COUNSELLING SERVICES

What is Counselling and Psychotherapy? ( Is there a difference? )


This is a complex and regular question. There are different therapy traditions and each have different perspectives. Generally however, counselling is seen as tackling the particular issue bothering the client in the present and deals with it mainly in the here and now. Psychotherapy is, on the other hand, more concerned with exploring the underlying dynamics that may have triggered the problem in the beginning. Cognitive behavioural therapists (although using the word “therapy”) are concerned mainly with the client’s beliefs and behaviour in the present. Likewise, family therapists, though aware of the importance of their client’s family histories, are generally seeking insights into and changes in patterns of behaving and will refer individuals to therapists specialising more in personal longer term work as necessary.
Personal therapy can be described as a journey into a greater understanding of oneself and is an enriching experience.