What is counselling and psychotherapy?
Counselling and psychotherapy are both words which are used interchangeably to cover the talking therapies (British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy). More importantly however, they describe a therapeutic relationship, in which a trained professional gives an individual client the space to explore their thoughts and feelings with the ultimate aim of enhancing their health and wellbeing.
Counselling generally describes a relatively brief treatment process which tends to target a particular problematic situation or symptom. Conversely, Psychotherapy is a longer term treatment focused on gaining insight into chronic hard to shift problems. A variety of techniques are used in the psychotherapeutic process and as a consequence, the therapist will have considerably more skills and have undertaken a much more significant period of training than a counsellor.
It is important to note that counselling and psychotherapy are not about advice giving on the part of the therapist. Instead, the client is given the chance to air their problems and feelings to a trained professional, who has the skill to listen empathically and via a reflective process, enable them to gain insight into their situation and then make their own personal decisions to change.
Clients decide to pursue counselling and psychotherapy at various points within their lives. Sometimes clients contact a therapist when they experience the onset of an acute mental health problem such as anxiety or depression following a major life event such as bereavement or the breakdown of a significant relationship. Others decide to pursue therapy when they can no longer cope with a chronic mental health issue or general feelings of unhappiness. Some clients get in contact when they suddenly feel at odds with their lives and wish to renew their zest for life and growth. For ease of reference, we have compiled a list of the various conditions our therapists commonly treat on the next page of our website, but please note that this is by no means exhaustive.
Their commitment to you is to provide a confidential and quiet environment for your therapy sessions and therapy techniques adapted to your individual needs to improve your happiness and fulfilment in life.