What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
psychologist
Example
The psychologist helped me understand my anxiety and provided strategies to manage it. [psychologist: noun]
Example
She is studying to become a psychologist and hopes to work with children. [psychologist: noun]
counselor
Example
The school counselor helped me choose the right classes for my career goals. [counselor: noun]
Example
I see a counselor once a week to talk about my depression and work through my feelings. [counselor: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Counselor is more commonly used than psychologist in everyday language. Counselor is a broad term that covers a wide range of professions, while psychologist is a more specialized term that refers specifically to professionals who study human behavior and mental processes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between psychologist and counselor?
Psychologist is generally considered more formal than counselor. Psychologist is often associated with clinical or academic settings, while counselor is more commonly used in everyday conversation and informal settings.
