What is the difference between Counselling & Psychotherapy
Counselling and Psychotherapy are two terms which are often confused due to its interchangeable usage in psychiatry and overlapping nature regarding several features. However, the main difference between counselling and psychotherapy is that counselling is a short term process whereas psychotherapy is a long term process.
Is Counselling or Psychotherapy for me?
Counselling and Psychotherapy are different with every therapist and for every client. There are many types of counselling and counsellors, and finding the right fit for you is essential. It is important that you feel comfortable with me to make the most of our work together. In an initial session you can get to know me and the way I work and decide whether you want to continue - there is no obligation whatsoever.
How many sessions will I need?
The length of counselling/psychotherapy depends very much on the concerns you choose to bring. Some people find short term counselling sufficient whilst others work with me for longer psychotherapeutically on much deeper seated issues. We can discuss your needs in the initial session and you can decide which is best for you. We will regularly review our work together and you are free to end our work at any time, although a planned ending is encouraged.
Will I feel better quickly?
Therapy cannot be considered a quick fix. Many people expect their well-being to improve in a steady upward curve however this is rarely the case. Feelings and emotions are changeable especially when discussing upsetting experiences so you may find that you feel worse for a while, this is a natural part of the healing and therapeutic process and I will offer you the time and space to go at your own pace. Reviewing our work together ensures the therapy adapts to your needs as we go along and any concerns you have can be discussed in any session.
What can I talk about in the sessions?
I invite you first and foremost to bring yourself, as you are in the moment. It maybe that you have a specific concern you wish to talk about or perhaps you are not sure where to start, bring whatever feels the most important for you, from work, family, relationships, depression, anxiety, life change, bereavement, sexuality and much more, I am open to discussing whatever is concerning you in a steady and non-judgemental environmental.
You can also bring anything about the sessions or me and our differences into the sessions. Our relationship is an important aspect of the process and any feelings or emotions you notice may provide insight into your external world that maybe relevant to your concerns.
Is counselling confidential?
Whilst the discussions and work we do is confidential there are some limitations to this. Serious crime and imminent risk of serious harm to yourself or others requires me to pass on information to relevant others. This would where possible always be discussed with you first and I can tell you more in our initial session. I also attend regular supervision, here I will take discuss aspects of my work to ensure I am working in the best way possible for you and your concerns. Be assured you are anonymised in this process.
Can I contact you in an emergency or outside our sessions?
Therapy takes place within scheduled sessions. I am not able to offer mental health support outside of these times.
I do not offer emergency support. Should you feel that you need immediate help the links below may be of support:
If you feel unable to keep yourself safe dial 999 or go to your nearest A&E department
Your GP
The Samaritans
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help-you/contact-us)
NHS links for getting immediate help (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/getting-help/)
Mind information line (https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/))
Counselling and Psychotherapy are two terms which are often confused due to its interchangeable usage in psychiatry and overlapping nature regarding several features. However, the main difference between counselling and psychotherapy is that counselling is a short term process whereas psychotherapy is a long term process.
Is Counselling or Psychotherapy for me?
Counselling and Psychotherapy are different with every therapist and for every client. There are many types of counselling and counsellors, and finding the right fit for you is essential. It is important that you feel comfortable with me to make the most of our work together. In an initial session you can get to know me and the way I work and decide whether you want to continue - there is no obligation whatsoever.
How many sessions will I need?
The length of counselling/psychotherapy depends very much on the concerns you choose to bring. Some people find short term counselling sufficient whilst others work with me for longer psychotherapeutically on much deeper seated issues. We can discuss your needs in the initial session and you can decide which is best for you. We will regularly review our work together and you are free to end our work at any time, although a planned ending is encouraged.
Will I feel better quickly?
Therapy cannot be considered a quick fix. Many people expect their well-being to improve in a steady upward curve however this is rarely the case. Feelings and emotions are changeable especially when discussing upsetting experiences so you may find that you feel worse for a while, this is a natural part of the healing and therapeutic process and I will offer you the time and space to go at your own pace. Reviewing our work together ensures the therapy adapts to your needs as we go along and any concerns you have can be discussed in any session.
What can I talk about in the sessions?
I invite you first and foremost to bring yourself, as you are in the moment. It maybe that you have a specific concern you wish to talk about or perhaps you are not sure where to start, bring whatever feels the most important for you, from work, family, relationships, depression, anxiety, life change, bereavement, sexuality and much more, I am open to discussing whatever is concerning you in a steady and non-judgemental environmental.
You can also bring anything about the sessions or me and our differences into the sessions. Our relationship is an important aspect of the process and any feelings or emotions you notice may provide insight into your external world that maybe relevant to your concerns.
Is counselling confidential?
Whilst the discussions and work we do is confidential there are some limitations to this. Serious crime and imminent risk of serious harm to yourself or others requires me to pass on information to relevant others. This would where possible always be discussed with you first and I can tell you more in our initial session. I also attend regular supervision, here I will take discuss aspects of my work to ensure I am working in the best way possible for you and your concerns. Be assured you are anonymised in this process.
Can I contact you in an emergency or outside our sessions?
Therapy takes place within scheduled sessions. I am not able to offer mental health support outside of these times.
I do not offer emergency support. Should you feel that you need immediate help the links below may be of support:
If you feel unable to keep yourself safe dial 999 or go to your nearest A&E department
Your GP
The Samaritans
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help-you/contact-us)
NHS links for getting immediate help (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/getting-help/)
Mind information line (https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/))