Is psychotherapy or counselling for me?
There are times in all of our lives when we experience difficulties which we may feel ill equipped to manage or overcome on our own. Changes in life can leave us bereft of answers or ways of coping with whatever has befallen us. It is at these times that we may benefit from professional support in the form of psychotherapy to help us try and make sense of what seems impossible to live with or understand at that time. Our highly skilled and experienced therapists can help you to move beyond issues that are holding you back from a life lived with greater meaning and freedom.
They can help you explore and work through issues such as:
- Stress/Anxiety
- Addictions
- Co-dependency
- Forming and maintaining relationships
- Low self-esteem
- Relationship difficulties
- General feeling of unease and meaninglessness in life
- Bereavement
- Physical and sexual abuse
- Trauma
- Self-harm
What is the difference between psychotherapy and counselling?
There are some misconceptions that therapy is all about exploring your childhood – this is not always the case. However, the therapist realises there is a vital importance around early life but it’s not the whole picture. Individuals bring their past into the present in order to make some sense of their current difficulties and problems. With that said there are differences between counselling and psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy
Normally, psychotherapy explores at depth psychological difficulties that are presented in the therapeutic relationship. There is a consistent long term relationship between the therapist and patient which in itself becomes meaningful and can help the patient as part of the psychological work that needs to be done.
Counselling
Counselling can focus on a ‘single issue’ for example, bereavement or particular addiction. It could be a work related issue or an issue in a relationship. Counselling can sometimes be time limited where goals maybe set as part of the counselling work.
It is important to discuss during your assessment whether counselling or psychotherapy is for you.
How do I make an appointment?
If you feel that counselling or psychotherapy might help you, then contact the service to make an initial assessment appointment. This will be a time for you to talk about your current difficulties and some of the underlying causes.
