Andrea Thomas, BA (Hons), MSc, MBACP
Counselling and Psychotherapy

ABOUT COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY

How Counselling and Psychotherapy might help

There may be times in our lives when we feel stuck, unfullfilled or unsure of ourselves, or we may experience dissatisfaction for no particular reason. At other times we may be experiencing a particular difficulty or problem which may seem overwhelming and unresolvable. In such situations therapy can help by offering a supportive, non judgemental space within which you find your own answers. The aim of therapy is not to give direct advice but to facilitate you in gaining insight and awareness so as to enhance your own capacity to cope with difficulties and identify the changes you would like to make in order to become more fullfilled, either within yourself or in certain aspects of your life.


The difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy

In general the word 'counselling' is used to describe short term work which may take between 6 to 12 weeks where the focus is on a specific issue or problem with a view to exploring options for change. Psychotherapy is used to describe longer term work which is more in-depth, with a view to exploring the underlying patterns and reasons that underpin the way we are in the world. In practice however, counselling and psychotherapy overlap and often counselling may develop into psychotherapy.

Throughout our work together, we will regularly review progress and check that we are working towards your desired goal. The time frame of our work will depend on the issue that you are bringing and the outcome you expect. Alternatively, you may decide to work short term, have a break and then return to counselling at a later stage.

For more information about counselling and psychotherapy the following websites may be of interest:

BACP The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

UKCP The United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy