What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is has a strong evidence base (Wompold et 1997). It aims to reach the underlying, sometimes unconscious, causes of distress. In the safe setting of the therapy, which allows for taking risks, and in the exploration of the interactions with the therapist, you may discover a new awareness of the causes and effects of long-standing conflicts, and be able to change from behaviour that is destructive to a way of being that is more creative.

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
 In clinical terms "Counselling" is generally used to describe a relatively brief treatment that is focused on a specific difficulty or set of problems. "Psychotherapy" on the other hand is generally a longer term treatment which focuses more on gaining insight into chronic physical and emotional problems. The focus is on the person’s feeling and thought processes and their way of being in the world rather than specific problems.

In actual practice there may be an overlap between the two. A psychotherapist may provide counselling with specific situations and a counsellor may function in a psychotherapeutic manner. Generally speaking, however, psychotherapy requires more skill than simple counselling. While a psychotherapist is qualified to provide counselling, a counsellor may or may not possess the necessary training and skills to provide psychotherapy. A counsellor may have completed a training over a period of two to four years whereas a Psychotherapist will have completed a minimum of four years training before becoming qualified.
 
Who can benefit from psychotherapy?
People seek therapy for many different reasons — usually when they are not happy with aspects of their lives. They may lack a sense of well-being, or have a desire for greater self-knowledge and insight into the causes of their distress. Therapy provides a confidential setting in which emotional difficulties can be explored.
The list below indicates some of the range of difficulties that people come with:

  • stress
  • anxiety
  • depression irritability
  • work-related difficulties
  • panic attacks
  • problems with eating such as such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa
  • effects of abuse whether emotional, physical or sexual
  • alcohol and other substance misuse
  • family and relationships
  • loss, bereavement and grief
  • phobias and obsessions
  • pregnancy and parenting
  • suicidal feelings
  • emotionally-related health problems
  • effects of racism, homophobia, discrimination and social exclusion 
  • identity and trans-cultural issues
  • post-traumatic stress disorder
  • sexuality and gender

If you would like to discuss whether or not psychotherapy is what you require, or you would like to make an appointment with either Adrian or Rosalind, please contact us on 01273 401161.  Alternatively you can use the contact form below.