Counselling and psychotherapy are umbrella terms that cover a range of talking therapies. They are delivered by trained practitioners who counsel with people over a short or long term to help them bring about effective change or enhance their wellbeing.
The first session starts with the client completing an intake and signing the terms of service. A general discussion will follow with the counsellor answering any questions the client may have.
Usually individuals choose to have therapy because they are experiencing difficulties and distress in their lives. Sometimes people can be isolated but at other times, even where an individual has the most supportive family and friends, they can find it difficult if not impossible to explain why, for example, they may be feeling anxious and or depressed. Or it may be easier to talk about personal, family, or relationship issues with a person who is independent of friends and family. Other life issues and events which can be very difficult to deal with include bereavement, divorce, redundancy, health issues, bullying and so on. However, you do not have to be in crisis or on the verge of one, before choosing to engage in therapy. You may be experiencing underlying feelings of dissatisfaction with life in general, or be seeking balance and spirituality in your life. All of these reasons and more will bring individuals to therapy.