What is counselling?

There is no clear distinction between counselling and psychotherapy; both are talking therapies that allow people to explore their feelings and emotions and the effect they have on their lives.
Our counselling and psychotherapy services and sessions give you the opportunity to talk and reflect without being judged. We don’t always connect with how we really feel: sometimes we disconnect ourselves from the things we say. Counselling is a way to shine a light on that disconnect, and take a look at what is really going on.

How counselling and psychotherapy can help?

As registered counselling therapists we work with you to determine what is the best for you. In private practice, counselling might be best for clients with everyday problems, while psychotherapy might be more appropriate for clients with severe or acute symptoms. In reality, however, you are likely to receive a blend.
There are many different reasons for coming to counselling or psychotherapy, and we are there to provide a safe and discreet setting where you can open-up fully. Clients come to us with a range of problems, issues and experiences, from bereavement and separation, to major life events and transformations, in the past or the present.
Some people seek therapy to help them deal with specific psychological or behavioural traits which they’d like to alter, such as compulsive thoughts or difficulties relating to other people.
Others seek counselling to help them explore a general feeling that their lives are not quite right, or to cope with feelings of depression or anxiety. Some look to counselling as part of their effort to discover or create meaning in their lives.
Many people are attracted to counselling as an opportunity to undertake positive personal development in a safe and supportive environment: you don’t need to have ‘a problem’ to find counselling useful.
Counselling for depression helps and supports people who are suffering from feelings of unhappiness, sadness and distress. These negative feelings may come and go, they may be constant and they may become serious.

“Counselling is ideal for addressing very specific life situations such as bereavement, stress or a relationship breakdown. It provides a safe, non-judgemental and confidential environment in which you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly, gain greater validation and consider positive ways forward”.
Richard Reid – CEO, Therapist & Coaching Psychologist

What can you expect from a counselling session?

Our approach to counselling is what is known as ‘client centred’ therapy; we adapt to suit your needs. This differs from behavioural and psychodynamic approaches by focusing on current, subjective, issues rather than an unconscious cause. We are not going to excavate your past but rather focus on what is blocking, or troubling you, in the present.
Occasionally, issues will be more complex than they first appear, so various therapies may become useful. These will be integrated into your current programme if we think it will be beneficial for you. This is called integrative counselling.