WHY THERAPY?Both counselling and psychotherapy offer a safe,consistent space in which to explore and resolve emotional distress and difficulties.
Although talking to family and friends can be of great value, the confidential and professional nature of therapy allows for frankness, honesty and expression that may not be possible elsewhere. The developing conversation enables us to make sense of thoughts, worries, feelings, behaviour patterns and relationships, so bringing about change.
WHAT IS COUNSELLING?
The aim of counselling is to help you take charge of whatever problems you face, and to enable you to make choices and seek solutions. It is not the same as advice. Some of this work revolves around ourselves and how we engage with the world. Some of it may explore difficulties you face immediately, such as at work, making important decisions, or in life situations or relationships that are problematic.
Counselling helps you to make changes and to move forwards in the direction you have chosen. The initial session can be an opportunity to discover what this direction may be.
Making changes, whether within ourselves, or externally, can be challenging. A counsellor offers psychological support and helps facilitate this process.
Sometimes there is a particular focus for counselling, as in couples or relationships, sexual or health problems, employment, bereavement, and many other specialisms. Many counsellors, including myself, are 'generalists' who help you consider all aspects of the situation. Other sources of help may be discussed, and the first session will seek to clarify the appropriateness of therapy, and the therapist concerned.
WHAT IS PSYCHOTHERAPY?Psychotherapy seeks to work at a deeper level, particularly with our internal world and the way this impacts on our lives. Our unconscious mind, many of our feelings and behaviour patterns, as well as relationship dynamics, lie beyond our day to day awareness. Often they have evolved since childhood and over the course of adult life. Psychotherapy is often seen as a developmental and creative inner journey.
For this level of change to take place, time and consistency of attendance are required - a commitment undertaken by client and therapist alike.
There are many ways in which counselling and psychotherapy offer the same benefits, and cannot always be distinguished from each other. You do not have to decide which you require and the first session will help clarify both what you want and how your needs can best be met.
A key element in successful therapy has been identified by researchers as the relationship between client and therapist. This relies on the core principles of
therapist empathy, honesty and respect for clients.
I am commited to working ethically and professionally. I abide by the BACP Code of Ethics and Practice, which is a requirement for practice as an Accredited practitioner. I am also CRB checked via my registration with Barnardo's.
FIRST STEPS
If you are reading this as part of considering therapy, you have already taken the first step towards helping yourself. Facing our problems and fears can be empowering. If you would like to discuss a possible first appointment, please feel free to contact me by phone or email.
