Psychotherapy & Counselling
Understanding Psychotherapy and Counselling
What is Psychotherapy and Counselling?
Psychotherapy and counselling are professional services aimed at helping individuals manage and overcome mental health issues, emotional challenges, and life stressors. These therapies involve talking with a trained therapist who provides support, guidance, and techniques to facilitate mental well-being.
Counselling vs. Psychotherapy: What’s the Difference?
Counselling generally focuses on specific issues and is often short-term. It helps people deal with immediate problems like grief, relationship difficulties, or stress.
Psychotherapy tends to be more long-term and delves deeper into emotional issues, exploring patterns and behaviours that affect a person's life. It aims to address more complex mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and trauma.
What to Expect from Therapy Sessions
Therapy sessions usually last 50 minutes and occur weekly or bi-weekly. During these sessions, you can expect a safe, confidential space where you can openly discuss your thoughts and feelings. Your therapist will listen without judgment and help you explore your issues to find healthier ways of coping.
Models of Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
What is it? CBT is a structured, time-limited therapy that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
How it works: You will work with your therapist to identify negative thought patterns and behaviours. Through various exercises and homework, you’ll learn to reframe these thoughts and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Benefits: Effective for anxiety, depression, phobias, and stress. It equips you with practical skills to manage your mental health.
Humanistic Therapy:
What is it? This approach emphasises personal growth and self-actualisation. It focuses on your potential and encourages self-exploration and self-acceptance.
How it works: Therapists use techniques like unconditional positive regard, empathy, and active listening to create a supportive environment.
Benefits: Promotes self-awareness, improves self-esteem, and fosters a more positive outlook on life.
Existential Therapy:
What is it? Existential therapy explores the fundamental questions of existence, such as the meaning of life, freedom, and responsibility and anxiety.
How it works: You’ll engage in deep conversations about your values, beliefs, and purpose. This helps you find meaning and make authentic choices.
Benefits: Helps with existential concerns, enhances self-understanding, and supports personal empowerment.
Integrative Therapy:
What is it? Integrative therapy combines elements from different therapeutic approaches tailored to your specific needs.
How it works: Therapists draw on techniques from various models, such as CBT, humanistic, and psychodynamic therapies, to create a personalised treatment plan.
Benefits: Flexible and holistic, it can address a wide range of issues and adapt as your therapy progresses.
Positive Benefits of Psychotherapy and Counselling
Improved Mental Health: Reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Enhanced Coping Skills: Equips you with strategies to manage stress, trauma, and life transitions.
Better Relationships: Helps improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships.
Increased Self-Awareness: Encourages personal growth and self-understanding.
Empowerment: Fosters a sense of control and empowerment over your life and choices.
Taking the First Step
Choosing to start therapy is a significant step toward better mental health and well-being. Whether you’re looking to tackle specific issues through counselling or delve deeper into longstanding challenges with psychotherapy, there is a therapeutic approach that can help you lead a more fulfilling life.
Contact Salvus-CPC today to find out if therapy is right fore you.