Talking therapy: frequently asked questions

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FAQ’s about counselling and psychotherapy

In this article, we explore talking therapy and counselling and provide answers some of the most frequently asked questions, including why people go to therapy and things to consider when choosing a professional therapist.

About talking therapy

Counselling, often referred to as “talk therapy” by professional therapists and health professionals, is a confidential, helping relationship, which focuses on providing you with an opportunity to talk through your difficulties, explore different solutions, and find ways to manage them.

How can talking therapy help?

Talking therapy can benefit people in different ways. There are no guarantees, but generally, the more you put into therapy, the more you’ll get from it.

Why do people go to therapy?

There are many reasons why people go for therapy.  The problems may be multiple, overlapping, and complex or relatively simple and eas­ily remedied.

Here are the top 10 most common issues which lead people to seek help from a professional therapist or counsellor:

1. Personal problems

People may be experiencing personal or life problems concerning marriage, finances, children, health, a loved one, career etc.

2. Periods of change and transition

Many people seek help and support during periods of change and transition e.g. changing jobs, retiring, moving house and/or having a baby.

3. Bereavement, grief, loss and trauma

Counselling can be really helpful for people who are experiencing grief after bereavement or loss and/or trauma.

4. Emotional or mental problems

Some people may seek counselling because they have emotional, mental, or physical problems that severely impair their ability to function well in the world.

5. Negative thoughts and behaviours

People may go to therapy to reconcile and correct negative behaviours, or challenge and re-frame unhelpful thought patterns.

6. Stress

Many people suffer from chronic stress, which can impact their performance at work and lead to decreased productivity, as well as and increased absenteeism.  Counselling for stress and anxiety can help increase productivity and help you find coping strategies to manage your stress.  Many therapists teach their clients breathing techniques, visualisations and mindfulness based activities to help reduce stress levels and aid relaxation.

7. Anxiety and depression

Counselling for anxiety and depression can help people to identify specific triggers linked to their difficulties.  For example, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) can help you to better understand the root cause of your anxiety and support you to develop coping strategies to manage feelings of overwhelm and/or panic.

8. Change in career

A person may be looking for a career change in which case, counselling and psychotherapy can help them to see their hidden talents and to rec­ognise their own strengths which may have previously gone unsupported.

9. Lack of fulfilment

Many people are searching for personal growth and increased authenticity.  They may function well in their life (have a solid job and intact family, and are successful by all traditional notions of the word “success”) yet they feel incomplete, unfulfilled, and have deep longings for something more.  Private counselling and psychotherapy can help individuals find meaning and purpose in their life and realise their full potential.

10. Feeling of emptiness

Many people have a vague sense of dissatisfaction or feeling of emptiness, which can cause low mood, anxiety and/or periods of depression and isolation.  Counselling can help you feel connected to someone who cares, listens and understands what you are going through and help you to gain insight and develop greater self awareness.

How do I know if I need therapy?

Anyone can go to therapy, no matter how big or small their problems.  Therapy isn’t for specific people or problems; it’s about helping you to develop self awareness and get better at living your life.  Whatever issues you may be facing, therapy can give you time and space to work through them.   Therapy sessions usually take place face-to-face or online.

When should I seek professional help from a therapist?

Here are some examples of when to seek help and support from a professional counsellor or therapist:

  • Your thoughts, feelings, or behaviours are affecting your quality of life.
  • You are not sleeping well, using unhealthy coping behaviours, and/or avoiding things you usually like doing.
  • You feel as though your mental health is starting to affect your relationships with your friends or family.
  • Your friends or family members have told you they’re concerned about you.
  • You are experiencing a variety of physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive issues, breathing difficulties, muscle tension, fatigue, or generally feeling run down.
  • You feel as though you’re at risk of exhaustion or burnout.
  • Your levels of mental distress are affecting your performance at work.

Do therapists give advice?

Contrary to popular belief, therapists don’t give people advice or offer solutions.  During a therapy session, a therapist won’t pretend to be the expert on your life.  Sometimes, this can feel a little frustrating.  You may be thinking “why won’t he/she just give me some advice, or tell me what to do?”  If the therapist did this, it would mean that you would be relying on them to sort out your problems.

What is the difference between a therapist and a counsellor? 

The terms “therapist” and “counsellor” are often used interchangeably, but they do have some distinctions.  Let me break it down for you:

Therapists

  • The term “therapist” is an overarching label for clinicians who treat mental health concerns.
  • Therapists often have a master’s degree, but it can also apply to psychologists with a doctorate.
  • Therapy tends to be longer term, more exploratory, and holistic. Psychotherapy may focus on treating mental illnesses.
  • Therapists address a wide range of issues, including emotional challenges, relationship difficulties, and personal growth.
  • Therapists may specialist in various areas, e.g. marriage, addiction, grief, addictions, and/or abuse.

Counsellors

  • Counselling tends to be shorter term and goal-oriented.
  • Counsellors may not have a master’s degree but still provide valuable support.
  • They focus on addressing concrete, specific life challenges.
  • Counsellors often specialise in specific areas, similar to therapists

In summary, therapists and counsellors both treat mental, emotional, and behavioural health.

Tips for choosing a professional therapist

While it’s difficult to be 100% sure whether a therapist is a good fit for you from an initial phone call, there are some questions you may want to ask yourself before booking a therapy session, for example:

  • Do I feel respected and heard by this therapist?
  • Do I think this therapist is knowledgeable and can really help me?
  • Do I feel comfortable with this therapist?
  • Does the therapist seem to feel comfortable in his or her own skin and with me as a fellow human being?
  • Do I feel that this therapist is curious to find out who I am and what I need?
  • Am I just a list of symptoms on some diagnostic questionnaire, or does the therapist take the time to find out why I do what I do, and think what I think?

Free consultation

Funded, short-term counselling is provided by the NHS, but there are often long waiting lists to be seen by a clinician.

Therapists working in private practice typically charge an hourly rate for 1:1 therapy sessions, and some therapists offer prospective clients a free initial phone consultation prior to booking.

Questions to ask during the consultation

Here are some questions you might want to ask a therapist during an initial phone consultation:

  • Can you tell me about your practice?
  • Do you have experience working with clients with similar concerns?
  • What therapy approach do you use?
  • How frequently and long do you typically see clients?
  • What are your fees?

Finding the right counsellor for you

Finding someone you feel comfortable with and can build a working relationship with is essential for successful therapy.  When you are looking for a therapist, it is important to be honest with both yourself and the counsellor.   If you don’t think a counsellor is a good fit for you or you’re not sure, it’s OK to say so.

Counsellors near me

Contact Frances Rayner at Dove Counselling in Plymouth to schedule a FREE 15-minute initial consultation, with no obligation to book a therapy session.

To find out more or book a FREE 15-minute initial consultation, please telephone 01752 422029 | 0740 865994 or send a message via the contact form.