What is Counselling and Psychotherapy?
In a typical counselling or psychotherapeutic setting, meetings are weekly in private and we will explore any difficulties/distress you may be experiencing in confidence. Sessions last 50-55 minutes each and are usually scheduled the same time each week but can be on a more ad hoc basis to be arranged between you and me.
Counselling tends to be more short term work (6 -12 sessions) focused on supporting you through a specific situation such as panic attacks, bereavement, divorce or redundancy.
Psychotherapy is more medium or longer term work on personal growth and covers broader issues such as building self esteem and self-confidence, working on relationships, increasing personal satisfaction and making good life choices.
We will have a review at session 6 in any case. This is for me to get feedback from you about the therapy.
In case you are not sure if you want to commit to long term work after the initial meeting then I invite you to commit to 6 sessions and to discuss how you want to continue at the review.
How does it work?
Counselling or psychotherapy sessions provide you with a secure space in which to talk freely and openly - in a way that is rarely possible with friends or family - to a person who neither judges nor offers advice.
Counselling and Psychotherapy can help in some of the following ways:
Supporting you through a difficult time
Strengthening your sense of Self
Increasing self esteem and confidence
Increasing your sense of inner peace and self-acceptance
Helping you make life choices
Helping you to live life on your terms
During sessions you are gently encouraged to explore various aspects of life that may be troubling you. By listening with empathy, attention and patience your therapist will attempt to understand the difficulties from your point of view and help you find a fresh perspective on your situation.
As the trust between you and your therapist builds, you will be encouraged to look at aspects of your life, relationships and yourself, which you may not have thought of or felt able to face before. This experience can enable release, reduce pain and deepen awareness as to the underlying causes of distress. It is a way of facilitating choice or change and reducing confusion.
