"Sometimes it seemed that we were just having a conversation about life and then I would realise that there were other ways of understanding what I was feeling. I did not feel patronised and  never felt that Clare felt sorry for me."

What Is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a way of addressing distress without the use of medication. The NHS and every other western health service offer it as part of their care for people who are under stress. Stress is a signal that something is out of balance and whether it manifests as anxiety, depression, confusion, relationship problems or other tensions psychotherapy can help with sustainable, holistic change.
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Much of our unhappiness is caused by our relationships with family, friends and people at work, the society around us and with ourselves. We have our own unique histories, coping strategies and beliefs all of which inform the way we are now. Psychotherapy offers the opportunity to become aware of these patterns of behaviour and through understanding comes the opportunity for change.

Psychotherapy can be life changing and certainly life enhancing. It’s an exploration of who you are and what might be holding you back from achieving what you’re really capable of.
 
Because psychotherapy is confidential and non-judgemental you have genuine freedom to think about all aspects of your life. Sometimes it’s difficult but more often it’s exciting to begin to think in new ways, to open up to life and new ways of being. 



WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY?

In effect, nothing. It used to be that spending 2 years or more in therapy during training resulted in being called a psychotherapist and any less a counsellor. Now the terms have become synonymous. However, anyone can call themselves a therapist or counsellor and in a world of pop psychology it’s important that you make sure you know what you’re getting.

Whoever you chose to see, ask if they have a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling. Ask if they’re a member of a professional membership organisation. Ask if they have a supervisor. Ask if they’ve been in psychotherapy themselves and so know what you might experience. And no matter how well qualified a therapist is, it’s vital that you feel safe and respected.