What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
There is much overlap between these 'talking therapies' and the skills used in each therapy are similar. Both can help to deal with problems in a fresh way. Counselling and Psychotherapy are two terms used to describe the talking therapies. Counselling is the term used when a client contracts for a small number of sessions usually up to 10 sessions, whereas Psychotherapy is the term used to describe the process of a much longer contract.
Counselling (or counseling) tends to focus on a specific life problem, while psychotherapy tends to deal with more deep-seated personal issues which may bring about really profound changes.
Fortunately, the distinction between counselling and psychotherapy is not a matter which need greatly concern anyone seeking help. Most practitioners of either therapy, before any commitment on either side, is made, will want to be sure that the help they can offer is appropriate for the individual concerned.
How long does it take?
This depends on you, the counsellor and the problem. While deep-rooted issues will need longer (one hour a week/fortnight for several months), short term counselling for a specific issues may take only a few weekly sessions.
Can you provide online and Telephone Counselling?
Yes I can. This can provide the necessary 'social distancing' and is especially useful if you are unable to travel, in isolation or shielding. All face to face or in-person work is now based in Cornwall. Please contact me to discuss your requirements.
hOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Individuals: Counselling / Psychotherapy / EMDR / Consultative Supervision - £70 per hour.
Business: Counselling / Psychotherapy / EMDR / Consultative Supervision - £95 per hour.
Groups: £250 per 2 hour session (minimum). (maximum 5 people per group)
Training: Trauma, PTSD, Vicarious Trauma £950 per day plus travel and accommodation.
Payment is by BACs or by cash and is payable before the session starts.
How regular is the counselling?
Generally, counselling takes place for one hour per week or fortnight. This is negotiable, please advise me of your requirements and preferences.
What if I want to stop?
It is better to plan when to stop counselling from the start. That way, we both know when your goals have been achieved, and it doesn't leave any unfinished business hanging around.
What are your qualifications and experience?
Please have a look at the home page, there you can read about both my experience and qualifications.
How can I contact you?
Making contact is easy to explain; however, it is often less easy for you to do. Please remember that I work for you and that this is a confidential service, working to BACP's Code of Ethics that puts your interests first. Contact Me
What kind of problems do people come to counselling for?
People come for counselling for a variety of reasons some of which include, personal and professional goals or issues such as stress, abuse, anger, assault, confidence, self-esteem, anxiety, bereavement, panic, sexuality and relationship issues.
Is the service completely confidential?
All that takes place between counsellor and client is treated with respect and discretion. An agreement is usually made at the outset on confidentiality. However, exceptional circumstances may arise when a client's consent is sought for a change in this agreement.
Who is BACP?
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) represents counselling at national and international levels. It aims to promote counselling and psychotherapy throughout society and raise standards of training and practice. BACP has developed excellent Codes of Ethics and Practice for counsellors, trainers, the supervision of counsellors and counselling skills. The organisation provides support for counsellors and those using counselling skills. They also offer advice and guidance about therapy to clients
Where else can I get counselling?
There is a certain amount of free counselling through the NHS via your GP. Voluntary and charitable organisations offer counseling, free or at a small cost.
HOW DO YOU PROTECT MY DATA?
I am required by law to be registered with the Information Commissioners Office https://ico.org.uk/register . My registration number is Z2581794 This registration requires me to keep any personal data secure. My professional insurance requires me to keep any notes that I may make about our sessions for seven years. This may include emails. These notes are kept on a password-protected computer and only your first name is used. Your personal details are kept separate from any notes I may make and are kept in a locked filing cabinet. After 7 years all notes and personal details are destroyed. I will not share your details with anyone else.
How do I know if I have chosen the right counsellor
The final judge of whether a counsellor is right for you can only be yourself and you must trust your instincts. Talk to the counsellor first and then ask yourself if you would feel comfortable telling this person intimate details of your life, do you feel safe with them, do you like their manner towards you and could you be completely open with them? For people who are looking for a counsellor, it is worth considering the following points:
The counsellor should belong to an organisation with a recognised Code of Ethics & Practice, such as the one produced by BACP. This sets a high standard to which members work, and if a client has cause to complain, it can be investigated under a proper procedure. Ask for their membership number and check this on the professional body's website and while you are there, check their qualifications. Some unscrupulous people advertise training, qualifications, skills and experience that they do not have. The more stringent professional bodies are UKCP and BACP. The therapist should have ongoing annual CPD (Continual Professional Development), ask them if and what they have had and please ensure that they are insured to work and registered with the Information Commissioners Office for your data's safety. You also need to ensure that they attend regular clinical supervision, the minimum recommended amount for a practitioner is 1.5hours per month; however, some unscrupulous therapists will avoid this.
Training and qualifications are good guide to a counsellor's capabilities and it is worth considering the length of experience after basic training. As a general rule, you would look for someone who is Accredited not solely Registered nor only on an Accredited Register, which is different from being Accredited.
Supervision means that the counsellor meets regularly with a more experienced practitioner to talk over the work for support and discussion of problems. BACP considers supervision essential for the support of the counsellor and the well being of the client, but some organisations only require supervision during training and for a number of years afterwards.
Personal therapy, to many psychotherapists is considered the most important qualification. This means that the therapist has been a client in their own therapy, helping them to understand themselves and others better. Avoid someone who has not had their own extensive therapy on top of the minimum basic training requirements. You would want them to have had a few years of their own therapy before setting up as a therapist. Not just 6-10 sessions. Avoid anyone who has not had their own extensive therapy.
Ideally, a therapist will have worked for the NHS for a period of time or another large organisation, so their work has been judged/monitored by a company not just by themselves! The profession is unregulated, so anyone can set up as a private therapist currently. Be picky about who you choose to work with - remember you are the buyer.
My advice would be to ask to meet a prospective therapist/counsellor for a free 30min 'meet me' session and see how you feel with them. Be prepared to meet a couple to see who you think you could work with. Be wary of anyone who agrees to have sessions with you without ensuring you are well matched to work together.
Don't be afraid to ask your potential counsellor or therapist about any of the above. Remember, you are the buyer.
Any other questions?
Please feel free to contact me