Here are our answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Therapy. If you have a question not covered here, please contact us for a personal reply. Check out the Books section for details of excellent academic and self-help books which are available to order on-line.

What’s the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy?

What is Psychiatry?

What is Psychology?

What is Group therapy?

In the UK, is therapy available on the NHS?

How could I benefit from Counselling or Psychotherapy?

Are there any risks?

How should I choose a counsellor or therapist?

How much will it cost?

What about confidentiality?

What is Transactional Analysis?

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?

What is Gestalt therapy?

What is online counselling or e-therapy?

Q: What’s the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy?

A  There’s a lot of overlap. Both can be enriching and help you to deal with your problems in a more effective way. Counselling often focuses on a specific problem, whereas psychotherapy tends to deal with more deep-seated issues arising from your past. Many people who seek psychotherapy are not in a crisis, but are interested in finding out about themselves, improving relationships and living a more rewarding life.
Unlike most counsellors, psychotherapists will have been through therapy themselves as part of their training and development.

Q  What is Psychiatry?

A  Psychiatry is the medical speciality dealing with mental disorders. Psychiatrists often have a different perspective from psychotherapists, seeing things in terms of sickness vs health, and using physical treatments such as psychotropic drugs.

Q  What is Psychology?

A  In its very broadest sense, it is the study of behaviour - human and animal. It encompasses all aspects of the functioning of the brain, sensory organs and central nervous system, from basic regulation of the organism, to the complexities of conscious thought, cognition and personality in primates and humans.

Q  What is Group therapy?

A  Instead of meeting the therapist one-to-one, a group of six to twelve people meet with the therapist or two therapists working together, for a longer session (typically two hours a week). Group members benefit from mutual support and learn about themselves through the experiences of others.

Q  In the UK, is therapy available on the NHS?

A  Counselling and psychotherapy are available within the National Health Service. Some GP’s have a counsellor or psychotherapist attached to the practice. Unfortunately the resources available are in great demand and it may be difficult to get therapy without going through a lengthy process. Because of budget constraints, the number of sessions allocated to you may be limited.

Q  Are there any risks?

A  Many people have concerns about what might happen if they start exploring their own psychological make-up. Some worry that a counsellor or psychotherapist might cause emotional harm or read their thoughts. Others fear that they would become controlled by the therapist and be made to do things they didn’t want to do.
It’s natural to be a little apprehensive about something new. That’s why it is important to meet, discuss any concerns, and ask questions before making a final decision. Ask the therapist what training they have had, what supervision they receive, and what is their code of ethics.
The fact is, counsellors and psychotherapists don’t do anything to anyone. They are also trained and experienced in supporting people who are feeling apprehensive, lost, scared, sad or vulnerable.
The other way to look at it is to ask what risks are there in not seeking professional help? We are increasingly aware of the links between psychological and physical health. Keeping a lid on things is not usually the best way to handle emotional issues. In the long run, we may suffer more profound effects such as physical aches and pains, lack of energy, stress, depressed libido or even ‘mental breakdown’.

Q  How should I choose a counsellor or therapist?

A  If you know someone who can recommend a psychotherapist, this is probably the best starting point. In the end, however, only you can determine whether you are likely to be comfortable with someone, and whether you will be able to be open with them. Ask questions about their training, experience and qualifications. Satisfy yourself that they are bona fide and competent. Take common sense precautions to ensure your safety when meeting a new counsellor. After an initial session or two, you should know whether you would be happy to come back, and so begin to establish a trusting relationship with them. See the Directory for details of practitioners in your area.

Q  How much will it cost?

A  In the UK, counselling and psychotherapy is free within the NHS. You may also have access to free therapy through your school, college or employer. Therapists in private practice charge according to their experience and qualifications. Many are willing to offer concessions if you cannot pay the full rate. You may also be entitled to funding through your private health insurance. The number of sessions you have is up to you - varying from perhaps four or five altogether to once a week for a year or more, depending on what you want to achieve.

Q  What about confidentiality?

A  You need to be able to trust your therapist with what are often very private thoughts and feelings. This should be one of the subjects covered when you meet for the first time, so that you are clear about your therapist’s policy and procedures regarding confidentiality.

Q  What is Transactional Analysis?

A  Transactional Analysis (TA) is a theory of personality and social dynamics originated by American psychiatrist Eric Berne (1910-1970). For more information, see Theory Books

Q  What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?

A  CBT emphasises the ability of people to make changes in their lives without having to understand why the change occurs.

Q  What is Gestalt therapy?

A  Gestalt is an holistic/humanistic therapy developed by Fritz Perls. One methodology in Gestalt involves experimenting with new courses of action to facilitate greater awareness and therefore greater choice.

Q  What is online counselling or e-therapy?

A  Counselling via the internet using e-mail, chat, or video conferencing. Some people prefer the convenience of this method of communication with their therapist. See Horizons Counselling Psychotherapy and Training for an example of online therapy by qualified psychotherapists.

www.therapyindex.com