About Therapy

So what is the difference between psychotherapy and counselling? In practice, counselling and psychotherapy overlap. Counselling tends to focus more on specific life events, whereas psychotherapy tends to deal with more deep-seated personal issues, which may bring about really profound changes. Counselling deals more with the ‘here and now’, Psychotherapy looks at why we deal with life in the way we do, it deals with psychological process rather than merely the content of life’s upsets. By it’s nature Psychotherapy takes longer and requires a therapist with a longer training and a greater degree of skill. In practice Counselling and Psychotherapy tend to merge into each other.

Which Difficulties can Therapy Assist With?

The list of conditions amenable to therapy can seem almost endless, whilst therapy cant heal a broken leg it can help one to accept and live with the pain!
However, common issues which might be suitable for therapy include:

Anxiety difficulties
Work related stress
Phobias
Agoraphobia/isolation
Depression/Mood disorder
Low self Esteem
Lack of Assertiveness
Adjustment disorders Bereavement
Loss of Direction/Purpose

Or sometimes just feeling that life is passing you by or your not getting what you want out of life

Relationship counselling
Couple counselling
Family difficulties
Difficulties in relating to others
Traumatic childhood
Feeling unloved or unworthy
Loneliness
Sexual Difficulties
Past or childhood sexual abuse
Sexual violence
Jealousy

Or for reasons of personal development and fulfilment.

Psychiatric difficulties
Eating disorders
Personality difficulties
Poor body image/Body dysmorphia

If well controlled - Psychotic and more serious Psychiatric difficulties.

With more serious Psychiatric difficulties or where there is a risk of suicidal or other self –harming behaviour it is often best to work in liaison with a persons GP or Psychiatric professional who may be able to advise in terms of medication options and with Risk Management which work well in conjunction with Psychological
Therapy.

No issue is too small or too great to bring to counselling. It is common to feel apprehensive about seeing a therapist or to worry about what will happen. My style is warm, approachable and sensitive and there is no right thing for you to say or do. There will be plenty of opportunity to discuss the techniques used and any questions you may have.
Therapy is not about someone telling you what to do - it is about considering issues together, in ways which help you to clarify and understand more about your situation and how you would like things to be.

I suggest all new people attend an initial assessment, of up to 90 minutes. This will allow us to consider issues in far greater detail than could otherwise be completed over the phone or in writing. You will have time to explore your difficulties or aims and I can explain the methods. It is important that you feel safe and comfortable and together we can see whether we think we can work together.
Afterward sessions are generally once a week at the same time and last for 50 minutes. You can end the arrangement at any time, although usually this will be discussed together.
Fees are charged on a sessional basis of £40.00 per session (50 minutes per session). In the event of enquiry or if you wish to discuss any matter with me please do not hesitate to email me or speak to me by phone. In the event of temporary unavailability I will endeavor to return your call as soon as possible.