What is Psychotherapy/Counselling?
Seeking help when you need it is not a sign of weakness; it takes courage, strength and wisdom. Having made the decision to see a therapist there are a wide variety of therapies and counselling to choose from. Firstly what is the difference between psychotherapy and counselling?
Generally the distinction made is that counselling is shorter term work concentrating on specific issues, is goal oriented and solution focused; while psychotherapy involves in depth work which takes longer, exploring more fully our inner world and past experience, and how they impact on the ways we have of dealing with ourselves, others and the world.
I do not hold the distinction as particularly important. Both counselling and psychotherapy offer a relationship with the intent to alleviate distress and to facilitate personal growth. It is a helping process which can be transformative, involving a confidential talking relationship. The overall aim is for the client to explore feelings and thoughts with the therapist and to develop insight and understanding, enabling life to be lived more satisfactorily and effectively.
“When you are in psychological distress and someone really hears you without passing judgement on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mould you, it feels damn good!” (Carl R Rogers) 
