Psychotherapy defined

What psychotherapy and counselling mean, and how the psychoanalytic approach helps people change.

— The two terms are very similar

— For adults and families: an emotionally focused therapy where conversation is the main path to change

— The goal is symptom relief through insight, together with emotional support and guidance

— Psychotherapy also takes the form of play therapy

— Toys, stories and symbolic themes supplement talking about the problem

— Behaviour has complex, deep-seated reasons that resist change

— Understanding a problem intellectually is not enough — self-help books rarely change behaviour

— An empathic, compassionate relationship that is unconditionally supportive

— Difficulties are brought into the room and understood in a new light

— The therapist offers interpretations — educated guesses — that are refined together

— Liking and trusting your therapist has been shown to matter more to the outcome than the specific type of therapy

— That’s why the first conversation is complimentary

“To be compassionate is to suffer with someone.”

A brief, confidential phone call is an easy place to begin. The first consultation is complimentary.