Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy?
There is no agreed definition of how counselling differs from psychotherapy. It may be helpful to think of psychotherapy as offering a longer time frame or greater depth of focus.
It is the approach of the therapist, and duration of the therapy offered, that will significantly affect the style of therapy.
All qualified Counsellors and Psychotherapists will have trained in specific approaches. In order to qualify for membership with a regulating body such as the I.A.C.P. Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, therapists have to successfully complete an acquired number of clinical hours worked in supervised placements within a counselling agency, in private practice or a combination of both.
It is the approach of the therapist, and duration of the therapy offered, that will significantly affect the style of therapy.
All qualified Counsellors and Psychotherapists will have trained in specific approaches. In order to qualify for membership with a regulating body such as the I.A.C.P. Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, therapists have to successfully complete an acquired number of clinical hours worked in supervised placements within a counselling agency, in private practice or a combination of both.
2. How is Counselling different to the support we get from family or friends. We all have problems - why counselling? Why now?
Talking with family and friends is important, especially if you are fortunate enough to experience love and support from them, and it can often be a great source of help. However, sometimes with all good intentions, it might be difficult for them to be unbiased or to tell us things they feel may hurt us. Nor may they be trained to understand all they hear and see in us. I can offer the benefit of unbiased honest feedback based on years of training and experience. If you choose to work with me I can offer you time and attention to think things through in a non judgemental space, where you can learn to build trust and talk freely about what is important to you. Sessions move at your pace, are led by you and whatever you want to explore, with the aim that you arrive at a place where you are content.
3. Am I going to feel bad about myself?
When life becomes difficult, it is easy to focus on what does not work. Therapy can help you to re-engage with your strengths and use them to help you navigate through the difficulties. Often there is a 'split' inside us. We believe we can do this - but not that. We can face this - but not that. As we gradually tease apart the roots of these beliefs, we can find ways that strengthen us in one area of our life which we can access to help us in other areas. The solution to our problems can often be found within us. Sometimes we just need to do a little more digging. Therapy can be emotionally painful - but it can also be pleasurable, humorous and even uplifting.
4. How do I choose a therapist?
It is very important to check that your counsellor is qualified and an accredited member of a regulating professional organisation such as the I.A.C.P.
When choosing a counsellor, the first thing to decide is if she/he is someone that you feel you can talk to comfortably and safely - an introductory initial session offers a good opportunity to do this.
You might want to consider if the therapist's psychotherapeutic approach appeals to you. For example, would you like to take time exploring your feelings, your past behaviours and experiences in great depth, or would you like to immediately focus on defining and working towards goals for change.
There is no obligation beyond our consultation session. This session will give you an opportunity to get a good overview of your current concerns and understand the approach that together you feel would be the most appropriate for you.
When choosing a counsellor, the first thing to decide is if she/he is someone that you feel you can talk to comfortably and safely - an introductory initial session offers a good opportunity to do this.
You might want to consider if the therapist's psychotherapeutic approach appeals to you. For example, would you like to take time exploring your feelings, your past behaviours and experiences in great depth, or would you like to immediately focus on defining and working towards goals for change.
There is no obligation beyond our consultation session. This session will give you an opportunity to get a good overview of your current concerns and understand the approach that together you feel would be the most appropriate for you.
5. What should I expect at the first session?
Firstly, there is no obligation beyond this session. In the consultation session we will explore what has brought you and how working together may help. It will give you the opportunity to ask questions and to get a feel for how I work, and will afford me a good overview of your current concerns and the therapeutic approach that together you feel would be most appropriate for you.
6. How often will I come for therapy?
Weekly sessions are often most useful. However, if you are experiencing extreme distress, you may initially choose to have more than one session per week. We can discuss this in our consultation session, and whatever you decide is open to change as we move along. At any point you can opt for fewer or more sessions.