Is Psychotherapy the Same as Therapy? Here’s What You Should Know

When people mention "therapy," it’s usually in the context of mental health. But have you ever wondered, what is psychotherapy vs therapy? Are they truly the same? The answer is: not quite. While the two terms are often used interchangeably in everyday conversations, they carry different meanings when you dig into the details. Therapy is a broad term that includes a variety of treatments, both mental and physical, while psychotherapy is a specialized form of therapy focused specifically on emotional and psychological healing.

Whether you're considering reaching out for support or just curious about the terms, this guide will clarify the key differences, benefits, and when you might need each one. And if you’re looking for expert help, Wellman Psychology offers professional Psychotherapy Lincoln Park services tailored to your needs.

If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained, now might be the time to talk to someone. Wellman Psychology provides compassionate, evidence-based support to help you overcome life’s challenges. Our licensed psychotherapists are trained to guide you through mental health struggles like anxiety, depression, and trauma. Whether you're seeking short-term strategies or deep personal healing, we’re here to support your journey. Contact Wellman Psychology today and take your first step toward better mental health.

What Is Therapy?

Therapy is an umbrella term used to describe treatment methods aimed at improving an individual’s well-being. It doesn't apply only to mental health—therapy can include everything from physical therapy for a sports injury to massage therapy for stress relief. In this context, though, we’re mainly talking about psychological or emotional support.

Mental health therapy generally involves meeting with a trained professional to discuss problems, set goals, and work through difficult emotions or behaviors. Depending on the type, therapy may be short-term and solution-focused, or more open-ended and supportive. Life transitions, grief, relationship issues, and work stress are just some of the common reasons people seek therapy.

Some key points about general therapy:

It can address physical or emotional issues.
It may include supportive conversations, lifestyle adjustments, or skill-building.
It’s often used to manage short-term problems or specific stressors.
Therapists may not always dive deeply into past traumas or long-standing mental health diagnoses.

In short, therapy helps people feel better and function more effectively, even if it doesn't always involve intense psychological analysis.

What Is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a specific type of therapy that zeroes in on the mental and emotional aspects of a person’s life. Sometimes referred to as "talk therapy," it involves structured sessions with a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychotherapist, counselor, or clinical social worker. The goal is to help clients understand their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions and make meaningful changes.

Unlike general therapy, psychotherapy often explores deeper issues, including trauma, unresolved childhood experiences, personality patterns, and unconscious beliefs. It’s evidence-based, meaning it's backed by scientific research and proven techniques.

Psychotherapy is ideal for:

People with diagnosed mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD).
Those experiencing persistent emotional difficulties.
Individuals seeking deeper insight into themselves.
Anyone wanting to break negative cycles or behavioral patterns.

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach—your psychotherapist will choose or combine techniques based on your personal goals and history.

Therapy vs. Psychotherapy

So, what are the main differences between the two? Here’s a breakdown:

Category

Therapy

Psychotherapy

Scope

Broad (physical or mental)

Specific to mental and emotional health

Focus

Surface-level or situational issues

Deep psychological patterns and trauma

Provider

Various licensed professionals

Trained mental health professionals

Duration

Often short-term

Can be short-term or long-term

Approach

Supportive, practical

Structured, evidence-based techniques

Examples

Life coaching, stress counseling

CBT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy

To sum it up: all psychotherapy is therapy, but not all therapy is psychotherapy. If you're just trying to navigate a tough time, therapy might be sufficient. If you're dealing with deeper or more complex psychological challenges, psychotherapy is likely the better option.

Types of Psychotherapy

There are many different styles of psychotherapy, each with its own approach and benefits. Here are some of the most widely used:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that influence behavior. It’s practical, structured, and often short-term—great for treating anxiety, depression, phobias, and more.

2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, DBT helps individuals manage intense emotions and improve interpersonal skills. It’s useful for mood disorders, self-harm, and trauma.

3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT encourages clients to accept their emotions and commit to behavior changes that align with their values. It’s beneficial for people struggling with anxiety, depression, or chronic pain.

4. Psychodynamic Therapy

This deep-dive therapy explores unconscious motivations, past relationships, and childhood experiences. It aims to uncover the root causes of emotional distress and develop lasting insight.

5. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

IPT focuses on improving communication and relationship patterns. It’s commonly used to treat depression and is effective in both short-term and long-term formats.

6. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is primarily used for trauma and PTSD. It combines guided eye movements with memory recall to reduce the emotional impact of traumatic memories.

Each therapy method serves different needs, and your therapist may integrate several approaches depending on what works best for you.

Do I Need Therapy or Psychotherapy?

If you’re unsure which form of treatment to pursue, start by evaluating your needs and concerns:

Are you coping with a specific issue, like job stress or a breakup? Therapy can provide practical support and strategies.
Are you struggling with long-standing emotional pain, past trauma, or recurring mental health symptoms? Psychotherapy can help you explore those deeper issues and heal from them.
Do you want to better understand yourself and change long-term patterns in your life? Psychotherapy offers insight and tools for sustainable growth.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck, it’s okay not to have all the answers right now. At Wellman Psychology, our trained Psychotherapy Lincoln Park professionals can help you determine the best path forward during an initial consultation. The important thing is that you're considering taking care of your mental health—and that’s a powerful first step.

What Does a Psychotherapist Do?

A psychotherapist plays a vital role in helping clients process and heal from mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Their job is not just to listen, but to assess, diagnose, and treat psychological conditions using proven techniques.

Here’s what you can expect from working with a psychotherapist:

Assessment: In the early sessions, they’ll evaluate your mental health history, current challenges, and goals.
Diagnosis: If needed, they may provide a formal diagnosis to guide treatment.
Treatment Planning: They’ll develop a personalized treatment approach using appropriate therapeutic techniques.
Sessions: Through weekly or bi-weekly meetings, you’ll explore thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.
Progress Tracking: They’ll monitor changes over time and adapt your plan as needed.

Psychotherapists are not only supportive but also strategic—they work to empower you with tools, insight, and coping strategies to improve your mental health long-term.

Final Thoughts

Therapy and psychotherapy are both valuable, depending on your situation. Therapy may offer the guidance and support you need for life’s immediate challenges. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, provides a deeper, more structured path toward long-term emotional healing and self-discovery.

If you're unsure where to start, don't worry—you don’t have to go it alone. Wellman Psychology is here to help you understand your needs and provide expert care tailored just for you. Whether you're dealing with stress, navigating trauma, or just looking for someone to talk to, our licensed Psychotherapy Lincoln Park professionals are ready to support your journey.