 | |
|
What's the difference between psychotherapy and counselling? |
|
Psychotherapy aims at providing a safe, non-judgmental space and relationship in which a person can explore situations that are causing concern or creating difficulties for themselves. These difficulties often confront us in those very meaningful parts of our life - our relationship with our self, with others and our work. We sometimes experience painful states of depression, anxiety, confusion, negativity and low self esteem and these states affect who we are and how we want to be in the world. The safety of the therapeutic relationship provides understanding, acceptance and mindfulness so that a person can grow and change in ways that were not possible at earlier stages in their life.
Psychotherapy takes place in the context of a relationship between the therapist and client. Once this relationship is developed we can begin to explore safely and deeply some questions about who we are. We bring to this relationship all our gifts, resources and limitations. The psychotherapeutic relationship is essentially about a process of assisted self study and discovery. Often people have a strong sense that something needs to be different for them, that there is something not quite fitting in place. So it can be an adventure about discovering new ways to be.
What's the difference between psychotherapy and counselling?
In reality therapists are often doing a little of both. Counselling is generally about resolving immediate life issues that are causing concern and learning new skills and strategies to help us live happier lives. Psychotherapy has a large focus on understanding the underlying processes that create and affect our lives. Both of these processes support healing and change. We sometimes want someone to understand us and most counsellors and psychotherapists have been trained and have a desire to do just that. At last count there are some 350 different therapeutic modalities with all kinds of theories about human development and human experience. What the current research is clearly showing is that the major determining factor for a successful outcome of any therapeutic work is not the theoretical orientation of the therapist but rather their ability to establish a caring, respectful and trusting relationship with the people with whom they are working.
Individual therapists determine this for themselves and most have some capacity in their practice for concessional rates. Session length also varies between 50 - 90 minutes and the cost can range between $75.00 - $240.00. A GST will also be charged by some psychotherapists depending on their qualifications and practice.
My standard fee for a 90 minute consultation is $110.00 including GST.
©