What is Psychotherapy and Counselling?

There are many definitions of psychotherapy and counselling. Both Counselling and Psychotherapy are similar activities (I use the word 'therapy' to mean both on this website), so distinctions are not easily drawn. Counselling tends to be a shorter term process, usually focused on problem solving or about a specific issue. Psychotherapy is a longer term, deeper process.

In counselling and psychotherapy we generally focus our attention on three areas;

1) The Present. What is problematic or unsatisfying for you in your life right now? What are the areas of difficulty which have brought you into therapy right now? How are your problems being maintained by factors in your life right now? What is happening in the room between us, how are we experiencing each other and the therapy?

2) The Future. What do you want out of life? What changes do you want to make? What do you hope for? What do you fear?

3) The Past. When it's relevant, we will talk about the past, to gain a greater understanding of the forces and events which have shaped you and to gain freedom from unresolved issues. This may involve resolution of specific trauma.

I am interested in helping you to live more a more effective and satisfying life, and will expect you to take your insights and knowledge gained through the therapy process into your life.

Therapy is about examining your life, changing unhelpful patterns of thinking, feeling, behaviour and limiting ways of relating to others. Both counselling and psychotherapy are focused on helping you to improve your relationships, removing distress from your life and helping you to live a more creative, resourceful and satisfying life.

The therapy process is often deeply painful, but leads to greater contentment in life. Unfortunately there are no magic wands, and resolution of problems often takes time, courage and determination. You will need to be an active participant in your change process- therapy is something you do, rather than something which is done to you. My experience over the years has consistently shown therapy to be helpful and very successful for a wide range of problems.

The therapeutic relationship is of prime importance, and is a particular kind of relationship. You can expect to experience it as supportive, but challenging. You can expect to be treated with respect and integrity, and similarly you will be expected to treat others respectfully and with integrity.