Is There a Difference Between Psychotherapy and Therapy?

While there are overlaps between therapy and psychotherapy, there are important distinctions you should know when deciding which type of therapy is right for you.

Therapy is a valuable resource that can provide support to people of all backgrounds and circumstances. With so many different types of therapy available, it can be challenging to figure out which one might be the best fit. We’re here to help clear up any confusion and explain the various types of therapy, specifically clarifying the difference between therapy and psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy vs therapy: What’s the difference?

Therapy, by definition, is a form of treatment meant to improve a condition, whether the condition is physical, mental, or otherwise. Psychotherapy, physical therapy, and even acupuncture are all contained under the umbrella term of “therapy.” 

While “psychotherapy” might sound complex, it simply refers to what many consider “therapy”— services designed to help treat mental health conditions administered by a licensed mental health professional. The prefix “psycho-” specifies that it is a therapy of the mind. It is often referred to as “talk therapy.” Similarly, if someone uses the term “therapist,” they are often referring to a psychotherapist such as a psychologist, counselor, or clinical social worker. 

In essence, psychotherapy is a kind of therapy, but therapy actually encompasses many other practices. 

What is therapy?

As mentioned above, therapy refers to any intervention aimed at helping people cope with or improve specific areas of their mental, physical, or spiritual health. Therapy can be used to address various challenges, from everyday stressors to significant life transitions, physical injuries, and spiritual dilemmas. Common forms of therapy include:

• Physical therapy
• Behavioral therapy
• Counseling
• Massage therapy 
• Chiropractic care

Types of therapy

Beyond the more traditional forms of therapy, there are many non-traditional approaches that can help people process mental health issues, research shows. These methods often fall outside the scope of treatments provided by licensed professionals but can still offer significant emotional and psychological support. Here are some examples:

1. Peer support groups

Peer support groups bring together people with shared experiences, such as addiction recovery, grief, or trauma. Facilitated by people who have navigated similar challenges, these groups provide a safe space for participants to share, listen, and learn from one another. While not led by licensed professionals, they offer community-based emotional support and validation.

2. Art and creative therapy

Art therapy, music therapy, and dance or movement therapy help individuals express and process emotions through creative outlets. While certified art therapists and similar professionals exist, many workshops and community programs provide these experiences without requiring a licensed professional. These therapies can foster self-expression, stress relief, and emotional healing.

3. Animal-assisted therapy

Animal-assisted therapy involves interactions with animals, such as dogs, horses, or even birds, to promote emotional healing and improve mental well-being. Programs like equine therapy or pet-assisted visits can reduce anxiety, build confidence, and encourage emotional connection. These are often facilitated by trained handlers but may not always involve a licensed therapist.

4. Meditation and mindfulness practices

Mindfulness-based approaches, including meditation, guided imagery, and breathwork, can help people manage stress, anxiety, and depression. While a licensed therapist may incorporate these techniques into treatment plans, many meditation classes and mindfulness retreats are led by trained practitioners who are not a licensed mental health professional.

5. Spiritual and holistic practices

Spiritual practices like reiki, energy healing, or shamanic rituals aim to promote emotional and spiritual well-being. These non-traditional approaches often focus on the mind-body connection and can be particularly appealing to people seeking alternative ways to process emotional pain or trauma.

6. Outdoor and adventure therapy

Nature-based programs, such as wilderness therapy or forest bathing, use outdoor activities to promote mental wellness. They are often guided by outdoor specialists rather than a licensed therapist. These experiences encourage one to connect with nature, fostering mindfulness, resilience, and self-reflection. 

7. Life coaching

Life coaching focuses on personal development and goal achievement, offering support and accountability to help people navigate life transitions, career challenges, or personal growth. While life coaches are not licensed mental health professionals, their guidance can be a strong complement to traditional therapy.

8. Writing and journaling programs

Writing therapy, such as expressive writing workshops or journaling groups, helps people process emotions through written expression. These programs can be particularly effective for people working through trauma, grief, or anxiety and are often led by experienced facilitators or educators.

9. Movement and bodywork therapies

Practices like yoga, tai chi, or somatic experiencing focus on the connection between the body and mind, helping individuals release stored tension and trauma. These therapies are typically led by certified instructors but typically do not require a license. There are even practices that integrate specific therapeutic approaches, such as trauma-informed yoga. 

10. Cultural and community healing practices

In many cultures, healing practices rooted in tradition, such as talking circles, storytelling, or ceremonial rituals, provide emotional and psychological support. These practices often draw on community and cultural identity to address mental health challenges in a holistic way.

While this wide variety of therapeutic services is available to address all sorts of individual needs, let’s expand on what we typically think of when someone says “therapy” – psychotherapy.

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a structured, in-depth form of mental health treatment aimed at addressing underlying psychological issues. Psychotherapy often focuses on understanding long-term, deep-seated emotional and mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and personality disorders.

In psychotherapy, a licensed mental health professional, such as a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed clinical social worker, works with clients to uncover the root causes of their challenges and treat mental illness. Psychotherapy can involve a variety of well-studied approaches, but five main approaches are recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA):

1. Psychodynamic therapy

This approach aims to address problematic behaviors, feelings, and thoughts by uncovering their unconscious meanings and motivations. It emphasizes a collaborative relationship between the therapist and patient, where patients gain self-awareness by examining their interactions within the therapeutic dynamic.

2. Cognitive therapy

Cognitive therapy focuses on how people think rather than what they do. It operates on the belief that dysfunctional thoughts are the root cause of negative emotions and behaviors. By altering these thought patterns, individuals can improve both how they feel and how they act.

3. Behavior therapy

This approach focuses on teaching new ways of behaving by using rewards, consequences, and repetition to replace harmful habits with healthier ones. It emphasizes practical strategies to help people change their behavior. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular approach to behavior therapy.

4. Humanistic therapy

This approach highlights people’s ability to make rational decisions and achieve their full potential, with a strong focus on empathy and respect for others. A key example is client-centered therapy, which views therapists not as experts on their clients’ inner lives but as supportive guides. Therapists foster change by showing genuine care, understanding, and interest in their clients’ experiences.

5. Integrative or holistic therapy

Many therapists don’t stick to a single method. Instead, they combine techniques from various approaches, customizing their treatment to fit each client’s unique needs utilizing a combination of the above approaches. 

These diverse approaches offer flexibility to address a wide range of mental health concerns, allowing a therapist to customize treatment based on individual goals and challenges. While all forms of therapy we’ve explored have the potential to help people with a variety of challenges, the distinction remains that psychotherapy is administered by a licensed mental health professional. 

Which type of therapy is right for me? 

Within the scope of mental health treatment, choosing between psychotherapy and the various alternative forms of therapy depends on your goals and the type of support you need. Within the scope of dealing with emotional struggles and other mental health concerns, there are several considerations before making your decision. 

Alternative therapies like yoga, outdoor therapy, and peer support groups can be effective for some individuals, particularly those addressing short-term or specific stressors. However, for many dealing with mental health challenges, these approaches work best when combined with therapy provided by a licensed mental health professional. Psychotherapy may be a more suitable choice if you:

• Are experiencing persistent emotional or mental health challenges, like anxiety, depression, or trauma
• Want to understand and work through underlying emotional patterns or past experiences
• Are interested in a long-term, in-depth approach to improving mental health
• Have not found success with alternative forms of therapy

In severe cases, feelings of hopelessness may lead to thoughts about death or self-harm. Suicidal ideation, though not common, can be a serious warning sign of deep depression and requires immediate intervention. If you or a loved one are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide following a divorce, this is a mental health emergency. Contact The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7 by calling or texting 988.

How Charlie Health Can Help

If you or a loved one are looking for therapy or psychotherapy, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides more than once-weekly mental health treatment for people dealing with serious mental health conditions. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With treatment, managing your mental health is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.