u/Bulky-Register-6106

I've been accepted to two counselling related doctoral programs: GCU Doctorate of Counselling Psychology, and U of Edinburgh Doctorate in Psychotherapy and Counselling.

I'm not from the UK, so I'm having a bit of a hard time understanding the difference between Counselling Psychology as a field and Psychotherapy as a field. From my understanding, it seems like DCounsPsych job opportunities have quite a bit of overlap with DClinPsych, in addition to being able to open a private therapeutic practice, whereas the Doctorate of Psychotherapy limits to private practice (and possibly third sector? Not sure what kind of jobs there are in third sector for psychotherapist).

If my ultimate goal is to own a private practice and become a citizen/permanent resident of the UK (I'm originally from the US), any advice on which program would be better suited? I'd like to pick the program that will form me into the best counsellor/therapist, while also being mindful of the risk of relying on private practice - especially as an immigrant.
In addition to private practice, I'm also excited by the prospect of teaching and perhaps a little bit of research. I'm open to the idea of working in public health / third sector for a few years while getting myself set up.

I've been accepted to two counseling related doctoral programs: GCU Doctorate of Counselling Psychology, and U of Edinburgh Doctorate in Psychotherapy and Counselling.

I'm not from the UK, so I'm having a bit of a hard time understanding the difference between Counselling Psychology as a field and Psychotherapy as a field. From my understanding, it seems like DCounsPsych jobs have quite a bit of overlap with DClinPsych, in addition to being able to open a private therapeutic practice, whereas the Doctorate of Psychotherapy limits to private practice.

If my ultimate goal is to own a private practice and become a citizen of the UK (I'm originally from the US), any advice on which program would be better suited? I'm also excited by the prospect of teaching, and I'm willing to work in public health in order to "survive" for a few years but its not my dream career.

Any info on the reputation of the programs is also welcome. The GCU program seems to pose more of a challenge with placements (as all have to be found by the student), vs UoE which provides a starter placement at the Hope Park Counselling Center. Overall, I'd like to pick the program that will make me the best counselor/therapist while also not getting totally pigeon-holed.