Counselling & Psychotherapy

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The terms 'counselling' and 'psychotherapy' are often used synonymously. However, it is generally understood that counselling is short-term and focuses on a specific concern. Whereas, psychotherapy explores and addresses deeper, underlying thoughts and feelings that have built up over a long period of time. Consequently the therapy is longer-term, working to identify emotional issues and the background to problems and difficulties. The individual may then have a deeper understanding of their thoughts, feelings and actions.

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It is possible for someone to start with counselling and decide that their initial concern is linked to deeper issues that they would like to explore further.

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I practice existentially which means my approach is grounded in a philosophy that questions the nature of human experience. It recognises our capacity for growth whilst challenging our responses to unavoidable limitations.

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Existential psychotherapy does not 'medicalise' or pathologise the suffering of an individual; it does not 'treat' symptoms. Rather it seeks to understand the meaning of symptoms, thoughts, feelings, behaviours. 

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I am richly informed by the psychodynamic approach that seeks to understand patterns of relating as a result of early relationships. These patterns may become evident within the therapeutic relationship itself. So the therapy space can provide a safe place for exploring ways of interacting, leading to increased personal awareness, insight and ultimately, change.

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Existential therapy allows you to pay attention to how you live your life, how you make sense of your values, assumptions and the choices you make.