interchangeably and have many similarities, but there are some important differences as well.

Technically speaking, "counselor" means "advisor." It involves two people working together to solve a problem. It is a term that is used in conjunction with many types of advice giving. For example, financial planning and spiritual guidance are both types of counseling.

"Psychotherapy" on the other hand is generally a longer-term treatment that focuses more on gaining insight into chronic physical and emotional problems. Its focus is on the person's thought processes, and how these may be influenced by past events such that they cause problems in the present.

There are many types of counselors, such as marriage and family therapists, grief counselors, addiction and substance abuse counselors, and more.

There are several different types of therapy that fall under the general heading of psychotherapy, including approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, psychoanalytic psychotherapy, and much more.

Development of a healing, safe, and therapeutic relationship between a therapist and an individual

Effectiveness for a wide range of people, both adults and children

Understanding a person's feelings and behaviors, and addressing issues with the goal of improving a person's life