I am often asked what the difference is between counselling and psychotherapy. Counselling deals with issues that are immediate and require, perhaps, six to ten weekly sessions. Psychotherapy is more long-term and looks at issues that are more deep-rooted in the past which are affecting our present.
Counselling / psychotherapy are very effective in helping people in a time of crisis. Life throws many different things at us that make us feel low and anxious. We can all go through times of unhappiness and sorrow in our lives. When those feelings of anxiety, lack of interest in life and low mood take over, they may need looking into to explore a better way of managing life. I understand that coming to see a Counsellor for the first time can be a daunting experience. I offer a safe space at Cara Counselling, Craughwell, to enable a person to open up and talk freely in the strictest confidence, about anything that may be bothering them. It is an opportunity to be listened to, to express their true feelings without being judged. It helps develop a more positive way of looking at choices and behaviours that will increase a sense of wellbeing and boost self-confidence. Together we can work to discover the strengths to effect change. It is through working together that the potential for healing and change occurs.
Counselling / psychotherapy can help with the following:
- Anxiety, depression, panic attacks, trauma
- Bereavement
- Loss and grief
- Feelings of hopelessness and despair, loneliness
- Cot death / stillbirth, illness / death of children
- Bullying, work related issues
- Personal development, self-confidence
- Low self-esteem, relationships
- Addictions, self-harm
- Suicide, suicidal thoughts and families affected by suicide
- Anger management
- Sexuality issues
- Post traumatic stress
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Domestic violence, abuse
Therapy is a personal journey and I am there to facilitate and accompany a person on that journey by offering another way of looking at issues. At different times in our lives difficulties can emerge which overwhelm us. Counselling / Psychotherapy helps by talking about issues and finding a more manageable way of dealing with the difficulties to enable us to enjoy life to the full.
I am also acutely aware of the epidemic proportions suicide would appear to have reached in this country and believe that a person experiencing suicidal thoughts, or families affected by suicide can benefit by talking to someone about how they are feeling to have those feelings validated. Weekly sessions are the most beneficial for the therapy process but it is entirely dependent on the person’s circumstances. I feel everyone knows what works best for them so I work in collaboration with them.
