What is counselling and therapy

The difference between counselling and therapy varies between different countries.  In the UK the terms are often used to say the same thing.  Some groups argue that therapy requires more training than counselling, or that therapy is more in depth than counselling, or that going to a ‘counsellor’ is more socially acceptable than going to a therapist.  I’m trained in both, and happy to be called either.  The most important thing is whether it works for you, so that is what I focus on – making it work for you.

Part of my role is to help a person, or a couple, feel safe enough to ask questions that are bothering them. And safe enough to move on to talk about what they need, to live life better. Stress, anxiety, depression, low confidence, anger and trouble with relationships are deeply felt and disrupt day to day life.   Listening to clients, it is clear that such daily struggles may come from work, or home or both. Underlying them can be current or childhood trauma, like abuse, or illness, bereavement, family, mental health issues and bullying.  It can be a real relief to talk – in a place where you feel ok, and safe.

Trusting people is something I have learned from working with people of all ages, from many different backgrounds, with a wide range of problems and difficulties. Trusting each person to know what is upsetting them.  And trusting that if you are brave enough to ask for help, and if we work alongside each other, you can feel safe enough to explore different options, and decide what, if anything you want to change.