What is psychology?

What is Psychology?

“Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.”

Understanding the differences between Counselling Psychology, general psychology, Guidance and Counselling and Psychiatry

1. Counselling Psychology

Counselling Psychology is about helping people deal with emotional or life challenges like stress, relationship issues, grief, anxiety, work related stresses, children and adolescence challenges or low self-esteem.

They don’t give medicine, only therapy through conversation.

A counselling psychologist talks with you, helps you understand your feelings, and teaches you ways to cope or solve problems.

They have advanced training in psychology and are qualified professionals.

2. General Psychology

This is the broad study of how the human mind works and why people behave the way they do.

• It covers many topics like how we think, learn, remember, develop, or interact with others.
• A person who studies general psychology may work in schools, companies, or research – not necessarily with patients.
• Think of it as the “science behind human behavior.”

3. Guidance and Counselling

This usually happens in schools or community settings and is mostly about helping people with education, career choices, or personal development.

• A guidance counsellor might help a student choose a course, manage exam stress, or solve a conflict with a friend.
• They may not be psychologists, but they’re trained to support people with advice and basic counselling.
• It’s more short-term help, not deep therapy.

4. Psychiatry

This is a branch of medicine that deals with serious mental health problems like depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder.

• A psychiatrist is a medical doctor, so they can diagnose mental illnesses and give medicine.
• They can also do therapy, but they focus more on medical treatment of the mind.
• You go to a psychiatrist when your condition is more severe or needs medication.