Jenny Bridge CTA(P) TSTA(P) MSc.
 Psychotherapist and Counsellor

Psychotherapy or Counselling?

There comes a point in many people's lives when they may wonder whether they need some form of 'Talking therapy'.
Have you had an experience of feeling stuck, unmotivated and lacking in confidence? Or, you may have a sense that 'something is wrong', but you are not sure what. It may be that you are facing a crisis in your life. or have become aware of familiar behaviours that cause you to repeat patterns that were established in childhood.


Psychotherapy or Counselling?

The terms psychotherapy and Counselling are often used interchangeably. Although they are similar, there are some subtle differences.

COUNSELLING: Counselling offers clients the opportunity to explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviours, especially in relation to their present day functionning. In the context of health, the term counselling is generally used to describe a relatively brief treatment (E.g. 6 to 12 sessions). The focus is often on a specific symptom, or particular problematic situation.

Counsellors have usually undertaken a 2 to 3 year training, and if qualified, should be ACCREDITED by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or a similar organisation.

PSYCHOTHERAPY: This is generally a longer term treatment that focuses on gaining insight into long-term physical and emotional problems. The aim is to effect lasting change. Psychotherapy aims to explore the deeper unconscious processes in a person's personality, that influence the way they relate to themselves and others. Some people choose psychotherapy to discover more about themselves, and to live their lives in a more rewarding and satisfying way.

Psychotherapists will have undergone a minimum of 4 years training, and, if qualified, will be registered with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy.

To choose a Psychotherapist, see FAQ's.