What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a general term for working with people who are having problems they don't know how to deal with on their own. There are a huge variety of theories and practices, and you will need to find an approach that suits you.
Humanistic and Integrative Therapists study all these ideas, and learn to apply what is most useful from them all.
All talking therapies aim to help you to to cope with issues that are causing you emotional pain. As you begin to face up to difficult memories or experiences, you may feel worse for a while. But it can be a great relief to gain a better understanding of your own reactions, and find a way to deal with the past and be more positive about the future.
Therapy can help us to gain the self knowledge and self respect we need to cope in difficult times.
Therapy can help people to alter aspects of their lives that aren't working, by deepening self awareness, challenging existing beliefs and ultimately changing.
Humanistic and Integrative Therapists study all these ideas, and learn to apply what is most useful from them all.
All talking therapies aim to help you to to cope with issues that are causing you emotional pain. As you begin to face up to difficult memories or experiences, you may feel worse for a while. But it can be a great relief to gain a better understanding of your own reactions, and find a way to deal with the past and be more positive about the future.
Therapy can help us to gain the self knowledge and self respect we need to cope in difficult times.
Therapy can help people to alter aspects of their lives that aren't working, by deepening self awareness, challenging existing beliefs and ultimately changing.
Formats for Therapy
You may wish to come for a single session - a one off consultation.
Some people then decide to commit to short block of sessions over a few weeks or months, in relation to a particular life issue or event.
Those who wish to gain a deeper insight, who recognise repetitive patterns in their lives, and and want to take responsibility for lasting change, may choose to engage in long term work over several months or years.
One way or the other, the idea is that you find out what you need to do to deal with your problems. The therapist is there to respect you and support you, but also to challenge you where you have blind spots!
Some people then decide to commit to short block of sessions over a few weeks or months, in relation to a particular life issue or event.
Those who wish to gain a deeper insight, who recognise repetitive patterns in their lives, and and want to take responsibility for lasting change, may choose to engage in long term work over several months or years.
One way or the other, the idea is that you find out what you need to do to deal with your problems. The therapist is there to respect you and support you, but also to challenge you where you have blind spots!
What is the difference between ... ?
- counsellors – trained to provide counselling to help you cope better with your life and any issues you have
- clinical and counselling psychologists – healthcare professionals who specialise in assessing and treating mental health conditions using evidence-based psychological therapies
- psychiatrists – qualified medical doctors who have received further training in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions
- psychotherapists – similar to counsellors, but have usually received more extensive training; they are also often qualified psychologists or psychiatrists
- behavioural psychotherapists – may come from a variety of professional backgrounds, and have received specific training in cognitive behaviour therapy.