Therapy

Counselling or Psychotherapy?

There is a vast overlap of styles, theories and techniques between those therapists who describe themselves as providing counselling and those providing psychotherapy.

The BACP gives the following definition:

‘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.’

A definition by the European Association of Transactional Analysis (EATA):

“Counselling
Counsellors who utilize transactional analysis work directly on “here and now” problem solving with their clients, focusing on creating productive problem solving behaviours. Psychotherapy
…work “with” clients to eliminate dysfunctional behaviours and establish and reinforce healthy functioning.”

The way in which we work is directly related to the issues the client brings to therapy, as well as the outcome we contract for. So if someone comes to therapy due to a specific event that has, or is causing them difficulties, and they wish to explore how they can resolve this we are likely to consider that the client wants counselling.

If a client comes to therapy with a generalised dissatisfaction with how they experience themselves, others or the world in which they live, We would explore through the contracting process the usefulness of psychotherapy for the client. We would see this particularly indicated if someone wonders why the same unpleasant events repeatedly occur in their lives.

Sometimes clients may come to therapy initially for counselling following an event, and then discover that their own beliefs, behaviours or feelings have contributed to the difficult event occurring in the first place. At this point the client may wish to re-contract for a psychotherapy contract, which not only explores current options but also explores the ways in which they can bring about lasting positive change in themselves.

What do we offer?

The therapy which is offered can be from different models. Primarily it is Person Centred, which means what you bring is central, that believes in the others potential and ability to make the right choices for him or her self, regardless of the therapist’s own values, beliefs and ideas.

Other types of therapy used: Transactional Analysis (TA), which is a theory of personality and a systematic psychotherapy for personal growth and personal change’. Knowing about TA can be very useful for improving our communication skills. TA is about how people are structured psychologically and is both a theory of communication and a theory of child development.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which examines the belief systems behind your behaviour, CBT looks at how we think about a situation and how this affects the way we act. In turn our actions can affect how we think and feel. The therapist and client work together in changing the client’s behaviours, or their thinking patterns, or both of these.

Gestalt is an approach where the therapist operates in the here and now, helping a person understand what it is that is influencing their present position. Key ideas derived from gestalt psychology are that with heightened holistic awareness you will increase your ability to communicate with others responsibly and clearly, whilst appreciating that you are in relation. Gestalt theory and practice always considers the uniqueness of the person, the couple or team in the context of their current environment/situation. It also maintains awareness of the continued relevance of the past environment.

The Creative Therapies used are art, drama and psychodrama. All these therapies co-operate with unconscious material enabling a person to find their own solutions. In Psychodrama Action Methods are used to enable past, present and future life events to be explored. Issues or problems and their possible solutions are enacted rather than just talked about. Psychodrama offers the opportunity to practise new roles safely, see oneself from outside, gain insight and change. Art therapy offers the opportunity for expression and communication and can be particularly helpful to people who find it hard to express their thoughts and feelings verbally. Drama assists in the development of the use of imagination, powers of creative self expression, decision making and problem solving skills and understanding of self and the world, self confidence, a sense of worth and respect and consideration for others.

Getting started

To determine the best therapy options for you, you are welcome to contact us so we can discuss your needs and find the therapist best able to help you.

Therapy Packages

Short term therapy: specific short-term issues.

1. Email with your problem. There may be some emails clarifying your issue, before one substantial reply.

2. Talk by phone or Internet chat.

3. Arrange face to face consultation.

Cost: £60 per session. Book

Long Term Therapy

There is a discount available for block booking.

1. Email therapy: long-term issues. Send unlimited emails, which will be acknowledge briefly. The cost is based on 4 hours “contact”. There will be 4 substantial responses to the issues you present. You may also send photos, artwork, poetry, or relevant material which can be viewed online.

2. Talk by phone or Internet chat: long-term issues. Block book 4 sessions by mutual arrangement.

3. Face to Face: long-term issues. Block book 4 sessions by mutual arrangement.

Cost: £220.00 Book