Psychologist, psychotherapist or psychotherapy practitioner: what is the difference?

Terms vary between countries

This website and my practice are based in France, so the distinctions below first describe the French context. In English-speaking countries, titles such as counsellor, therapist and psychotherapist may be regulated differently, or not regulated in the same way at all. Always check the rules and professional register that apply where a practitioner is established.

Psychiatrist: a medical doctor

A psychiatrist is a physician specialising in mental health. Psychiatrists can make medical diagnoses, prescribe medication and coordinate care for severe or complex psychiatric conditions. They are a priority contact when there is acute risk, suicidal intent, psychosis, severe addiction, a need for medication or symptoms requiring medical assessment.

Psychologist: a protected French title

In France, the title of psychologist is protected and linked to specific university qualifications. Psychologists may conduct interviews, psychological assessment, research or clinical support depending on their training and workplace.

Being a psychologist does not automatically mean being trained to conduct psychotherapy. Some psychologists undertake substantial psychotherapy training and offer excellent long-term work; others focus on assessment, brief support, institutional practice or a specific clinical method. The title alone does not tell you the depth, orientation or personal work behind a practitioner's therapeutic practice.

Psychotherapist: a regulated French title

The title psychothérapeute is regulated in France. Its use requires registration and defined training in clinical psychopathology. For that reason, I do not translate my role simply as “psychotherapist” when describing my French professional status.

Psychotherapy practitioner: my non-medical framework

Psychotherapy practitioner and psychopraticien describe the same activity here. They do not represent two different roles. I provide non-medical, psychotherapy-oriented support focused on inner life, emotions, unconscious patterns, dreams, conflicts and transformation.

This wording does not claim a medical or protected French title. It also requires me to state clearly what I do not provide: diagnosis, medication, medical treatment or emergency psychiatric care.

Surface-oriented and depth-oriented therapies

One broad therapeutic orientation aims to reduce symptoms, improve coping and restore daily functioning. This can provide real and sometimes necessary relief. Another orientation also asks what lies at the root of the symptom: what wounded or disowned part of the person continues to organise present suffering?

If work remains only at the surface, a person may experience repeated improvements while a basic dissatisfaction persists. They may consult several professionals, each offering something useful, yet continue to feel that the central issue remains invisible. The search itself can become tiring and dispersing.

Depth work seeks concentration rather than accumulation. It approaches the emotions, dreams, bodily responses and recurring relationships through which the unconscious expresses itself. The aim is not simply to understand the cause from a distance, but to meet and transform the inner organisation that keeps producing the same suffering.

How should you choose?

• Choose medical or psychiatric care when diagnosis, medication, acute-risk management or coordinated health care may be needed.
• Choose a psychologist when you need psychological assessment, a regulated psychological framework or a particular evidence-based method offered by that psychologist.
• Consider my work when you are seeking non-medical, depth-oriented exploration and the framework described on this site fits your needs.
• Ask any practitioner about training, method, confidentiality, fees, limits and what happens if your needs fall outside their competence.

French legal references: Decree no. 2010-534 on the title of psychotherapist and Article 44 of Law no. 85-772 on the title of psychologist.