Hey, my name is Phil, and today I want to chat with you about something that can get a bit confusing: the differences between social workers, psychologists, and counsellors.

These professions all help people, but they each bring something unique to the table.

So what is a Social Worker? These are people who’ve studied at university—usually a four-year Bachelor of Social Work or a two-year Master’s, to tackle personal and social challenges.

How About Psychologists?

They dive deep into how our minds work, helping people with things like anxiety, depression, or trauma. You’ll often find them doing one-on-one therapy, using techniques like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to shift negative thinking.

They’re trained to diagnose mental health conditions, which sets them apart.

And Counsellors?

They offer practical advice and emotional support, often in settings like schools or private offices. Their training is usually shorter—maybe a diploma or certificate—compared to the long haul of psychology or social work degrees. Counsellors don’t typically diagnose mental health conditions.

Breaking Down the Differences

So, what really sets them apart? Let’s dig in:

Focus:

Psychologists zoom in on your mind. They’re all about understanding why you feel or think a certain way and fixing it with therapy.

Counsellors focus on specific problems—less about diagnosing, more about guiding you through a rough patch with practical steps.

Social workers blend personal help with big-picture change. They might counsel you, sure, but they’re also asking, “What’s going on in your world—your family, your housing, your rights—that’s making this harder?” Their focus is simply much broader.

How can I help you?

I can provide advocacy for you if you are having trouble finding a home for example, or I could provide assistance with substance use, I can provide support if you are experiencing domestic violence, or legal issues. Finally, I can write functional capacity assessments for the NDIS to make sure you get the right funding.

So there you have it. A summary of the key differences between Psychologists, counsellors and Social Workers.