Linda Walker Counselling

Counselling & Psychotherapy- an explanation

The difference between counselling and psychotherapy

Many people are unsure of the difference between counselling and psychotherapy and in truth the distinction is not altogether clear cut. Work which starts out as short term counselling can become more what would be termed psychotherapy as the work progresses and deeper issues come up.

If we work together I usually suggest that after a specific period of time we take time to reflect on how the work is going.

Counselling

Counselling is usually focused around a specific issue, for example difficulty with a relationship, a work related issue, a crisis or bereavement. Counselling can help to explore some of these issues, understanding what is underneath the feelings and finding more helpful ways of managing your thinking and feeling. Often a specific number of sessions will be enough for changes to take place.

Psychotherapy

Sometimes certain behaviours, feelings or thoughts do not serve us well. They may have a negative impact on our life, health and relationships.

Despite having some understanding of this, change can be difficult. Aspects of our personal history can repeat themselves.

Psychotherapy can help identify the nature of such patterns bringing them into conscious focus.

This awareness and other insights gained in a therapeutic relationship can help develop new thinking, feelings and behaviour.

Psychotherapy will tend to be longer term work than counselling.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

Another way of working which you may have heard about is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy or CBT.

This way of working is based on the idea that how we think about a situation can influence how we feel, therefore by identify these patterns of thinking and changing them we can then change how we feel and respond to the situation.
Sometimes CBT will involve doing some tasks at home in the form of keeping a record of these patterns.
(for more information about CBT click here)


Have a look at the page "Practicalities and the first meeting" to find out more .

Telephone me on 07749 716734

Click here to email me linwalker@blueyonder.co.uk