Counselling & Psychotherapy

Counselling and Psychotherapy are ‘talking therapies’ which aim to help people deal with emotional problems and life stresses. The goal of therapy is to help us as individuals to understand our thoughts, feelings or behaviours and to develop skills to manage our lives in more satisfying ways. Sharing troubles with a compassionate, respectful, professionally trained person - who listens in complete confidence - can help.

As a therapist, I believe that a person’s early life experience influences who we become and there is a tendency to repeat ways of relating to others. When we grow into adults we find ways of coping which offer some security because they are familiar. However, we can get ‘stuck’ in old ways. Therapy can help us find new ways to avoid repeating problematic life patterns.

The therapy process can be challenging as it means squarely facing up to those things we might ordinarily try to avoid.  At the same time, the process can also bring with it a discovery of strengths and unexpected job.  The therapy process is also special as it involves a special kind of relationship with one person who is prepared to listen with genuine compassion and curiousity and to accept the client as they are.  Being accepted by others can help clients to better accept and appreciate themselves in turn.

A wide range of difficulties and issues are worked on in counselling and/or psychotherapy including:  stress and anxiety; depression, low self-confidence and esteem; loss, grief and bereavement; trauma or post-traumatic stress; physical, emotional or sexual abuse; coping with problematic use of  drugs, alcohol or food;  self-harm; and sexuality and gender issues.

The terms 'counselling' and 'psychotherapy' are often used interchangeably and there is a lot of overlap in terms of what happens in the different therapy sessions.  Counselling is usually short term (involving a few sessions) and focuses on a specific problem.  Psychotherapy tends to be in more depth and aims to probe the root of present problems by making links to more deeply seated longer-term relationship difficulties.  The decision as to which therapy will be most beneficial for a client is usually decided after the first few meetings.

For further information about counselling and psychotherapy you might like to look at the following websites:

Mind (mental health charity): http://www.mind.org.uk/

UK Council for Psychotherapy:  http://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy: http://www.bacp.co.uk/