Understanding Psychotherapy and Counselling

Lynn Martelli
Lynn Martelli

Life isn’t a linear trajectory or easy. Many people go through challenging and difficult moments at some time in this up-and-down cycle. However, there are times when the burden may be too much to bear and make you feel so overwhelmed that you are helpless. Job stress, anxiety arising from uncertain of the future, bereavement, issues over addiction, or challenges in a relationship are some of the key reasons most individuals feel they can benefit from consulting a professional Counsellor Psychotherapist such as Evie Flynn.

Counselling and psychotherapy have proven to be very effective in assisting people to traverse some of life’s challenges. It’s a great support system in times of change or crisis. It generally entails offering professional aid to individuals who are going through personal matters to assist lessen those snags. Counselling and psychotherapy help address and treat emotional issues and mental conditions.

Some individuals may have gone through some trauma in the past and may be harboured negative and weakening emotions and thoughts. Some feel depressed or anxious or feel dissociated from family, friends or career. Others at times term a lack of enjoyment or purpose in life. Others who visit may be dealing with anger issues, addiction problems or may be in bereavement. There are various reasons individuals see a therapist and there’s no limit to what can be talked about in therapy.

Seeking the aid of a professional counsellor and therapist can help you go through your thoughts and emotions and figure out why you are feeling and thinking in a type of way. More often than not, we don’t have somebody in our lives that we can entirely share our inner emotions and thoughts with. Talking it out with your family and friends can assist a bit, however, the majority of us don’t speak honestly and frankly about our feelings with those in our close circle.

Sometimes, opening up to a family member or friend can be a barricade to openly discuss your problems and issues. This barricade can isolate you even more. Having a confidant and somebody to talk to, who is there just to listen and help you go through your problems is priceless. Most individuals going through issues feel comfortable speaking to a trained therapist who’s not linked to their life and will listen without bias or judgement.

Understanding Counselling and Psychotherapy

Counselling

In essence, ‘counsellor’ refers to ‘advisor’. It entails two parties working together to resolve an issue. It is a phrase that is used together with many forms of advice-giving. This is a form of talk therapy that entails a trained therapist hearing you out and helping you figure out ways to handle emotional problems. Counselling can take up various shapes depending on your requirements and what kind of therapy may be suited for you. For instance, spiritual guidance and financial planning are both forms of counselling.

When speaking about mental health, ‘counselling’ in this context is used to refer to a relatively brief treatment that is centred on behaviour. It usually targets certain problematic situations or symptom and provides recommendations and advice for addressing them.

Here, the counsellor provides support and guidance as the person finds their own path on how to adjust to adversity or change and live a more fulfilled life. Counsellors come in various shapes like grief counsellors, family and marriage therapists, addiction counsellors, and so on.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is more of a long-term treatment that concentrates on gaining perspective into emotional and physical issues. It focuses on the individual’s thought processes and who they have become as a person, what may be influencing their behaviours, and what has shaped them into who they are now.

The therapist will try to see how what occurred in the past is influencing present events. For instance, some therapists encourage their patients to talk more about their childhood and uncover whether childhood experiences are the ones influencing their adult life. In a nutshell, psychotherapy looks at the root cause and main issues of present problems and encourages you to face them so that personal growth may happen.

There are various forms of therapy under the umbrella of psychotherapy, including psychoanalytic psychotherapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and so on.

There are various underlying reasons why people may seek counselling and psychotherapy. Regardless of your reasons, make sure that you consult with a reputable Counsellor or psychotherapist that will customise your sessions and help you sort through your issues.

Since you will be opening up your life to this person, you need to make sure that it is the right one and a provider you can trust with your innermost feelings and thoughts. Before settling for a particular therapist, it can be beneficial to know their differences along with their approach to patients. Ultimately, it will depend on your insurance coverage, personal preference, or access.

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