WHAT IS COUNSELLING? WHAT IS PSYCHOTHERAPY?

The term counselling is often used interchangeably with psychotherapy, but most agree that a broad distinction can be made.  Counselling best describes a process within which a client explores a 'problem situation'. The term psychotherapy is often interchangeable with counselling but the work is often more focused on the inner-world and processes of the client.

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An integrative approach brings together practice and theory from more than one school of psychological thought. The outworking of this can vary greatly, but working integratively implies a belief that there are many ways human psychology can be explored and understood, that no one theory holds all the answers, and that techniques can be drawn from various modalities and tailored to suit clients. An integrative approach offers the chance to develop oneself to the fullest potential. 

The ultimate aim for therapy is change. Change in feelings towards yourself, your current circumstances, and your resources for a greater quality of life. An important part of working towards change is developing understanding about the self. The therapy should support a process of examining who you are by exploring your past and early life experiences to understand the thoughts and life patterns of today, but also look at the current self, resources and circumstances for a future full of hope as change comes about. 

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Counselling works by the therapist asking questions to stimulate personal exploration.  We might use some tools along the way, such as creative exercises for a more visual exploration of these, or to contain the issue in a safer way. Emotional safety is always important: the therapist will check in with the client to ensure they are safe enough in their journey.  

To begin the process, clients are required to complete a referral form. Here you are asked to share some basic information about yourself, and the reason for the referral. Upon completing the referral, you will be offered an initial consultation*, which acts as a 'getting to know you' session, and enables you to work out whether therapy with Tilia will be the right form of therapeutic engagement for you. It's important to note that a good therapist match is indicative to good therapeutic outcomes. The initial consultation doesn't 'lock you in', but helps to decide whether to commit to a longer term process. 

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Sessions are 50 minutes long. We do not limit the number of sessions clients complete: often, at the beginning of the process, it's unclear how many sessions a client will need. We discuss therapeutic goals with the client, and review throughout the relationship where they feel they are at in their therapeutic journey.

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*sending a referral form through does not guarantee an initial consultation. The referral process may well indicate that you would be better suited to another form of therapeutic support: we will do our best to signpost further where possible. 

Details shared throughout the duration of the therapeutic relationship remain confidential between yourself and the therapist. The only exception to this is if you are considered to be at risk to yourself or others, or you disclose information relating to fraud or acts of terrorism. In accordance with GDPR regulations, personal details and session records will be held for 3 years after the ending of the therapeutic relationship, and destroyed thereafter. For more information on how we manage and store data, please see our Privacy Statement.