Here’s my journey to become a psychotherapist and starting private practice.
Read more9 steps to prepare for online therapy
Have you considered preparing the environment when working online? Here are 9 top tips for preparing yourself for online counselling or psychotherapy
Read moreCounselling in a pandemic- what I've learnt
heres a little about my experience of working as a counsellor online during the pandemic
Read moreShould you make a NYE resolution?
Let’s acknowledge that I (a qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor) have used a “swear word” in the title of this blog- “SHOULD”. If there were a handbook to my job, don’t say “should” would be chapter one. Should indicates something that you may not be fully on board with. i.e. “I should take my bin out” however I don’t really, so I can’t say “I would like to put my bin out”. So why does tradition dictate that we “should” make a resolution? What is it about the start of a new year that makes people feel like they need to change something about themselves? Why change? And why do we need a point in the calendar to tell us to start doing something differently.
Read morePsychotherapy and Counselling what is the difference?
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between counselling and psychotherapy? It’s a good question. Especially if you are thinking about making the decision to enter into talking therapy. Even as a qualified therapist, I find it difficult to distinguish between the two. This is partly because there are notable similarities between the two, yet there are equally apparent differences.
Similarities
The BACP state that the word “therapy” covers both counselling about psychotherapy. The aim of therapy is to offer a safe and confidential space to talk about your concerns with a trained professional. Therapists do not offer advice or solve problems for you, but they do listen to you understand yourself better.
Definition of “Psychotherapy”
Psychotherapy is defined by the UKCP as a range of approaches and methods, which help explore peoples emotions. Different therapists work in different ways, which can be found here. I undertake an existential humanistic approach, which means I aim to help you make sense of life and the challenges this can bring, such as finding meaning. Psychotherapy training is at Postgraduate level, so it is more in depth.
If you’re not sure what it’s all about, this video provides a great explanation, including views from members of the public.
Definition of “Counselling”
Counselling is defined by the counselling directory as: “A process people seek when they want to change something in their lives, or simply explore their thoughts and feelings in more depth”.
This video by the BACP explains the process and principles of counselling.
Key differences:
Counselling:
Focuses on problems and situations within the present day
Focuses on specific situations or behaviours
Usually offered on a short term basis
Guidance, support, and education to help you identify and find your own solution to a problem.
Psychotherapy:
Focus on chronic or recurrent problems
Takes an overview approach, to help you find the bigger picture
Usually offered on a long term basis
Focuses on facilitating the expression of internal thoughts/feelings (core issues) leading to personal growth
Deals with complex issues and diagnoses.
Why Psychotherapeutic Counselling?
Although there are differences, the similarities between both psychotherapy and counselling are notable. However the more I consider the potential differences, the more I become aware that the variances between the two could be down to how an individual therapist is both trained and chooses to practice.
The way I work combines concepts from both counselling and psychotherapy, which is possible as I have had training in both areas. This means I can adapt the way I am working to meet the needs of the client.
Are grades equal to success?
Today is A-Level results day in the UK. Some students may be feeling over the moon, others may feel overwhelmed, some may feel disappointed and it might be that some feel a bit everything. The grades students receive are often the gateway to other opportunities, so understandably there is a feeling of pressure and wanting to succeed. However, I am left wondering what success really means?
Read more6 signs of excessive smart phone use
Smart phones. You may well be reading this blog on one. According to statista, 95% of 16-34 year olds own a “smart phone”. A device which connects us to the digital world of social media, emails, texts, phone calls, mobile banking, GPS navigation, google amongst many others. Modern day smart phones can be defined as PDA’s (personal digital assistant), which used to be a separate device, which is what technically separates a “smart” phone from a standard mobile or cell phone . All in all they are rather useful and have become a big part of modern day life. However, I am left wondering about our ways of communicating on smart phone and the impact this has on our lives. Are we really connecting with those who we have these digital interactions with and what impact does this have on our wellbeing?
Read moreWhy anxiety?
What is anxiety?
It’s a feeling that just won’t go away. You may feel worried, tense, afraid or a mixture of both. Anxiety can be experienced within both the mind and body. It is our bodies natural response to being under pressure. It is part of being human. It is normal to experience short periods of tolerable anxiety when going through a stressful time, such as moving house or doing exams.
Read moreThe shame of shame
This week I have been thinking about what shame means. Shame is seemingly something we all experience, yet the quality of the experience feels isolating and like you are the only person to ever feel this. Even talking about shame is somewhat shame provoking. But why? Why is it so cringe worthy to share our shameful feelings with each other?
Read more6 ways to narrow down choosing a counsellor
With so many options on the internet market place, where on earth do you start when choosing the right counsellor? Let’s look at some of the key points to look out for when choosing a counsellor and how to narrow down what is right for you.
Read moreWhat exactly are emotions?
Emotions. We all have them, but what exactly are they? Emotions can be both positive and negative, sometimes it’s possible to experience more than one at the same time.
Read more