Counselling and Psychotherapy – FAQ's

 

What is Psychotherapy and Counselling?

 

Psychotherapy and counselling are types of talking therapies. Both Counselling and Psychotherapy are similar activities so distinctions are not easily drawn. However, 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. Both offer a confidential space where you can examine areas of your life which you would like to change in some way. My objective is to work together to help you change unhelpful patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaviour. The focus is on helping you to improve your relationships and to live a more creative, resourceful and satisfying life.

 

 

What is Transactional Analysis psychotherapy (TA)?

 

 

TA is a collaborative approach which helps you clearly understand patterns of interaction within yourself and with others, leading to personal growth and personal change.TA as a theory of personality, communication and child development is applied as a tool in working with psychological issues, ranging from everyday living problems to severe mental health difficulties.

 

 

What I can help with?

 

 

I have many years of experience which incorporates a vast range of areas including; low self-esteem, bereavement, relationship issues, anxiety, stress, depression, couples, children, group and family work, addictions, chronic illness, abuse and many more.

 

 

Who can benefit from counselling and psychotherapy?

 

 

The short answer is that therapy has the potential to benefit everybody! Although for many clients there is often a catalyst that is the ‘straw that broke the camel’s back’, others are more proactive and use therapy to avoid bad situations rather than to get out of them. Maybe you can see problems looming ahead or have been feeling unsettled for some time and are just not sure why you’re feeling this way. Whatever the case, attending therapy is a helpful tool to support you in achieving the life you’ve always wanted to lead. 

 

 

What should I expect when I make first make contact?

 

 

Typically, I will usually talk to you briefly on the phone to get some basic personal details and then arrange an initial face-to-face meeting. During this session I will ask some more detailed questions about your hopes and expectations from therapy as well as some more background information around your personal history. There will also be an opportunity during this session for you to ask questions of me so we can mutually decide whether they would like to work together.

 

 

Where will we meet and for how long?

 

 

Both of my practice sites have a secure and confidential consulting room.You can decide which location would work best for you. Sessions are usually arranged on a weekly basis and last for 50 minutes. The length of therapy overall will be a matter for discussion between us. However, both long and short-term therapy options are available depending on the nature and depth of our work together.