What Is a Counselling Psychologist?

Understanding Their Role in Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

When people hear the word psychologist, they often picture someone analysing dreams or diagnosing mental illness. In truth, modern psychology covers a broad range of specialties — and one of the most client-centred and relational fields is counselling psychology.

If you’ve ever wondered what a counselling psychologist actually does, how they differ from clinical psychologists or counsellors, and what kinds of issues they can (and cannot) address — this guide is for you.

At AO Psychology Singapore, we believe understanding the role of a counselling psychologist helps clients make informed, empowered decisions about their wellbeing journey. Let’s explore what counselling psychology is really about, and how it might support you or someone you care for.

What Is Counselling Psychology?

Counselling psychology is a branch of professional psychology that focuses on helping individuals improve their emotional, social, and personal functioning across the lifespan.

Counselling psychologists are trained to work with everyday challenges — stress, anxiety, grief, self-esteem, relationship issues — as well as mild to moderate mental health conditions. They use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based interventions to help clients make sense of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.

Unlike advice-giving or motivational coaching, counselling psychology is grounded in psychological science. A counselling psychologist helps you explore what lies beneath recurring patterns and equips you with tools to navigate life more consciously.

How a Counselling Psychologist Differs from a Counsellor or Clinical Psychologist

In Singapore, both counselling psychologists and clinical psychologists receive postgraduate training in psychology, but they differ slightly in focus.

Counselling Psychologist:

• Primary Focus: Wellbeing, growth, life adjustment
• Typical Client Concerns: Stress, grief, relationships, anxiety, mood

Clinical Psychologist:

• Primary Focus: Diagnosing and treating disorders
• Typical Client Concerns: Depression, PTSD, OCD, bipolar, trauma

Counsellor:

• Primary Focus: Emotional support and coping skills
• Typical Client Concerns: Daily stress, communication, personal growth

Think of counselling psychologists as the bridge between counselling and clinical psychology — skilled in therapy for both personal growth and mild-to-moderate mental health issues.

At AO Psychology, our counselling psychologists work alongside clinical psychologists, ensuring clients receive the right level of care for their needs.

What Counselling Psychologists Can Do

Counselling psychologists are trained professionals who integrate psychological theory, scientific research, and therapeutic practice to promote wellbeing. Their work is both evidence-based and deeply human-centred.

Here’s what they can do:

1. Provide Evidence-Based Psychotherapy

They use structured therapeutic approaches — such as CBT, ACT, DBT, or EMDR — to help clients identify unhelpful patterns, regulate emotions, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

2. Conduct Psychological Assessments

They are qualified to administer certain assessments related to personality, stress, and emotional functioning. (More complex diagnostic assessments are usually conducted by clinical psychologists.)

3. Support Clients Through Life Challenges

Whether it’s burnout, grief, relationship stress, or identity loss, counselling psychologists help clients process emotions, rebuild confidence, and strengthen self-awareness.

4. Facilitate Preventive Mental Health Work

They don’t only work when things fall apart. Counselling psychologists also help individuals cultivate resilience, mindfulness, and balance before crises occur.

5. Work with Couples, Families, and Groups

Many counselling psychologists provide therapy in relational or group settings to improve communication, boundaries, and emotional connection.

6. Collaborate with Other Health Professionals

When needed, counselling psychologists coordinate with psychiatrists, physicians, or nutritionists to provide holistic care — especially when physical and psychological factors overlap.

At AO Psychology, this integrated care is part of our DNA. Our counselling psychologists often collaborate with our clinical team, yoga therapists, and nutritionists to support clients from multiple dimensions — mind, body, and emotions.

What Counselling Psychologists Cannot Do

Despite their extensive training, counselling psychologists are not medical doctors or psychiatrists. It’s crucial for first-time clients to understand where the boundaries of their work lie.

Here’s what counselling psychologists cannot do:

1. Prescribe Medication or Medical Treatment

Only psychiatrists and medical doctors can prescribe antidepressants, antipsychotics, or anti-anxiety medication. A counselling psychologist may recommend you consult a psychiatrist if medication could support your recovery.

2. Treat Severe Psychiatric Disorders in Isolation

While they can provide therapeutic support, counselling psychologists typically do not work as the primary care provider for severe conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, or severe eating disorders. These require psychiatric management.

3. Provide Emergency Crisis Response

Counselling psychologists are not crisis hotlines. If someone is in immediate danger or suicidal distress, emergency services or crisis helplines are the appropriate first contact.

4. Guarantee Quick Fixes

Therapy is not an instant solution. It’s a gradual process of understanding and change. Counselling psychologists guide you through that process, but lasting results come from your commitment to practice and reflection.

5. Control or Change Other People

They help you gain clarity and emotional strength — but cannot force others in your life to change. Counselling is about internal growth, not external control.

Issues Counselling Psychologists Commonly Address

At AO Psychology Singapore, clients come to counselling psychologists for a wide range of emotional and psychological concerns. These often include:

• Work stress and burnout
• Anxiety, worry, or panic attacks
• Mild to moderate depression
• Relationship and family conflict
• Grief and loss
• Identity, self-esteem, and boundary issues
• Adjustment to life transitions
• Perfectionism and people-pleasing
• Somatic symptoms (where the body expresses emotional stress)

Through collaborative therapy, clients learn to identify patterns, manage emotions more effectively, and build a more balanced inner life.

When Counselling Psychologists Collaborate with Psychiatrists

In many cases, the most effective treatment is integrated care — where psychological therapy and medical support work hand-in-hand.

For instance, if a client struggles with chronic insomnia or severe mood fluctuations, a psychiatrist may stabilise symptoms with medication, while the counselling psychologist helps the client develop coping skills and insight to sustain long-term wellbeing.

This teamwork ensures that each professional operates within their scope of expertise, while the client benefits from comprehensive care.

The Skills and Training of a Counselling Psychologist

Counselling psychologists typically hold:

• A Master’s or Doctorate degree in Counselling Psychology
• Supervised clinical hours under licensed professionals
• Ongoing professional training in trauma-informed care, mindfulness, or somatic modalities

At AO Psychology, our counselling psychologists are carefully selected for both competence and compassion. Each brings their own therapeutic style — some may focus more on cognitive-behavioural methods, others on emotion-focused or somatic approaches — but all share one goal: helping clients reconnect with their inner stability and sense of agency.

The AO Psychology Approach

At AO Psychology, we believe effective therapy is not just about techniques — it’s about connection. Our counselling psychologists work from the belief that healing happens when you feel safe enough to be fully seen.

We integrate psychological science with mindfulness, body awareness, and relational understanding. This means therapy doesn’t stop at “talking about feelings.” It involves learning how emotions live in the body and how to regulate them in daily life.

What Makes AO Psychology Different:

• Integrated Mind-Body Care: We combine counselling psychology with somatic therapy, mindfulness, and movement-based approaches.
• Evidence-Based Interventions: Our professionals are trained in CBT, ACT, DBT, and EMDR, ensuring scientific rigour.
• Collaborative Treatment: Counselling psychologists work closely with clinical psychologists and psychiatrists when higher-level care is needed.
• Safe, Inclusive Environment: We offer a confidential, welcoming space for individuals from all walks of life — professionals, parents, students, or couples.

When to Consider Seeing a Counselling Psychologist

Consider reaching out if you notice:

• Persistent stress, sadness, or anxiety
• Difficulty coping with change
• Conflict in relationships that keep repeating
• Feeling “stuck” despite trying to move forward
• Loss of motivation or direction
• Physical tension or fatigue tied to emotional strain

You don’t need to wait for a crisis to seek help. Counselling psychology is as much about prevention as it is about healing. 

How AO Psychology Can Help

At AO Psychology, our philosophy is simple: healing happens when we care for the whole person — mind, body, and emotions. Our practice brings together clinical psychologists, counsellors, and somatic therapists, alongside specialists in nutrition and yoga therapy.

We don’t just manage symptoms; we help you build lasting emotional health through awareness, embodiment, and resilience.

What makes AO Psychology different:

• Evidence-Based Expertise: Our psychologists and counsellors are trained in CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, and other proven methods.
• Integrated Wellness: We combine traditional talk therapy with body-based and mindfulness approaches to promote balance.
• Personalised Matching: We pair clients with professionals whose expertise and style best fit their needs.
• Safe and Inclusive Space: Our centre is designed for comfort, confidentiality, and connection.

Whether you’re new to therapy or returning after a pause, you’ll find a supportive environment that honours your pace and your story.

✅Book a consultation today and begin your journey toward emotional healing.