Good psychotherapy also includes some education and emotional support, but is a much more in-depth process that should challenge you. Unfortunately, the words psychotherapy and counselling are often used interchangeably, and this causes confusion. A psychotherapist is anyone who practices psychotherapy. In more practical terms, a psychotherapist is someone who helps you with your feelings. Psychotherapists come from diverse educational backgrounds.
Most family physicians do some counselling.
Some devote part or all of their practice to more in-depth psychotherapy, and call themselves G.P. Psychotherapists or Physician Psychotherapists. Another reason is that a physician therapist will be knowledgeable about medical conditions, medications, and the health care system. Inquire about what special training the physician has had in the field of psychotherapy for medical patients. Ask if group therapy is available. Even though you might be uncomfortable at the thought of talking about your medical problems in front of others, most experts recommend the group format for medical issues, because it seems to work much better.