FAQ

The terms 'counselling' and 'therapy' have become used interchangeably in recent years. As explained by the NHS, “Counselling is a talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues. Sometimes, the term ‘counselling’ is used to refer to talking therapies in general, but counselling is also a type of therapy in its own right.”

Though the terms are often used to mean the same thing, generally counsellors look at specific issues over a shorter time period, whilst therapists often go deeper, looking to uncover the root causes of experiences, and treatment often spans over a longer period of time. It is important to recognise, however, that it is common for counselling to be referred to as 'therapy' and vice-versa. Equally, counsellors may utilise elements of therapy and therapists may counsel. 

Different types of mental health professionals will offer a range of support. Don't worry if it takes you some time to figure out what you need. The relationship between counsellor/therapist and client is an important one, so be sure to ask questions.
 

Counselling/therapy does not come in a cookie-cutter format and each session is generally tailored to the individual. There is flexibility within this type of therapy that allows for a variety of formats, including:

Face-to-face

This is when you make an appointment with a counsellor/therapist to see them in person, usually at their practice. Face-to-face sessions are one of the more popular therapy formats because they provide an opportunity for you to react to any emotions that arise there and then. 

Individual or group

You may choose to see a counsellor/therapist by yourself, or if you prefer you could join a counselling group with people experiencing similar issues. Going to a group session can be helpful if you want to discuss your issues with people who are going through similar problems and you may even gain yourself a support network. Alternatively, you may wish to see a counsellor/therapist alone to preserve your privacy and concentrate on your own feelings.  

Telephone counselling

For some, telephone counselling offers a helpful alternative to face-to-face counselling. This involves talking to your counsellor/therapist over the phone instead of in person. This form of therapy can be particularly useful for those too busy to attend face-to-face sessions and can be carried out in the comfort of your own home. This format also tends to be more flexible and can potentially reduce waiting list times.

Online counselling.

Some people prefer to speak to their counsellor/therapist remotely, using video calling technology or emailing them instead. Video calling removes the barrier of distance, allowing you to choose a therapist regardless of location and speak to them from a safe space. Online counselling is an increasingly popular option, with more and more offering it. 

Counselling can give you the time and space to work through any problems, issues, or worries you may be experiencing. Through working with a professional, impartial, experienced counsellor or therapist, you have the opportunity to open up about things you may feel uncomfortable or not ready to speak about with a loved one or friend.
 

Counselling/therapy can be useful for anyone who wants to explore the way they're thinking or feeling further, as well as for anyone experiencing a problem or issue they are keen to resolve. People may choose to speak to a counsellor/therapist because they feel they cannot speak to their other half/friends/family about such personal issues, or they may simply wish to speak to a professional with an objective viewpoint.

Common subjects that can be addressed within counselling/therapy include the following:

Addictions or substance abuse
Wherever there is a physical addiction to a substance or activity - there is likely to be a psychological addiction too. Counselling/therapy aims to relieve psychological addiction by exploring the root cause while helping to develop new ways of thinking.

Bereavement
Losing a loved one is a difficult event in anyone's life. The loss can bring up a wide range of emotions including guilt and anger. Some people benefit from speaking openly to a counsellor about their feelings to help ease the process and resolve any remaining issues they may have.

Bullying
Being the victim of any form of abuse - verbal, emotional or physical - can lead to issues that may affect you all of your life. Counselling can offer victims the chance to seek help from authorities (if appropriate) as well as address the psychological repercussions in a safe environment.

Illness
Suffering from a long-term illness and Chronic Diseases such as Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Arthritis, Sondalitic, severe Backache and Migraine etc; can turn anyone's world upside down. Counselling can help sufferers come to terms with their illness while offering emotional support and coping mechanisms.

Mental health
Suffering from a mental health issue such as schizophrenia or depression can feel incredibly isolating. Counselling/therapy looks to discuss the feelings that arise in conjunction with these kinds of mental health issues, as well as overcome any personal challenges or frustrations. 

Relationships & Child Care 
Covering all types of relationships, counselling can be used to discuss couples, marital, friendship and family issues. Problems could involve anything from a poor relationship with a parent, difficulties in a friendship or with a partner, or even your relationships at work.

Trauma
Whether you've been involved in an accident or you have been the victim of abuse, the psychological impact of trauma can last years after the event itself. In a counselling session, trauma victims are encouraged to explore their feelings regarding the incident and look into how these could be resolved or changed.

Other issues
Feelings of stress, anxiety and low self-esteem are becoming all too common in today's society. Counselling/therapy can offer practical advice for overcoming these kinds of issues, as well as allowing you the space to vent your frustrations and feelings.
 

The way counselling/therapy can help will depend on the person receiving the treatment. For many, the fact that counselling offers a safe and confidential environment to speak in is all it takes. In life, what we say to others can sometimes have a knock-on effect, altering relationships and the way people see each other. Therapy eliminates this problem and offers you the space and freedom to explore your own thoughts with an unbiased party.

While counsellors/therapists may not give you concrete advice or a checklist of things to do to feel better, what they will do is help you uncover your own insight and understanding of your problems, providing you with the tools which will help you to resolve them on your own.

In the majority of cases, a single session will not be enough to help overcome any issues you're facing. Counselling is a journey, and it takes time and consistency to work effectively. Because of this, many people opt for regular sessions to make the most of the process.

Counselling/therapy can help you understand yourself better and the way you think, which will ultimately help you develop a clearer understanding of your problems. The more armed with information you are, the easier it gradually becomes to navigate your way through any difficulties you are facing, so that eventually you can come out the other side feeling more positive. It can also help you better understand other people's points of view, which can shed light on the way you interpret words or actions.

Counseling can be defined ‘a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals.’ It does not only focus on client’s goals but also help them to achieve those goals. Counseling is a dynamic, engaging and a lively process involving making choices as well as changes. Counseling can be conducted in an individual setting, in groups and in families. The focus is not on extremely severe mental health disorders. 

Counselling, or 'therapy' as it is commonly known, falls under the umbrella term ‘talking therapies’ and allows people to discuss their problems and any difficult feelings they encounter in a safe, confidential environment. The term can mean different things to different people, but in general, it is a process people seek when they want to change something in their lives, or simply explore their thoughts and feelings in more depth.

A counsellor, or therapist, is not there to sit you down and tell you what to do. Instead, they will encourage you to talk about what's bothering you in order to uncover any root causes and identify your specific ways of thinking. They may then look to create a plan of action to either help you reconcile your issues, or help you to find ways of coping.