Counselling and psychotherapy are umbrella terms that cover a range of talking therapies. They are delivered by trained practitioners who work with people over a short or long term to help them bring about effective change or enhance their wellbeing.
Every year one adult in four, along with one child in ten, will have a mental health issue.
According to UK estimates, only about one-fourth of those with mental health problems undergo ongoing treatment. These conditions can profoundly affect literally millions of lives, affecting the capability of these individuals to make it through the day, to sustain relationships, and to maintain work.
how can they help?
Psychotherapy aims to help patients gain insight into their difficulties or distress. It can establish a greater understanding of their motivation, and enable them to find more appropriate ways of coping or bring about changes in their thinking and behaviour.
Psychotherapy involves exploring feelings, beliefs, thoughts and relevant events, sometimes from childhood and personal history, in a structured way with a qualified professional to help you do it safely. Depending on the nature of your problem, therapy can be short or long term. Sessions can be provided for adults, adolescents and children on a one-to-one basis, or for couples, families and within groups whose members share similar problems.
what happens during psychotherapy?
Every session is different because every person is different, as are their problems. Andy will encourage you to talk and explore, in a structured way, your feelings and experiences. Depending on their training and modality, your therapist may also suggest particular techniques as part of that exploration.
what is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Whatever the technique or clinical approach, psychotherapy is not a magical cure, it is a process to help you find the capacity for improvement within yourself.
Different people use the words counselling and psychotherapy in different ways, so there is no commonly agreed definition. There is a general understanding that a psychotherapist can work with a wider range of patients, and can offer more in-depth work where appropriate. Psychotherapists also have a higher degree of academic qualification and experience.
