What is Counselling?

A lot of people use the terms Counseling and Psychotherapy interchangeably. I beleive they are similar in meaning with considerable overlap, but that there are some important distinctions between the two that are helpful to keep in mind.

Counselling is a conversation or series of conversations usually focussing on a specific problem, followed by agreeing and taking the steps to address or solve it. Problems are discussed in the present-tense, without too much attention to past experiences.

In counselling I don’t offer advice. Instead, I will guide you to discover your own answers and support you through the actions you choose to take.

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy, like counselling, is based on a listening relationship and psychotherapy, or therapy for short, also takes place over a series of meetings, though often it has a longer duration than counselling. Some people participate in therapy off and on over several years.

Instead of narrowing in on individual problems, psychotherapy considers overall patterns, chronic issues, and recurrent feelings. This requires an openness to exploring the past and its impact on the present. The aim of psychotherapy is to resolve the underlying issues which fuel ongoing complaints. Psychotherapists help to resolve past experiences as part of laying the foundation for a satisfying future.

Many psychotherapists are open to and interested in wisdom from a variety of sources the body, the unconscious, and the inner child, to name a few possibilities. Therapists should be comfortable working with strong feelings, traumatic memories, and the therapeutic relationship.

In practice our sessions would include both apporaches, counselling and psychotherapy.

Your first therapy session is at a reduced rate.

Offering a first session at a reduced rate is a good way for us to see if working together will be helpful and productive. Fill in the form on this page or call me on 07976 667280 to book an appointment or learn more.