The words counselling and psychotherapy are often used interchangeably and there is no clear definitive answer to what the differences are. I tend to think of the main difference being that counselling is usually shorter term to deal with a particular issue or concern and that psychotherapy is often longer-term work but this is not a hard and fast definition.
In either case the most important element is the process of being with a qualified therapist to talk about, make sense of and understand your experiences. Counsellors do not advise or tell you what to do – in this way the relationship is unique and unlike those we have with friends, family or colleagues etc.
Life is complicated and challenging at times – there are times when things feel very wrong and we are upset, angry, anxious, scared or sad and need somewhere to talk about these feelings. These are often the times when counselling and psychotherapy can be particularly helpful. You won’t be judged or criticised and you will be accepted and supported to understand yourself more fully.
However even when we feel things are going well we can sometimes need some space and time to look at how we feel and what we want for ourselves – to reflect and perhaps plan too. Usually people find the process brings more than they imagined and a strong sense of moving forward or growth is felt.
I offer a safe space to talk and explore your worries, anxieties and fears. Somewhere to be listened to and feel heard when life is challenging you or you simply want to think about and understand yourself better.
I have worked with adults of all ages both in short term and longer-term counselling settings who have brought a range of issues and concerns.
We can talk about what you might be looking for from counselling and my “What to Expect” page in the main menu tells you some more about how I work.
Everything that is talked about in the sessions remains confidential between us with the following exceptions – if I am required to pass on information by law; if I believe that you or another person is at serious risk of harm; if you ask me to pass on your information e.g. to a GP or within the confidentiality of my professional supervision sessions.
I keep brief notes following each session and these are kept separately from your personal details in password-protected files on my computer for the administration of my client work. I am registered with the Information Commissioners’ Office and no personal details will ever be passed to another agency unless if required by law. Once we have finished working together your data will be stored securely for three years in line with my insurance and ethical practice requirements before being deleted.
You have the right to request a copy of the information held by me whilst we are working together and you can also contact the Information Commission Officer on www.ico.org.uk should you require any further advice or guidance on the use of your personal data.
“The words counselling and psychotherapy are often used interchangeably and there is no clear answer to what the differences are – it really depends on who you are talking to.”
If you would like to contact me then please email or phone. I aim to respond within 24 hours wherever possible.
When life is challenging and situations feel unmanageable it can be useful to take a step back and talk to a professional to make sense of how you feel and what is happening. If you would like to contact me please email or phone.