What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Counselling and psychotherapy are both terms associated with talking therapy.
Counselling is considered by some to be more short term and solution focused, whereas psychotherapy might be more long term and in depth, with more importance placed upon childhood and attachment. A psychotherapist will often only be described as such if they have a post graduate level qualification, whereas a counsellor may not.
My training was to Masters levels, I conduct short and long term work, and I use techniques and theoretical knowledge from a variety of sources. For these reasons, I tend to use the terms counselling/counsellor and psychotherapy/psychotherapist interchangeably.
For me, it is most important to listen to what my client wants to focus on in our sessions, and to be flexible with this as their goals for therapy evolve.
For more information, see www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/what-is-counselling
Counselling and psychotherapy are both terms associated with talking therapy.
Counselling is considered by some to be more short term and solution focused, whereas psychotherapy might be more long term and in depth, with more importance placed upon childhood and attachment. A psychotherapist will often only be described as such if they have a post graduate level qualification, whereas a counsellor may not.
My training was to Masters levels, I conduct short and long term work, and I use techniques and theoretical knowledge from a variety of sources. For these reasons, I tend to use the terms counselling/counsellor and psychotherapy/psychotherapist interchangeably.
For me, it is most important to listen to what my client wants to focus on in our sessions, and to be flexible with this as their goals for therapy evolve.
For more information, see www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/what-is-counselling
What types of therapy / counselling are there?
There are many different types of therapy (click here for BACP list), but the three main ones are Humanistic, Psychodynamic and CBT, and as an Integrative therapist, I have training in all three.
There is lots of information on the internet about the differences between theoretical models, which can sometimes feel quite confusing. However, although each approach has a slightly different emphasis or method of working, they share a common aim, which is to help the client gain insight into themselves in order to gradually ease their psychological pain.
In addition to the common aim, the good news is that research has shown that positive outcomes for clients in therapy are actually most affected by the quality of the relationship between client and therapist, as opposed to the type of therapy the therapist is delivering.*
This is why my focus is first and foremost on fostering a trusting and transparent relationship with my client. Once that relationship is established, drawing on the knowledge I have across different models of therapy, I work in collaboration with my client to find what suits them best as an individual.
For more information, see www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/types-of-therapy
There are many different types of therapy (click here for BACP list), but the three main ones are Humanistic, Psychodynamic and CBT, and as an Integrative therapist, I have training in all three.
There is lots of information on the internet about the differences between theoretical models, which can sometimes feel quite confusing. However, although each approach has a slightly different emphasis or method of working, they share a common aim, which is to help the client gain insight into themselves in order to gradually ease their psychological pain.
In addition to the common aim, the good news is that research has shown that positive outcomes for clients in therapy are actually most affected by the quality of the relationship between client and therapist, as opposed to the type of therapy the therapist is delivering.*
This is why my focus is first and foremost on fostering a trusting and transparent relationship with my client. Once that relationship is established, drawing on the knowledge I have across different models of therapy, I work in collaboration with my client to find what suits them best as an individual.
For more information, see www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/types-of-therapy
How should I decide on a particular counsellor / therapist?
Since the quality of the relationship between client and therapist is the best predictor of the outcome for the client* when I am looking for a therapist myself, I would always meet them for an initial session, or even 2 or 3, before deciding whether or not to work together. This is why I offer a free 30 minute phone or zoom call before we even meet – so you can hopefully gauge whether I might be right for you, before having to pay anything.
For me, it is also important that the therapist/counsellor is associated with one of the professional bodies such as the BACP, NCS or UKPC – this ensures that they are properly trained, legitimate practitioners.
For more information, see www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/how-to-find-a-therapist
Since the quality of the relationship between client and therapist is the best predictor of the outcome for the client* when I am looking for a therapist myself, I would always meet them for an initial session, or even 2 or 3, before deciding whether or not to work together. This is why I offer a free 30 minute phone or zoom call before we even meet – so you can hopefully gauge whether I might be right for you, before having to pay anything.
For me, it is also important that the therapist/counsellor is associated with one of the professional bodies such as the BACP, NCS or UKPC – this ensures that they are properly trained, legitimate practitioners.
For more information, see www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/how-to-find-a-therapist
What is the BACP?
The BACP is the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists which is the professional body I am an accredited member of. In being a member, I adhere to CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and supervision requirements, and I follow the BACP code of ethics so my clients can be reassured that I practice safely and ethically. As an accredited member, I have met the extra criteria necessary to demonstrate I have high standards of knowledge, experience and development, and bring these attributes to my practice.
The BACP is the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists which is the professional body I am an accredited member of. In being a member, I adhere to CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and supervision requirements, and I follow the BACP code of ethics so my clients can be reassured that I practice safely and ethically. As an accredited member, I have met the extra criteria necessary to demonstrate I have high standards of knowledge, experience and development, and bring these attributes to my practice.
Crisis helplines
I check my email and phone messages regularly, but if you are in crisis or at immediate risk please attend your local A&E or visit your GP for an emergency appointment. You can also telephone the Samaritans confidentially on 116 123 (Freephone)
I check my email and phone messages regularly, but if you are in crisis or at immediate risk please attend your local A&E or visit your GP for an emergency appointment. You can also telephone the Samaritans confidentially on 116 123 (Freephone)
Other resources / links
http://www.sane.org.uk/home
https://www.samaritans.org/
https://www.mind.org.uk/
www.bacp.co.uk
*Reference to research: Cooper, M. (2008) Essential Research Findings in Counselling and Psychotherapy. The Facts are Friendly London: Sage
http://www.sane.org.uk/home
https://www.samaritans.org/
https://www.mind.org.uk/
www.bacp.co.uk
*Reference to research: Cooper, M. (2008) Essential Research Findings in Counselling and Psychotherapy. The Facts are Friendly London: Sage