When seeking help with mental health issues, there are many different types of help available and this can be confusing.  Clinicians and therapists vary widely in their level of training, experience and approach. You will no doubt be looking for someone you can feel comfortable with and whose qualifications you can trust.

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 A clinical psychologist is a highly trained professional, specialising in the alleviation of psychological distress and the promotion of psychological well-being.  The terms ‘counsellor’, ‘therapist’, and ‘psychotherapist’ can be used by anyone in the UK, although many people using these qualifications have specific training and experience. The term ‘psychologist’ may also be used by someone with a psychology degree, without them having had specific clinical training.   The term clinical psychologist is a protected title guaranteeing a high level of clinical training and experience. Clinical psychologists have a minimum of 7 years training, including an undergraduate degree in psychology and a doctoral level post-graduate qualification, specialising in the clinical application of psychological theory and research.  This training equips clinical psychologists to be reflective and critical, evidence-based practitioners who are competent in at least two models of therapy (usually CBT and another approach). The training of a clinical psychologist allows them to draw on a wide range of theories and evidence base to produce a treatment plan tailored to meet your specific needs. 

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You can find out more about the different types of therapist here - https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/psychiatrists-psychologists-psychotherapists-counsellors.html