What is the difference between Psycotherapy and Counselling?
This is something I get asked a lot, and it is a very good question and one where there is unfortunately no simple answer! Though both are talking therapies, and in practice Counselling and Psychotherapy can look similar, there are key differences in the thinking and process, as well as the level of training required.
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The training to become a UKCP registered psychotherapist is at postgraduate level and covers a four to five-year period. Counselling on the other hand, often spans two years.
Counsellors generally work at a more immediate level, focusing on a current issue that is affecting the client. Psychotherapists on the other hand think and work at a deeper level, considering how the structure of your process and personality might be affecting your experience of relationships and being in the world. Psychotherapists are trained to formulate – to diagnose according to their approach to therapy.
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What will our sessions look like?
My priority is to create a warm, safe and trusting relationship. I understand beginning therapy can be a daunting step, and therefore we will move at your pace - whether this is your first time entering therapy, or whether you come as an experienced client.
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Our first session will be slightly longer to help us establish a '360' of your life - your relationships, work, interests, and to establish any goals. Future sessions will then build on making links between past and present.
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Our aim will be to build awareness, understanding, acceptance and compassion towards yourself and others.
As an Integrative therapist I draw upon different models of psychotherapy, unique to each client, adjusting them to your needs. I work relationally, so emphasise and bring into awareness relational patterns which may exist and be impacting your emotional wellbeing.
