Do I Need a Psychologist or a Counsellor? How to Choose the Right Trauma Support in Hobart

Looking for the right mental health support can feel overwhelming. There are so many options available — psychologists, counsellors, therapists, social workers. You might find yourself Googling things like trauma psychologist Hobart or therapy for PTSD Tasmania, unsure of who does what and how to choose.

The truth is, the “right” practitioner for you depends less on their title and more on their approach, training, and how safe you feel with them.

In this article, we’ll break down the differences between psychologists and counsellors, explain what trauma-informed therapy actually means, and help you figure out what kind of support is best for you.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a counsellor?

In Australia, a psychologist is a registered health professional who has completed six or more years of university and supervised clinical training. They’re qualified to assess and diagnose mental health conditions and often work with structured therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), schema therapy, and DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy). Many psychologists work under Medicare, meaning eligible clients can receive rebates through a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).

A counsellor, on the other hand, is a more general term. Some counsellors are registered through bodies like the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or PACFA. Others, like social workers with mental health experience, are accredited through the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Social workers and counsellors often use similar evidence-based approaches as psychologists, but with a more relational, person-centred lens.

What this means in practice is that a social worker or counsellor might not give you a diagnosis, but they’ll work with you to process experiences, understand patterns, and make meaningful change. And depending on their training, they might offer therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), somatic therapy, or narrative therapy.

Which is better for trauma recovery?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Both psychologists and counsellors can support trauma recovery — what matters most is the therapist’s understanding of trauma and how they tailor their approach to you.

Some psychologists specialise in trauma and offer body-aware therapies like EMDR or somatic integration. Others may take a more cognitive approach, helping you reframe thoughts or manage symptoms. Meanwhile, trauma-informed counsellors or social workers often provide longer-term, relational work, focused on rebuilding safety and connection at a nervous system level.

If you’re looking for help with:

• Complex PTSD or childhood trauma

• Gaslighting, emotional abuse, or relationship trauma

• Chronic shame or self-blame

• Trauma linked to gender, sexuality, or identity

Then a trauma-informed counsellor or social worker may offer a more spacious, validating environment. These practitioners often prioritise pacing, consent, and co-regulation, which can be especially helpful if you’ve had experiences of being pushed, pathologised, or dismissed in other settings.

What is trauma-informed therapy?

Trauma-informed therapy means the practitioner understands how trauma lives in the body, brain, and nervous system. Rather than focusing only on symptoms or diagnoses, they look at your whole story — including your strengths, survival strategies, and what’s helped you cope.

In a trauma-informed space, you don’t need to share everything at once. The work is paced around safety, trust, and readiness. You’re invited to set boundaries, take breaks, and stay connected to your body throughout the process.

Some signs a therapist is trauma-informed:

• They ask for consent before diving into intense topics

• They help you learn grounding tools and body awareness

• They focus on what’s happening in the present, not just the past

• They validate your lived experience and don’t minimise your responses

Trauma-informed care is especially important if you’re neurodivergent, queer, or have experienced marginalisation. It recognises that trauma doesn’t only come from single events, but can stem from long-term invalidation, discrimination, or emotional neglect.

When should I see a psychologist?

You might consider seeing a psychologist if:

• You’re looking for a diagnosis (like ADHD, PTSD, anxiety or depression)

• You want access to Medicare rebates through a Mental Health Care Plan

• You’re interested in structured, short-term interventions (like CBT)

• You need a psychological report for school, work, or legal reasons

• You’re already under the care of a GP or psychiatrist and they’ve referred you

Some psychologists are also trained in EMDR or more body-based therapies. If that’s important to you, it’s worth checking their bio or asking before booking.

When is a counsellor or social worker a better fit?

A counsellor or social worker might be a better fit if:

• You’re looking for longer-term support to unpack trauma

• You want therapy that is identity-affirming, LGBTQIA+ inclusive, and culturally sensitive

• You prefer a relational, collaborative approach rather than a clinical one

• You’ve tried talk therapy but it didn’t go deep enough

• You don’t necessarily need a diagnosis — you just want to feel better and understand yourself more

Social workers with additional training can offer evidence-based therapies like EMDR, ACT, or narrative therapy. While you won’t get a Medicare rebate unless they’re accredited as an AMHSW (Accredited Mental Health Social Worker), many clients find the deeper, more personalised approach worth it.

Why I don’t call myself a psychologist (and what I offer instead)

I’m a registered social worker with years of experience in trauma-informed therapy. While I’m not a psychologist, I use many of the same evidence-based tools — including EMDR, ACT, and body-based practices — and combine them with a deeply relational, inclusive approach.

I work with people who are:

• Queer, neurodivergent, and seeking a therapist who “gets it”

• Living with the impacts of trauma, shame, or chronic anxiety

• Feeling stuck or overwhelmed by emotions they don’t fully understand

• Wanting a slower, safer way to explore their inner world

My focus is on connection. I believe that healing happens in the presence of safety, compassion, and curiosity — not pressure to perform or pathologise your pain.

EMDR therapy with a social worker vs a psychologist

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a powerful, evidence-based trauma therapy. Both psychologists and social workers can be trained in EMDR — and the quality of the therapy often depends more on the practitioner than their title.

At Inclusive Minds Counselling, I offer EMDR 2.0, a more flexible, adaptive version of traditional EMDR. It’s ideal for people who:

• Have found talk therapy exhausting or ineffective

• Struggle to explain what they feel but want to heal anyway

• Have nervous systems that are easily overwhelmed

• Are living with developmental or complex trauma

EMDR 2.0 integrates grounding, nervous system regulation, and pacing to help your body process what’s been stuck — without reliving it all over again.

Common questions from clients

Is a counsellor as good as a psychologist? It depends on what you’re looking for. If you need a diagnosis, a psychologist is your best bet. If you want gentle, affirming support to unpack your story and reconnect with yourself, a trauma-informed counsellor or social worker can be just as effective — and often more personalised.

Can social workers offer EMDR? Yes, many social workers (like myself) are trained and certified in EMDR therapy. You don’t need to see a psychologist to access this powerful trauma treatment.

Is therapy covered by Medicare? Only if the practitioner is registered under Medicare (e.g. psychologist or Accredited Mental Health Social Worker). I currently work privately, which means no GP referral is needed. Some clients use NDIS or private health to cover costs.

How do I know if a therapist is trauma-informed? Look for words like "trauma-informed," "body-based," or "inclusive." Ask about how they pace sessions, whether they offer grounding tools, and how they work with triggers or dissociation.

Still unsure who to see?

Choosing the right therapist is about more than credentials. It’s about trust, comfort, and feeling like your experiences will be held with care.

If you’re looking for trauma therapy in Hobart and want to feel seen as a whole person — not just a diagnosis — you’re welcome to reach out for a free 15-minute consult. We’ll chat about what you’re looking for, what I offer, and whether it feels like a good fit.

And if I’m not the right person for you, I’ll always do my best to help you find someone who is.

Let’s make therapy a space where you feel safe to be yourself.

Book a free consult or learn more at www.inclusivemindscounselling.com.au