Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Counselling or Psychotherapy?
Anyone can benefit from Counselling and Psychotherapy. Usually a person will seek our assistance when they have exhausted their own resources and options in dealing with their difficulties, when sudden life changes mean additional support is required, like in bereavement or traumatic events or simply because they wish to make improvements in their lives.
Which approach, Counselling or Psychotherapy?
There are many overlaps in Counselling and Psychotherapy treatment; indeed sometimes it is hard to distinguish between the two, especially when an experienced practitioner applies them. When you make your enquiry to us, the process begins to recommend a particular practitioner, and that recommendation is based on several factors, such as what you want out of the treatment, your own personality and finding a Practitioner who matches your stated needs best.
How will I benefit from Counselling or Psychotherapy?
The therapeutic process is unique, in that it helps identify problems or concerns you have and how they affect your life in a controlled and safe environment. Many people who come to us not only resolve their immediate concerns, but also learn useful skills for dealing with future issues if the wish to.
Counselling and Psychotherapy also offer a supportive relationship in times of crisis and provides a safe place to express suppressed emotions. It can stop patterns of undesired thinking, feeling or behaviour and helps with the development of a positive outlook and a healthier lifestyle.
Counselling and Psychotherapy can help build self-esteem, allowing you to discuss goals, dreams, hopes and expectations that you have for your life and identify your strengths to build on these.
What can I expect on my first session?
In the first meeting, you will be able to talk in confidence about what you feel the issues are; look at your present situation, needs and your future goals. It will also give a chance to decide whether or not you want to work with a particular practitioner and what style of work suits you best.
What do you need to do in order for Counselling and Psychotherapy to work?
Although it is helpful to know why you are coming, you do not need to come with a set agenda. It is your time to talk about whatever you want, and this may vary from session to session. It is however, important that you have a willingness to explore your feelings and experiences.
Why not just talk to friends?
Many of the benefits of therapy can also be achieved by talking to friends; however there are also downsides to this, for example:
Friends are often unable to just listen and will often want to give advice - or try to solve your “problems” their own way. It might be difficult for friends not to get upset by what they hear and that can add to your pain or anguish. Friends sometimes find it difficult to keep things confidential, particularly if they are involved or know anyone you talk about. It can also be quite draining on friends, particularly if you need a lot of support or they have their own problems.
How many sessions will I need?
It is difficult to say how many sessions are needed in individual cases, however our aim is to help you in the shortest number of sessions possible, and if you specify a set number of sessions then we will give as much assistance as possible within that time.
Will it help me?
As with any treatment be it medical or psychological, there are factors which affect the success or failure of treatment. The Centre will endeavour to give you our best standard of treatment at all times.
If you are making general enquiries with several practitioners or practises, the Centre strongly recommends against seeing any Counsellor or Psychotherapist who claims to be able to treat an issue or dysfunction with 100% successes, we will always give you our honest opinion, based on our experience of the issue in question.
