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ifferences Between Counselling / Psychotherapy?

I am often asked to describe the difference between Psychotherapy and Counselling. So this is my humble attempt.

Psychotherapy involves a rich experience of self-discovery and self-understanding which, when combined with a supportive and empathetic relationship with the therapist, enables healing and growth. It examines the whole life of the individual (past, present and future), but is ultimately about making healing, long-lasting and life-enhancing changes.

Psychotherapy can embrace a range of treatment modalities including the analytically-oriented therapies, cognitive behaviour therapy, resource therapy,
and relational therapy. I have training in all of these modalities. Because it is not limited to one type of treatment, psychotherapy offers flexibility and can be tailored to the unique needs of each individual.

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verlap

Although there is considerable overlap between psychotherapy and counselling, counselling is generally applied to problems arising in relation to specific situations or life experiences. It is suitable for those dealing with relatively minor or temporary issues. Psychotherapy relates to those deeper structures of personality or self which have caused long-term distress or which the individual wishes to change.
I use both aspects in my work and am currently using Resource Therapy quite frequently www.resourcetherapy.org.au

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ife Coaching

Life coaching is for those who are eager to experience the inspiration and empowerment provided by working with their own personal mentor, as they strive towards the realisation of their potential and the creation of a life which is fulfilling and satisfying. It is a convenient and efficient way to make genuine and sustained improvements in any or all areas of life.

Life coaching focuses specifically on personal strengths and their development. It draws heavily upon Positive Psychology, a field of study which aims to promote the understanding of psychological potential and to move each individual towards the optimal level of functioning for them. Life coaching aims to help people take charge of their own lives, the aim of all therapy, and to design and create the life they want rather than living in a reactionary way to what life presents.

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ho can be helped?

Psychotherapy or counselling with me are suitable for those who are motivated to make changes in their lives; in the way they feel, the way they experience the world around them, and in the way they relate to others. Circumstances and struggles which may lead someone to seek psychotherapy with me include:

What may lead someone to seek Psychotherapy or Counselling:

  • Depression and feelings of emptiness or loneliness
  • Low self-esteem and lack of self-confidence
  • Excessive sensitivity to life’s ups and downs
  • Disordered eating patterns such as overeating, undereating or binge eating
  • Anxiety, stress and excessive worry
  • Identity issues relating to sexuality or gender
  • Identity issues (who am I?) relating to friendships, career path, interests or relationships
  • Relationship difficulties – either in one’s private life or at work
  • Grief resulting from major life change such as a relationship breakup or loss
  • A history of childhood abuse or maltreatment
  • Ongoing symptoms resulting from a major life trauma
  • Difficulty in manifesting one’s goals and dreams
  • Feelings of confusion and lack of direction
  • A desire for personal growth and better self-understanding
  • Wanting to live a happier and more fulfilling life

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ho seeks Life Coaching?

Life coaching is most suitable for those who are not struggling with significant levels of distress or anxiety but are eager to take active steps towards turning an okay life into a great life.

Reasons people seek Life Coaching include:

  • A desire to improve one’s health – lose weight, increase fitness, enhance diet and general well-being
  • Wanting to improve one’s relationships – with partner, family members, children, friends and work colleagues
  • Achieving professional and/or study goals
  • Seeking financial freedom
  • Wanting a more satisfying career – making changes in current career or seeking a new one
  • A desire to find more meaning – articulating and pursuing one’s life purpose
  • Wanting to have more fun – enhancing the pursuit of recreational activities and interests
  • Wanting to become a better person – seeking general personal development
  • Wanting to fulfil innate potential and obtain greater life satisfaction
woman crossing a bridge
train tracks disappearing to point in the forest
jetty into lake in the forest
woman canoeing on a lake by the forest