It can feel daunting to try to work out which is the right therapy for you. To help, please see an explanation the general differences between counselling, psychotherapeutic counselling and psychotherapy below.  Each type of therapy helps you heal the wounds that have separated you from who you really are but work at different depths . 

 

Counselling is ideal for those clients with an issue that arises and hinders them in their life.  The support tends to be shorter term (6-20 sessions), might be more solution-focussed but may not be sufficient to work with many traumas.

 

Psychotherapeutic Counselling is a particular way of working that is dependent on the working relationship between client and therapist.  It can be a game-changer with issues that might have previously felt hopeless and even ‘too big' and offer a new perspective and the possibility of a new way of being in the world. Due to the importance of creating a trusting, collaborative therapeutic relationship, psychotherapeutic counselling is longer term work.

The UK Council of Psychotherapy writes: "They look at the client’s mind, body and soul in the context of the person’s circumstances and where they are in their life. Training as a psychotherapeutic counsellor can be a demanding process. Trainees are stretched to understand themselves at a deeper level. They learn and develop cognitive, emotional, attitudinal and behavioural skills."

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Psychotherapy is much more in depth work that can be either medium or longer term.  This type provides the opportunity for total life transformation as together the client and the therapist work to heal trauma and the effects of painful histories.

The UK Council of Psychotherapy writes: "Psychotherapy recognises the lasting impact of trauma. This is when stressful events that you experience or witness make you feel unsafe, helpless or vulnerable. You’ll work with a therapist to think about what has happened to you, not what is wrong with you. The focus is on compassion listening and understanding rather than making a diagnosis. Psychotherapy can be a powerful, life-changing experience which can help you to improve your mental health, overcome social or emotional challenges, and fulfil your potential.