Trying to decide whether to see a Counsellor or psychotherapist. What's the difference between the two?

[Helivesinapineappleunderthesea]

Hi all, trying to work out what the difference is between a counsellor and a psychotherapist? I have done a bit of searching, but can't seem to find much info on this.
I have some quite bad issues with self esteem, self image and abandonment fears. So trying to decide which kind of therapy to go for.
I was periodically badly bullied through school from the age of 5 to 16. My father was seriously ill from when I was about 6 until he died 5 years ago. He had problems with alcohol (aside from the illness)and anger management issues and was emotionally and physically abusive in front of us to my mother. This aside, a lot of other shitty things have also occurred over the years to make me doubt myself, I have attempted to take my own life in the past, I was assessed at the time, but masked my feelings.
I'm now 32 and feel that it's all catching up with me. I'm close to my mum and brother but feel I can't really talk to them about these problems. I don't have any close enough friends that I could discuss this with.

I have a lovely partner who has saved me from myself, he has his own problems though with MH and past experiences. I feel I he needs to see someone too, which other people have mentioned to him in the past. We would like to start a family soon, so I would like to start work on my issues as soon as. I'm in the fortunate position of being able to pay for therapy privately. So any suggestions as to what type of therapy might help me would be much appreciated. Thanks for reading.

Generally a counsellor is more about just listening and from what I can gather is more likely to work through a specific issue you need to talk about.

I think a therapist would be better for you as you have a few different factors combining in a way that has affected your self image. Working through that in a way that helped you move forward would be good.

I am biased because it’s the type of therapy I have (in a general sense - my psychologist isn’t rigid about it) but ACT - acceptance commitment therapy - might be right for you. I know the name sounds a bit daft but it’s been amazing. I’ve learned to live with my past and the effect it’s had on me much more now, and am starting to really know who I am and what I want to work towards.

Thank you for your suggestion. I'll look into ACT. It sounds as though a psychotherapist might the better option.

A counsellor is a psychotherapist. Counselling is a form of psychotherapy. But generally a more day-to-day, practical, "listening" and unloading type, rather than anything more specific or scientific/clinically-validated.

With your issues I would strongly recemmend you have a look at Cognitive Behaviour Therapy rather than generic counselling. Good for you for looking at getting the help, and good luck!

I have had both counselling and psychotherapy, I think its more important to have someone you have good rapport with than anything. I have found I need to try a few out which is quite stressful but worth it in the long term. They tend to have assessment sessions anyway without commitment on either side.