What is the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy?
This is a much debated question. The reality for many clients is that they wouldn't actually notice the difference between a session with an experianced counsellor and one with an experianced psychotherapist. There are greater differences between the many theoretical models than between the way a counsellor and a psychotherapist works. Psychotherapists have usually trained for longer and their course may well have been more academic, although this is by know means guaranteed. There are big differences in the approach towards training and some counselling courses are more academic, whilst others are more experiential. In the past it was generally considered that counsellors dealt with less severe problems and shorter term work, however this is no longer the case. To make things simpler I will refer to both counsellors and psychotherapists as therapists.
How Should I Choose a Counsellor/Psychotherapist?
At the moment anyone in the UK can call themselves a counsellor, irrespective of experiance or training. The first thing to look for in selecting a therapits is therefore membership of a professional body. There are a number of such bodies and you can find links to their websites below. Membership will ensure that the therapist has a recognised qualification, professional insurance and follows an appropriate Code of Ethics. There will then be practical considerations such as how far do you want to travel, how much can you afford to pay etc. You may also have a preference for a particular approach, but if you don't then this isn't a problem. Research has shown that the most important factor in succsesful counselling is the relationship between the client and the therapist, rather than the theoretical model followed. You should be able to arrange for an initial session where you can ask any questions you may have and get a feel for the therapist and the way she works. If you don't have a positive feeling about the session then it is perfectly acceptable to try other therapists before deciding who you want to work with.
What is Counselling/Psycotherapy?
Counselling/psychotherapy is often described as a talking thereapy. In fact listening is perhaps the most important skill for a therapist to develop, as it is usually the client who does most of the talking. There are different approaches to counselling, but the general principle is that through talking to a therapist about your feelings you can work through your emotional and psychological problems. Some therapists will make use of special techniques, such as the sand tray, art, two chair work etc. others will focus purely on listening to the client and making the occasional intervention.
If you are interested in finding out more about some of the most common theoretical
models then follow the links below:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Gestalt Therapy
Person Centred Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy
What is a Counselling/Psychotherapy session like?
In most sessions you will sit and talk to your therapist on a one to
one basis. The therapist will provide a safe and confidential environment for you to explore your feelings. Some therapists use experiment, art, bodywork etc., depending on their theoretical model and the needs of the individual client. Working through your problems is often an emotional process and your therapist will be used to seeing people get upset and angry and should be able to support you through whatever you are feeling.
The number of sessions can vary enormously, with some short term counselling lasting only a few weeks and some deeper traumas requiring years of work. You may agree a certain number of sessions at the start of your therapy, or you may work open-ended. Most therapists will want to see you on a weekly basis at a regular time, for 50 minutes.
What are the benefits of Counselling/Psychotherapy?
Counselling/psychotherapy can help you work through a whole range of emotional and psyhcological problems, such as depression, anger, bereavement, relationship problems, addiction, anxiety, abuse, compulsions, etc. Some therapists will specialise in a particular field, but many will work with a wide range of problems.
Find a therapist
Nancy Hine
Counselling
Do you suffer from depression, anxiety, stress, anger? Counselling provides a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your emotional world and find creative solutions to your problems.
I provide counselling for adults and young people aged 13 and over.
County: Berkshire
For more information: http://www.nancyhine.co.uk - email@nancyhine.co.uk - 0118 977 0836
The Mind Clinic
Counselling
The mind clinic, located in the heart of London's Medical district, has an international reputation attracting individuals from all over the world. Providing consultations, counselling, mind healing and educational programmes.
County: London
For more information: http://www.mindinstructor.com - tracy@mindinstructor.com - 020 7486 0202
Counselling Links
www.bacp.co.uk British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
www.psychotherapy.org.uk United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy
www.counselling.ltd.uk A charity providing information about counselling and therapists
www.relate.org.uk Relationship counselling
www.no5.org.uk Counselling for young people in Reading
www.arcweb.org.uk Counselling for young people in Wokingham
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