Psychotherapy

Information around how the therapeutic talking therapy – counselling – can evolve towards a more psychotherapeutic approach.

Psychotherapy vs Counselling

Psychotherapy, in the context in which I work, is a deeper collaboration and understanding of what is often a more complex set of themes arising from the minds of those who have taken the worthwhile step to engage the services of an impartial and non judgemental professional, within a counselling capacity. (Phew!) Let me briefly explain:

  • Counselling is (in its more basic sense) a core and fundamental ‘listening’ service, offering ‘vent’ time and a more limited steer from the therapist.
  • Psychotherapy looks at the complexities of what is driving current thoughts, emotions and behaviours; therefore, a deeper exploration of the past.

Having agreed a strategy, and achievable goals, to reach full or partial resolution – measurable progress and outcomes can then be implemented.

The Benefits of Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is more accessible to those for whom cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is less so (ie those of us who are less comfortable with introspection and looking ‘inwardly’). What psychotherapy isn’t, is a judgement that one client is more ill than another! It is a deeper, more skilled collaboration that employs more of the therapist’s guidance than might otherwise be the case.