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* What is Counselling and Psychotherapy?
Broadly speaking, counselling and psychotherapy provide people with an opportunity to effectively address personal issues of difficulty in a safe, professional environment with someone who is non-judgemental, confidential and supportive. Counsellors and psychotherapists are trained and experienced in facilitating the client’s progress towards greater understanding of their thoughts, feelings and behaviours; they are then able to guide and support the development of new perspectives and ways of behaving that can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life.
Not all counsellors or psychotherapists will suit every individual. So it is essential, given that research indicates that the actual relationship with your therapist is just as important as his or her skills and training, that you find a counsellor or psychotherapist with whom you feel safe, understood and whom you can trust. When you first speak or meet with your counsellor and give them an outline of what is going on for you, we suggest that you may also want to ask them the question “What is Counselling and Psychotherapy?” so that they can answer it in a way that is more specific to your particular needs.
* What is the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy?
Counselling is one dimension of psychotherapy in that psychotherapy includes, but can go beyond, what counselling offers. Counselling might focus on an immediate issue such as a relationship problem or a specific work or career issue and the necessity for a short term resolution. Psychotherapy offers the opportunity to achieve more than this, for example, taking time to explore and remedy persistent relationship habits that may have led to such difficulties in the first place. The degree and intensity of what you undertake will come down what it is you want to achieve.
The Neridah Practice clinicians will work according to your needs on either a short term counselling basis or on a longer term psychotherapy basis.
* How do I choose a Psychotherapist or Counsellor?
See Choosing a Psychotherapist/Counsellor
* At what times can I come to The Neridah Practice?
As well as normal business hours, we offer some early morning, evening and Saturday appointments according to availability.
* How long do sessions last?
Generally, sessions for individuals and couples last between 50 and 60 minutes depending on the practitioner. Please ask your practitioner when you make your appointment.
* Confidentiality
Psychotherapists, counsellors and psychologists are all bound by the Privacy Act to maintain strict confidentiality. The only exceptions are when it is thought that a person may harm themselves or another, or that they may harm/abuse a child.
* How long does Counselling or Psychotherapy last?
This varies as much as the varieties of issues that people bring to counselling and psychotherapy. Much depends on the nature, severity and duration of the parts of your life you want to improve. It will also depend on the extent to which you want to bring about change, for example, whether it is a relatively isolated aspect of your life or something more pervasive. But be assured that any therapist who works professionally and ethically will work towards achieving the results you want in the shortest and most efficient manner possible.
* How often do I need to attend Counselling or Psychotherapy?
The usual frequency is once a week until satisfactory results have been achieved. Occasionally, twice or more times a week will be far more effective but your therapist would give you a clear explanation as to why this might be indicated.
* What happens in couples counselling?
The two members of a relationship usually attend together, although there may be times when it is helpful to come separately. The counsellor can help the couple address a wide variety of difficulties such as communication breakdown, living through stressful events, difficulties understanding each other, one or both partners having an affair, difficulties with children, parents, parents-in-law, and so on. While most couples will come for therapy to get their relationship back on track, couples may also come for help in bringing their relationship to a calm and respectful conclusion.
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