WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY?
These two terms are often used interchangeably and that can be confusing. Psychotherapists are likely to have trained for a longer time. Often counselling can be seen to refer to more short-term work whilst psychotherapy may relate to longer term work. But this is not always the case.
For example, I am a psychotherapist and may see some clients for just a few sessions. It will depend very much on the nature of the issues. Both counselling and psychotherapy can be very helpful for people. The most important factor for effective therapy is that there is a good working relationship between client and therapist.
These two terms are often used interchangeably and that can be confusing. Psychotherapists are likely to have trained for a longer time. Often counselling can be seen to refer to more short-term work whilst psychotherapy may relate to longer term work. But this is not always the case.
For example, I am a psychotherapist and may see some clients for just a few sessions. It will depend very much on the nature of the issues. Both counselling and psychotherapy can be very helpful for people. The most important factor for effective therapy is that there is a good working relationship between client and therapist.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
We will discuss this regularly. I usually suggest that we agree to four sessions initially and then look together to see if more sessions would be useful.
You would not be contracted into long term therapy. You can decide to finish therapy at any time.
We will discuss this regularly. I usually suggest that we agree to four sessions initially and then look together to see if more sessions would be useful.
You would not be contracted into long term therapy. You can decide to finish therapy at any time.
DO I HAVE TO MEET AT THE SAME DAY AND TIME EACH WEEK?
It is ideal if we can meet at the same time each week. But sometimes that is not possible. I try to be as flexible as I can regarding this.
It is ideal if we can meet at the same time each week. But sometimes that is not possible. I try to be as flexible as I can regarding this.
WILL I FEEL UNDER PRESSURE TO DISCLOSE PERSONAL INFORMATION ABOUT MYSELF?
Therapy is a huge undertaking. Talking to someone you have never met can feel daunting and exposing. I pace the sessions to suit you so you can feel comfortable to talk about what is important to you, in your own time.
Therapy is a huge undertaking. Talking to someone you have never met can feel daunting and exposing. I pace the sessions to suit you so you can feel comfortable to talk about what is important to you, in your own time.
ARE THE SESSIONS CONFIDENTIAL?
Yes, they are completely confidential. Therapy is a safe space for clients to talk about themselves. I would only pass information on to a third party such as a GP where I felt there was a risk of self-harm or harm to another person.
Yes, they are completely confidential. Therapy is a safe space for clients to talk about themselves. I would only pass information on to a third party such as a GP where I felt there was a risk of self-harm or harm to another person.
HOW DO YOU KEEP UP TO DATE WITH BEST PRACTICE IN THERAPY?
I complete a number of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training events each year as required by my registration body. This means that I keep up to date with new ideas as well as revisiting older established ones. As per the requirements for all therapists, I also have regular supervision with an experienced qualified therapist.
I complete a number of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training events each year as required by my registration body. This means that I keep up to date with new ideas as well as revisiting older established ones. As per the requirements for all therapists, I also have regular supervision with an experienced qualified therapist.