There’s nothing new about people-helping. Humans have attempted to help one another resolve personal issues for as long as they have walked on earth. In one of our most ancient texts, the Book of Job, probably composed during the Persian period (540-330 BC), Job says of his counsellors, “Miserable comforters are you all” (Job 16:16). In our own day, we recognise various expressions of such activity, including psychiatry, clinical psychology, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, and counselling. Each of these offers a pathway to mental wellness, and understanding the differences between them can helpfully inform treatment choices, empowering individuals to choose the support that best suits their needs. Psychiatry is a medical field led by physicians (psychiatrists) who diagnose mental disorders and can prescribe medication, making it especially beneficial for individuals facing conditions like depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder that may have a biological basis. Clinical psychology is a science-based discipline in which trained psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat emotional and behavioural problems, often through evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), supporting personal growth and resilience. Psychoanalysis, rooted in the theories of Freud, delves into the unconscious mind, using techniques like free association and dream interpretation to uncover deep-seated conflicts, offering profound self-understanding and transformation over time. Psychotherapy is a broader term that includes various talk therapy approaches, such as CBT, psychodynamic therapy, or humanistic therapy, and is used by trained professionals (including psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychotherapists) to help individuals manage distress, build coping strategies, and improve emotional regulation. Finally, counselling typically focuses on present-day challenges and personal development; counsellors offer a safe, non-judgmental space to explore issues like grief, relationships, or career dilemmas, providing guidance, clarity, and emotional support. Each discipline, in its own way, contributes to mental health and personal wellbeing by helping individuals better understand themselves, heal from emotional wounds, and build more fulfilling lives.