What Is Counselling?
Your Questions Answered
Below you’ll find answers to some of the more common questions I’ve received. Read on to learn more about how counselling and psychotherapy works. If you feel like you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, feel free to contact me for more information. I’m always happy to hear from people who are curious.
What is counselling and psychotherapy?
Essentially it is a chance to explore yourself and your issues deeply in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space.
What's the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Some consider counselling short-term work for current issues and psychotherapy a more detailed exploration of the self to resolve long-standing issues. I prefer to see each therapeutic relationship as individual and treat each with the same degree of significance.
Why would I come for counselling?
You may choose to come for so many reasons. In my experience it is often because you are feeling stuck or confused. Perhaps stuck in an emotion such as anxiety, in a relationship difficulty, in a way of being or the pain of past trauma. You may be confused by feelings and sensations that you can't make sense of or feel too big to manage alone.
Does it work?
The short answer is yes. Studies show that the majority of people are helped by counselling and the effects last after the therapy has finished. The most important predictor of successful therapy is the relationship between client and therapist. For this reason it is important to choose someone you feel safe and comfortable with.
Brain imaging has shown that counselling can actually change the brain structure as it breaks down old connections and forms new ones. The brain is able to alter throughout life showing it is never too late to change.
Couldn't I just talk to a friend?
Positive connections are all helpful. Most people find talking to a professional counsellor different because as well as their psychological knowledge they won't have an agenda for you, they won't expect you to listen to their problems, won't become overwhelmed by your issues and certainly would never gossip about you to anyone else.
How long does it take?
This really depends on what you want from therapy and the nature of the problem. Some clients feel better after a couple of sessions but most require between 6 and 8 sessions to experience positive change. I have clients who have stayed with me for years as they value the ongoing support I offer.
The important thing is that it is always you who decides how long you need and always with my full and unconditional support.