Counselling offers an opportunity for you to explore your thoughts and emotions in a safe, confidential setting, with someone who is trained neither to judge nor advise. The overall aim of counselling is to provide an opportunity for you to work towards living in a way you find more satisfying and resourceful. The objectives of each particular counselling relationship will vary according to each individual’s needs.
The counsellor's role is to facilitate this in ways which respect your values, personal resources and capacity for choice within your cultural context. The relationship that develops between us is a very important part of the process. You need to feel comfortable, safe and understood.
There are many different reasons why people decide to see a counsellor or psychotherapist. Some are feeling depressed, anxious, having difficulties in relationships or are battling addictions that they don't feel able to control. A lot of people come because they feel sad and empty inside, others because of guilt and low self-esteem. Essentially people seek counselling or psychotherapy for a wide variety of reasons but mostly because they feel stuck, unsatisfied or lost in their lives.
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
The terms 'counselling' and 'psychotherapy' are often used interchangeably and, in practice, refer to very similar experiences for the client. Technically, however, there are differences. Counselling is a relatively brief and often targets a particular issue, problematic situation, relationship, etc. Psychotherapy, generally speaking, is a longer-term process, which focuses more on gaining insight and working through feelings that are preventing you from being at peace with yourself on a deeper level. Both these processes can overlap and usually do so in the sessions.
