A PhD in counselling is the highest academic degree in the counselling field. Counselling focuses on helping individuals, couples and families face issues in life, relationships, study, work and adjusting to change.
Beyond theory and research, a counsellor with a doctorate has usually completed supervised practical training. The field leans towards strengths, growth and prevention, although many counsellors also work with anxiety, low mood and relationship problems.
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Early sessions focus on understanding your concern and goal. Through conversation and sometimes assessment tools, the counsellor helps build a clearer picture and a plan for working together.
Methods depend on the counsellor's training: cognitive behavioural, solution focused, systemic for couples and families, or humanistic approaches. Counsellors do not prescribe medication and will refer you to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist if needed.
A brief comparison: a psychiatrist is a physician; a clinical psychologist works more on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions; a counsellor more on life issues, relationships and adjustment. Titles and licensing for counselling follow different rules in each country.
Online sessions often last about fifty minutes to an hour and can be individual, for couples or for families. The tone is usually conversational, often with practical exercises.
Some concerns become clearer in fewer sessions and some need more time. A counsellor walks alongside you but does not guarantee an outcome in advance.
Examples are fictional and illustrative.
Since moving to Canada, Nima and Shirin argue constantly; one is homesick and the other wants to settle in fast. In couples sessions the counsellor helps each hear the other's experience and find a way to make shared decisions. This is a fictional example.
Mahsa lost her father and could not travel to Iran for the funeral. With her counsellor she finds space to express her grief and creates a personal ritual of farewell. This story is invented.
Pouya is torn between two university subjects and his family has a different view. The counsellor helps him weigh his interests and abilities and talk with his family. This example is for illustration only.
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Both work through conversation and overlap a lot. Counsellors focus more on life issues, relationships and adjustment, while clinical psychologists focus more on assessing and treating mental health conditions.
No. Prescribing is done by physicians. A counsellor will refer you to a psychiatrist if needed.
Yes. Two people can join from one device or even from two different places. What matters is that both have a quiet, private space.
Not necessarily. Licensing rules differ by country. You can ask the counsellor about their degree and licences.
This page is general information and does not replace a professional assessment. If you are in immediate danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact your local emergency services. Urgent help
