You may have considered counselling after sexual assault or abuse, but counselling is just one type of therapy for trauma.
Among the other types of therapy are psychology and psychiatry.
Counselling, psychology and psychiatry all have their own approaches, pros and cons. And it’s important to understand that therapy for trauma is not a one-size-fits-all approach. What will work best for one person might not be ideal for another.
What’s the Difference Between Counsellors, Psychologists, and Psychiatrists?
To start, let’s break down the differences between counsellors, psychologys, and psychiatrists.
- A counsellor offers emotional support and guidance
- A psychologist is trained to assess and treat mental health using therapy
- A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose mental illnesses and prescribe medication
Counselling
Counsellors provide support and guidance to individuals facing emotional, psychological, or social challenges.
They typically hold a diploma or degree in counselling and may be registered with professional bodies such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Psychology
Psychologists study human behaviour and mental processes, often specialising in areas such as clinical, educational, or occupational psychology.
They typically have a degree in psychology, followed by a postgraduate qualification, and must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Psychiatry
Psychiatrists are medical doctors specialising in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses.
They complete a medical degree, followed by speciality training in psychiatry, and must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC).
Unlike counsellors and psychologists, psychiatrists can prescribe medication.
How to Find a Qualified Therapist in the UK
If you manage to get any type of therapy through a government or charity-funded programme, you’ll likely end up working with whoever you are assigned to.
However, for a lot of people, waiting for publicly funded services seems like a lifetime and so the private route is one that many people may opt for.
Finding a private therapist can be a tricky exercise. A quick type of ‘therapist’ or ‘counsellor’ with your location in Google will likely yield a tonne of results, including a load of online options.
It can be hard to see the wood for the trees in the possible choices available to you, with the hardest thing to try and navigate is someone’s credentials and qualifications.
Choosing a Psychiatrist
For psychiatrists, it’s quite easy to verify who’s who.
A psychiatrist who is currently practising must be registered with the GMC, which is the regulatory body for all doctors in the UK, Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands. To verify someone is still on the register and practising without restrictions, you just need to type their name into the GMC Register.
For psychologists and counsellors, it’s a little different.
Choosing a Counsellor
‘Counsellor’ is not a protected title in the UK, meaning that anyone can call themselves a counsellor.
Although the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) recommend an approach that will see a counsellor take various accredited courses over a 3-4 year period to qualify as a counsellor, register as a member of the BACP, and then continue with CPD, because the profession isn’t regulated this isn’t technically a requirement.
I’ve heard of people taking an 8–12-week introduction to counselling course and then opening up their own counselling practice.
I’ve heard of people watching webinars, taking unaccredited courses and calling themselves a counsellor.
I’ve also heard of people just deciding to become counsellors and selling their services because, well, why not?
I’m not saying that anyone not following the BACP recommended approach isn’t a good counsellor, but I am saying that you need to do your research thoroughly to ensure that who you are going to work with is worthy of your trust, time, and money.
You’ll potentially spend a lot of time with your therapist, and someone who is not capable of supporting you with your trauma could end up doing more damage than actual help.
To check if someone is registered with the BACP, simply type their name into the BACP Register.
Choosing a Clinical Psychologist
A clinical psychologist will have qualified at undergraduate level and then completed post-graduate training (usually at doctoral level) to give them the qualifications needed to register with the British Psychological Society. Clinical psychologists will have used their post-graduate training to specialise in a specific area of psychology.
To find a registered psychologist, choose the relevant type of register at then search for their name on that register.
Word of mouth is a fantastic way to find a good therapist. (And note that from here to the end of this post, I’ll use the word ‘therapist’ to refer to a counsellor, psychologist, and psychiatrist.)
Just try and find out even vaguely what the person recommending you to a therapist went to see them for in the first place. For example, a therapist who did wonders in helping someone come to terms with the death of a loved one and specialises in grief and loss is not necessarily going to be best placed to provide counselling for your history of sexual assault.
Tips for Finding a Therapist That Suits You
Check Their Speciality
First things first, and it is hopefully obvious, but seek a therapist who specialises in trauma related to sexual violence.
Therapists who specialise in this area usually have specific training and are, therefore, better equipped to understand and address the complexities involved in supporting a client with a history of being a victim of sexual violence.
Understand The Therapist’s Approach to Treatment
Not every therapist uses the same type of therapy or even has the same approach to certain therapies.
Familiarise yourself with different therapeutic methods, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), or trauma-focused therapy, and choose one that resonates with you.
If you aren’t sure what might suit you, a good therapist will talk you through their services and approaches to ensure that they can appropriately support you before taking you on as a client.
Prioritise Your Comfort and Sense of Safety
It’s essential to feel safe and respected during therapy sessions.
Pay attention to how you feel with the therapist; a good therapist will create a non-judgmental and supportive environment.
Pricing
Check the therapist’s pricing on their website, and if this information isn’t readily available, ask for it.
There’s no point in signing up for a course of therapy only to realise you can’t afford it, or you’ll need more than the number of sessions you’d originally budgeted for.
Check Testimonials
What are people saying about the therapist? And I don’t just mean the glowing reviews on their website.
Can you find other reviews on review websites or talk to people who have used their services before?
Remember, it’s okay to change therapists if you don’t feel a good connection or if your needs aren’t being met. The right therapist can make a significant difference in your recovery journey.
Summary
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially after trauma.
In this post, we’ve covered the differences between counselling, psychology, and psychiatry, and looked at practical tips for choosing someone safe, qualified, and right for you.
What type of therapist is best for trauma?
The best therapist for trauma is someone who specialises in trauma-informed care, particularly sexual violence or abuse. Look for someone trained in specific methods like EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, or somatic therapies. A therapist’s experience with your specific issue matters more than their title alone.
What’s the difference between a counsellor, psychologist, and psychiatrist?
A counsellor offers emotional support and guidance but cannot diagnose or prescribe medication. A psychologist can assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions using various therapies. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose mental illnesses and prescribe medication, often working with people who have complex mental health needs.
Is the title ‘counsellor’ regulated in the UK?
No, ‘counsellor’ is not a protected title in the UK, which means anyone can technically use it. Always check that the person is registered with a professional body like BACP or UKCP to ensure they have accredited training and follow ethical guidelines.
Can I change therapists if it doesn’t feel right?
Yes, you’re allowed to change therapists at any time. The therapeutic relationship is a key part of your recovery, so if you don’t feel safe, heard, or supported, it’s okay to move on and find someone else.
This post is adapted from a section of It's All Your Fault - due for release in 2025.
