My Approach to Therapy
Counselling and Psychotherapy - it's hard to find a clear explanation of what the two are and why there is a difference.
My understanding is that counselling is usually shorter term and provides a listening space for you to offload whatever has been bothering you. This may result in big changes in you and the way you live your life; most commonly it simply provides relief. There is no time limit however, and some people will find benefit in being in counselling for years. Psychotherapy is usually longer term and more deliberately uncovers aspects from the past for exploration, understanding and what we like to call 'processing'. This will also provide relief, though this can be harder won and at times feel like it's getting worse before it gets better; there is no set time limit.
The thing these have in common is that you will finish with a better sense of who you are, how you are and maybe even why you are. My aim is always to help you connect a little more; with yourself - your mind and your body, with your friends and family, with your life, and I do that by paying attention to our connection.
As a society I feel we have forgotten the complexity of what it means to be human and there is a lot of simplified thinking and labels applied to many situations e.g. liar; bubbly; moody. Nothing is ever as simple as a label. Sometimes life would definitely be easier if it was, and I think that wish is what keeps this thinking going, but the truth is, we are all complicated, wonderful, complex creatures with so many different parts.
I don't believe that being a 'blank screen' and interpreting what you are telling me is helpful in building your ability to discover and know you. Instead, I believe people become their best self when they feel comfortable, supported and safe. Experimenting and making mistakes is actively encouraged because you have the time and space to really feel what it is like to do something different and decide if it is for you or not.
My main goal is to help people cultivate self-compassion so that they may accept their humanness, forgive their mistakes and grow into the best version of themselves.
Trust the Process