What is Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy or Counselling?
'Psychotherapy' and 'Counselling' are terms that are often used interchangeably. Some practitioners may choose to use both terms when referring to themselves. Although they are very similar (both practices share the goal of relieving psychological symptoms and enabling individuals to live more fullfilled lives), there are some subtle differences.
'Counselling' is generally used to denote a briefer process than psychotherapy and is mostly focused upon behaviour patterns and often targets a particular symptom or problematic situation.
'Psychotherapy' is generally a longer term treatment which focuses more on gaining insight into the underlying causes of emotional problems. Its focus is on the patient's thought processes and ways of being in the world rather than specific problems.
Generally speaking, psychotherapy requires more skill from the practitioner that counselling. Psychotherapy training requires a longer, more rigorous academic and clinical focus than counselling training. Whilst a psychotherapist is qualified to provide counselling, a counsellor may not possess the necessary training and skills to provide psychotherapy.
In actual practice there may be quite a bit of overlap between psychotherapy and counselling. A therapist may provide counselling with specific situations and a counsellor may function in a psychotherapeutic manner.
At The Cavendish Psychotherapy Practice in Harley Street, London, the therapists hold both psychotherapy and counselling qualifications and have many years clinical experience in both NHS and private settings. The therapy is tailored to the need.
On the left are listed some of the issues with which our psychotherapist / counsellors regularly work.
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