Counselling vs Other Mental Health Roles

By Samantha Dudek – Kōwhai Therapeutic Services

It’s easy to feel confused when deciding whether you need a counsellor, therapist, or

psychologist. People often use these titles like they mean the same thing — but there are

differences that can help you make the best choice for your mental health journey.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the key differences in simple terms and help you figure out

what support might suit you best.

Is a counsellor the same as a therapist?

The short version? Both counsellors and therapists are trained to help with emotional and

mental health, but their styles can be a little different.

● Counsellors often focus on the present moment and day-to-day challenges like grief,

stress, or relationships. Their work is more practical and goal-based.

● Therapists might go deeper into emotional patterns, behavioural issues, or trauma, often

using specialised methods like CBT or DBT.

Both can be incredibly helpful — and many professionals use the terms interchangeably. What

matters most is that they’re qualified and right for you.

What is the difference between counselling and therapy?

When we talk about counselling, it usually means short-term support for current challenges.

Think: support while going through a breakup, dealing with work stress, or learning new coping

tools.

Therapy, on the other hand, often dives deeper. It may involve longer-term work, unpacking

past experiences, or exploring emotions that feel “stuck.”

That said, there’s a lot of overlap. Many counsellors use therapy techniques and many

therapists offer goal-focused work. The right match depends on what you're going through.

A lot of counsellors call themselves counsellors even though they apply a range of strategies and skills. At Kōwhai Therapeutic Services most of our counsellor are plauralistic Counsellors, this means they apply theory and strategies according to what the client needs rather than choosing a counselling or a therapeutic approach.

It is vital you explain to your counsellor what type of support you are looking for as most counsellors today are trained to cover both counselling and therapy.

What training do therapists and counsellors have?

Most counsellors and therapists in New Zealand:

● Hold a Master’s degree or a three year Bachelors

● Have completed supervised practice hours

● Are registered with professional bodies like NZAC (for counsellors) or NZAP

Psychologists go a step further with a PhD or PsyD and often specialise in assessments,

diagnosis, and complex mental health treatment.

Should I see a counsellor or psychologist?

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

If you need:

● Support through grief, stress, life changes – see a counsellor

● Help exploring emotions and patterns over time – see a therapist

● A diagnosis or psychological assessment – see a psychologist

● Medication support – see a psychiatrist (a medical doctor)

Still unsure? At Kōwhai Therapeutic Services, we help you find the right fit and offer a free 15-

minute consultation to guide your choice.

What can counselling and therapy help with?

● Anxiety and stress

● Grief and loss

● Depression

● Low self-esteem

● Relationship challenges

● Trauma and PTSD

● Gender and identity exploration

● Life transitions and burnout

At Kōwhai, our team supports you through a wide range of these challenges — with care,

respect, and connection at the centre.

Can a therapist diagnose?

In New Zealand, therapists and counsellors cannot formally diagnose mental health conditions.

That’s the role of a:

● Psychologist – Can provide a formal diagnosis through testing and assessments

● Psychiatrist – A medical doctor who can diagnose and prescribe medication

But don’t worry — therapists and counsellors can still support you with the emotional and

behavioural symptoms you're experiencing and refer you to a psychologist if needed.

Online Counselling and Therapy in New Zealand

We understand that life is busy, and sometimes in-person appointments are tricky. That’s why

we offer:

● Online sessions nationwide

● Flexible scheduling

● Affordable pricing (from $50 per session with student counsellors)

Whether you’re in Wellington or remote NZ, support is just a click away.

FAQs About Counselling vs Therapy

Is counselling cheaper than therapy?

Often yes — especially when working with student counsellors or sliding scale providers like

Kōwhai.

What does counselling cost in New Zealand?

Prices range between $80–$180 per individual session (couples counselling and family counselling costs more). At Kōwhai, student sessions start at $50.

Can therapists in NZ offer free sessions?

Some charities and community providers offer subsidised or free therapy, but this can mean being added to a wait list. Most private providers charge, but always ask about lower-cost or sliding scale options.

FAQs About Kōwhai Therapeutic Services

Who do you work with?

We work with adults, teens, children, and couples. Whether you’re facing a specific challenge

or just need someone to talk to, we’re here.

Do you have student counsellors?

Yes. Our student counsellors are fully supervised and trained. It’s a great low-cost option to

access support at $50 per session.

Do you offer in-person sessions?

Yes — at our office in Tawa, Wellington. We also offer online sessions NZ-wide.

What areas do you specialise in?

We support clients with:

● Anxiety

● Grief

● Relationships

● Identity

● Burnout

● Life changes

…and more.

Final Thoughts

Whether you call them a counsellor or a therapist, what truly matters is finding someone who

listens, understands, and walks alongside you with care.

At Kōwhai Therapeutic Services, we focus on real connection, not just credentials. If you’re

ready to start or just want to ask questions, we’re happy to help.

Contact us at office@kowhaitherapeuticservices.com or visit

www.kowhaitherapeuticservices.com to book a free consultation today.