What is counselling and psychotherapy, and what’s the difference between these two?
Counselling and psychotherapy are both forms of talk therapy and there is often a great deal of overlap between counselling and psychotherapeutic work. Counselling is typically more short-term and focuses on specific issues or challenges, and a solution-focused way to deal with these. Examples might be dealing with a difficult situation or change in a relationship. Counselling often helps people cope with life transitions and improve their overall emotional well-being.
Psychotherapy is typically a longer-term process that delves deeper into psychological issues, often involving a more comprehensive exploration of a person’s past, emotions, and behaviours and how these might impact a person’s present life.
How often do I need to attend therapy?
Typically as a client you attend therapy weekly. After initially attending weekly, sometimes a client will move to fortnightly sessions, and this is something we can discuss.
How long do sessions last?
Each therapy session will last for 50 minutes. I will manage the time and let you know when we’re nearing the end of the session.
How do you work as a therapist?
I work from a person-centred framework, which means I believe the client is the expert in their own life and can reach their full potential. I’m led by you as the client in our work together.
I trained as an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist which means I don’t prescribe to a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, but believe that different therapeutic approaches can work for different people. I use different therapeutic modalities such as humanistic, existential, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), choice theory/reality therapy and psychodynamic therapy.
The heart of my practice is ensuring that clients feel heard and accepted, and meeting the client where they are.
How much does a session cost?
A session costs €70. If you are a student, unemployed or experiencing financial issues, I reserve a number of spaces for reduced rate clients as I believe therapy should be accessible. Please feel free to ask me about these if you decide to make contact.
How many sessions will I need?
Psychotherapeutic work is open ended and responsive to the needs of each client. Where possible, it is recommended that a client commits to an initial period of 6 sessions, weekly at the same time and place if possible. Following this, I will check in with you as the client, to review our work and assess if you would like to continue working together.
How is my data stored?
I will hold some limited notes regarding sessions and personal information as shared for the purpose of the therapeutic process. Legally this information is held for a period of 7 years, after which it is deleted, in compliance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).