Counselling
Counselling involves a trained counsellor and a client meeting in a private and confidential setting to explore and help resolve problems or opportunities that the client is facing. Some issues are very general, such as dissatisfaction with life, or loss of a sense of direction. Other issues are very specific, such as a troubling relationship, or grief following the death of a loved one. Counselling may be of short or long duration, working with immediate or longer-term issues. The counsellor draws on advanced interpersonal skills as well as empathy, respect, and genuineness to help the client manage their problems and opportunities more effectively. This usually involves helping the client to examine the problems (or opportunities), envisage possible solutions, set goals, and develop a plan, and then supporting the client in putting this into action. This takes place in a safe and supportive environment where the client can explore difficult personal issues without being judged. Most important is the relationship between the counsellor and the client.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is usually seen as a longer-term and more intense form of therapy directed toward deeper-seated issues such as personality issues, meaning in life, or psychological disorders. Psychotherapy draws on psychotherapeutic and psychological theories and findings. Psychotherapy may have a heavier emphasis on a particular therapeutic approach or framework, and requires extensive training. Despite these distinctions, many therapists and professional associations see no differences between counselling and psychotherapy, especially at advanced levels of training.
If you are considering counselling or psychotherapy, ensure that the therapist:
- has extensive training, to a minimum of diploma level, and preferably graduate or post-graduate level, in counselling or psychotherapy from a properly accredited university or college*
- is a member of a recognised counselling or psychotherapy association and adheres to their code of ethics*
- specialises in counselling and psychotherapy.
It is also a good idea to ask yourself a few questions after talking to the therapist, either on the phone or face-to-face:
- Do I feel comfortable and safe with this person?
- Do I feel that I can I trust them with intimate details about me and my life?
- Do I feel respected, valued and understood, without being judged?
- Do I feel that I can work with this person?
If you wish, you may Contact Me by email or phone to discuss counselling and psychotherapy further.
Carla Shorrock is a qualified and accredited counsellor and psychotherapist working in Randwick in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, Australia, providing professional help for addiction & recovery, depression & anxiety, relationships & codependency, grief & loss, life changes, work, and emotional, body image and self esteem issues. Other areas easily accessible to Randwick include Alexandria, Bondi, Bronte, Clovelly, Coogee, Darlinghurst, Eastgardens, Kensington, Kingsford, Malabar, Mascot, Maroubra, Paddington, Pagewood, Queens Park, Rosebery, Sydney CBD, Tamarama, Ultimo, Waverley, Woollahra and Zetland.