what is counselling psychology and psychotherapy? |
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The
Division of
Counselling Psychology states
that Chartered
Counselling
Psychologists
“offer an active collaborative relationship which can both facilitate
the exploration of underlying issues and can empower people to confront
change.”
Psychotherapeutic work can differ from many medical consultations in that: · You are seen holistically as a whole human being with a diverse range of experiences and feelings. Therapy is built on this humanistic value base which looks at the personal nature of human experience, (this is the main reason that I was attracted to becoming a Counselling Psychologist). This humanistic view can then be integrated with cognitions (thoughts) and behaviour (together forming Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), and events from the past that still create influence on daily life (Psychodynamic Therapy). · There is a focus on developing well-being and good functioning. · You are not viewed in isolation, but part of a social context. This means that there is sensitivity to issues such as family, multiculturalism, disability, gender, religious and spiritual beliefs, organizational issues, etc. · You are not given advice on what to do. Instead you are seen as the ‘expert’ on your own experience. Through working together (collaboration) and maybe through learning about new ways of looking at things (psychological education) it is then up to you to decide what changes you would like to make, to what degree, and when. |
As a therapist my aim is to make myself
redundant. I am not here to fix things for you, as some clients have
requested me to do over the years. Instead I aim to help empower you so
that you develop new resources, skills and insights to solve your own
problems. This may feel like an overwhelming task at the beginning, but
I have seen enough people create change and increased wellbeing, to
trust that the process of therapy has a beneficial outcome for most
people. In the early stages psychotherapy can often feel like hard
work. Sometimes people can leave feeling mentally tired. The work
usually gets easier, as the goals set out at the outset of therapy get
closer. I find then that people often seem to enjoy and feel energised
by the sessions. Many even report looking forward to them. |
