Frequently Asked Questions

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 Psychotherapy is a broad term used to describe talking therapies, including counselling. Both counsellors and psychotherapists provide a service for those looking for support and treatment for a wide range of mental health and emotional concerns. The possibility that there is a difference between counselling and psychotherapy is debated in the field of mental health.

Some claim that counselling tends to tackle problems at the time of the crisis, whereas psychotherapy focuses on longer-term psychological problems. Additionally, it is thought that psychotherapists often use other methods alongside talking therapies, for example, art, music and movement therapy. The differences between counselling and psychotherapy are not universally agreed and you may want to contact professionals personally to find out more about how they work.

Whether you choose a counsellor or psychotherapist, the most important thing is that you choose the right individual for you. How you connect with the counsellor or psychotherapist you choose can make an impact on how successful the treatment is. It is also helpful to have a little knowledge of the different therapies on offer. Many different therapies can be used by counsellors and psychotherapists, some involve looking at past relationships and experiences to make sense of them, and others involve looking at the here and now.

 Only you can decide whether you want to try counselling or psychotherapy, but if you are struggling to cope and are finding day-to-day life difficult, you may benefit from professional help. Just talking to someone confidentially who is not a friend or family member can make all the difference. Counselling provides a regular time for you to explore your feelings and talk about any problems you're experiencing. A counsellor can help you develop better ways of coping, allowing you to move forward and get the most out of life. 

 Each session will usually last 50 minutes or one hour depending on your chosen counsellor or psychotherapist. However, this is often flexible and should be discussed with your therapist before attending the first session. 

 Many counsellors and psychotherapists offer weekly sessions, however, this can vary depending on the type of therapy and your personal requirements.