What is counselling and psychotherapy? How can it help?

Counselling and psychotherapy can help with most issues, including:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Anger
  • Relationship issues
  • Divorce, separation, affairs and betrayal
  • Bereavement, pre-bereavement and loss
  • Addictions
  • Eating disorders
  • Low self-esteem and confidence
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and phobias
  • Abuse
  • Trauma and post trauma
  • Childhood and family issues
  • Major life passages such as parenthood, mid-life, retirement & old age
  • Meaning and fulfillment
  • Loneliness and isolation
  • Ageing, illness and fear of death
  • Spirituality and religion

My approach to counselling and psychotherapy

My personal approach is one in which I try to hear and understand you, your life and whatever it is you are bringing to therapy, as much as I am able. I will fully accept you for who you are and, over time, you will find that our relationship is one in which you can be open and honest, without feeling judged or the need to please. I hope you will see me as compassionate and caring and, whilst I will not judge, I will always try to be honest which may sometimes involve gentle challenging in a way that may reveal alternative perspectives or new insights.

My theoretical approach is primarily Person Centred. When appropriate, I will sometimes take a more pluralistic approach incorporating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and Jungian psychology. If you are interested in learning more about these different theoretical approaches, please have a look at the brief descriptions on my site.

To answer any questions you have and to help you with your decision, I offer either a free consultation (20 minutes, online or by telephone) or a more in-depth, face-to-face session (50 minutes, in person or online) which is chargeable.

Counselling versus Psychotherapy

There are no strict definitions and the boundary between what might be considered as counselling as opposed to psychotherapy is elastic. Counselling is closer to what might be thought of as ‘talking therapy.’ This is a process in which the conditions of being heard, understood and accepted for who you are by your counsellor is often enough for healing to take place. Psychotherapy is usually deeper and longer term. It often involves an historical exploration of your past, such as childhood experiences, significant relationships and trauma, with a view to understanding how these (often unconsciously) may be still impacting upon your life today. Psychotherapy will also focus on your future, helping you to discover meaning and fulfillment. This process, in its entirety, can be thought of as your personal journey of ‘individuation’ or ‘self actualisation.’