There are many definitions of Counselling and Psychotherapy. Both Counselling and Psychotherapy are similar activities.. Counselling tends to be a shorter term process, usually focused on problem solving or about a specific issue. Psychotherapy is a longer term, deeper process.

In counselling and psychotherapy, we generally focus our attention on three areas;

1) The Present. What is problematic or unsatisfying for you in your life right now? What are the areas of difficulty which have brought you into therapy right now? How are your problems being maintained by factors in your life right now? What is happening in the room between us, how are we experiencing each other and the therapy?

2) The Future. What do you want out of life? What changes do you want to make? What do you hope for? What do you fear?

3) The Past. When it is relevant, we will talk about the past, to gain a greater understanding of the forces and events which have shaped you and to gain freedom from unresolved issues. This may involve resolution of specific trauma.

I am interested in helping you to live more a more effective and satisfying life and will expect you will take your insights and knowledge gained through the therapy process into your life.

Therapy is about examining your life, changing unhelpful patterns of thinking, feeling, behaviour and limiting ways of relating to others. Both Counselling and Psychotherapy are focused on helping you to improve your relationships, removing distress from your life and helping you to live a more creative, resourceful, and satisfying life.

The therapy process is often painful but leads to greater contentment in life. Unfortunately, there are no magic wands, and resolution of problems often takes time, courage, and determination. You will need to be an active participant in your change process- therapy is something you do, rather than something which is done to you.

The therapeutic relationship is of prime importance and is a particular kind of relationship. You can expect to experience it as supportive but challenging. You can expect to be treated with respect and integrity.

Almost everyone could benefit from psychotherapy at some point during their lives. If you are struggling to cope with negative emotions or feelings or feel overwhelmed by a life change, psychotherapy might help you. What sort of therapy you need is also affected by whether you’ve already done other forms of therapy. If you have done psychotherapy in the past and have a strong understanding of yourself, you might just need a round of action-focussed counselling. Whereas if you have never tried therapy before and have troubles resolving problems, a more open-ended therapy that helps you understand yourself deeply and build self-confidence might be life changing.

What happens in a session?

In the session you will be free to talk about your problems and your situation and you will be listened to carefully. I will seek to obtain as deep an understanding of you and what is troubling you as is possible. I will ask questions that are designed to therapeutically enhance your thinking, your emotions, your behaviour, and your way of relating to others.

Frequently through sessions we will examine what is happening in the ‘here and now’ of the session- using your reactions and experiences to generate change and insight and exploring our relationship and finding opportunities for you to find new ways of relating to others and new ways of being.

I may invite you to perform certain therapeutic ‘exercises’ or experiments which are chosen to match your problem and provide therapeutic movement and change. I may also suggest certain courses of action and may invite you to perform  tasks in between sessions to increase the effectiveness of your therapy. Generally speaking, therapists do not tell people what to do with their lives- but rather they assist clients to make their own decisions and have the courage and conviction to act upon their decisions.

We will regularly review our work together, assess progress and  look at how we are relating to each other and experiencing our relationship.

A session normally lasts for 60mins.

Almost everyone could benefit from psychotherapy at some point during their lives. If you are struggling to cope with negative emotions or feelings or feel overwhelmed by a life change, psychotherapy might help you. What sort of therapy you need is also affected by whether you’ve already done other forms of therapy. If you have done psychotherapy in the past and have a strong understanding of yourself, you might just need a round of action-focussed counselling. Whereas if you have never tried therapy before and have troubles resolving problems, a more open-ended therapy that helps you understand yourself deeply and build self-confidence might be life changing.

CONFIDENTIALITY

All personal details and information discussed inside, and outside sessions are kept strictly confidential. Further aspects of this will be discussed in the first session.

To Contact Carolyn

To make an appointment or if you have any questions regarding counselling call or text Carolyn on 085 7264514 or fill in the enquiry form here