WHAT IS COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY?

Counselling and psychotherapy are umbrella terms that cover a range of talking therapies. Counsellors and psychotherapists are trained professionals who will work with you over a period of time to help you develop a better understanding of yourself and of others.

Psychotherapy is typically a more in-depth, long-term process that focuses on a person's feelings and past experiences leading to personal growth.

Counselling, meanwhile, usually refers to short-term talking therapy, helping to resolve current issues.

Counselling and psychotherapy take place when a client sees a therapist in a confidential setting to examine a difficulty. This may be anxiety about a particular problem, dissatisfaction with life or loss of sense of direction.

By listening attentively and patiently the therapist can begin to see the problem not only from the client's point of view but from a different perspective to enable clarification and understanding of the situation. Therapy can then help the client to make changes or to reduce the confusion felt.

During the session the client is helped to explore several aspects of their life and feelings, freely and openly in a way that is rarely possible with friends or family and with someone who does not judge.