Resources and explainers

Psychotherapy is grounded in science and is fundamentally a form of talking therapy. Qualified psychotherapists are required to train for a number of years in the discipline, and explore decades of psychological research and theory to understand how the human brain, emotions and behaviour function and interact. Unlike life coaching or general counselling, psychotherapy is governed by regulatory bodies. 

The training, modality and approach of each psychotherapist will vary.  There are also important differences between psychotherapists and cognitive behavioural therapists, psychoanalysts and clinical psychologists. It is vital to find a practitioner whose background is most suited to your needs.

Research on the efficacy of psychotherapy

A large body of research shows that psychotherapy can deliver positive benefits to many people, but what this means for each individual depends on the competency of the psychotherapist and the therapeutic alliance. Information on how 'many studies, reviews, analyses, and trials have demonstrated the positive and enduring outcomes' (UKCP, 2024) for clients, can be read here.

Differences in disciplines

Regulatory information and guidance on disciplines and ways of working, including directory listings, can be viewed on the links below:

• UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)

• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

• The British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC)

• The British Psychological Society (BPS)

• The British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (BABCP)