The most important thing to say about therapy is that it is not advice giving. I don't have all the answers but I can work with you until you find your answers.

Generally, therapy can be seen as short term or solution-focused therapy or more long term open ended work.  I work either short term or long term so am happy to discuss what your needs are.

Long term therapy

Long term therapy is sort of what it sounds like.  Usually there an set end date when you start but will work together to keep reviewing how the work is going and get a sense of when it might be.  It allows for deeper work into underlying issues, personal history and patterns of behaviour.  It can be beneficial for those who wish to engage in a process of personal growth and self-discovery, or for those dealing with complex, long-standing problems such as deep-rooted traumas or personality disorders. This approach can help clients develop a stronger sense of self-awareness, resilience, and coping strategies that are integrated into their lives over time.  

Longer term therapy involves going deeper to uncover what is going on beneath the surface, being really seen, being honest with yourself and integrating those difficult feelings into your every day day. Some of those difficult feelings may will have been driving you to repeat bad choices or distract you from your real goals but you may possibly unaware of them during your every day life.

Long term therapy takes a real commitment to counselling by entering into a relationship without a known destination or possibly knowing the end date, but being willing to undertake the journey.  As with most things in life, the more you put in, the more you may get out.

Short term therapy (solution focused therapy)

Short term (sometimes called solution-focused therapy), on the other hand, is more goal-oriented and is often used to address specific, immediate issues such as stress management, workplace conflicts, or adjustments to life changes. It tends to be more structured and time-limited, typically lasting around 6 to 12 sessions although this isn't necessarily fixed at the start but it can be.

This type of therapy is useful for those who prefer a more focused and practical approach to addressing their concerns, and who may not have the time or resources for a longer-term commitment.  If finances are tight, again, talk to me and see if we can work out a solution.  I would much rather work with you and give you the support you need than only worry about how many pennies I have in the bank. 

Short term therapy involves indentifying the ‘nuts and bolts’ of the problem, visualising what life would look like if you could solve it and identifying the feelings that are preventing you from acting that way.  Short term therapy can only look at a small aspect of your life but the experience can give you resources to utilise in other aspects of your life. 

Any counselling needs a commitment to attend regular meetings, the willingness to stick with it even when difficult feelings arise and to share those with me and finally, the commitment to see it through without ‘jumping ship’ at the final stages.

If you would like to make an appointment, please ring me on 07531 555 878.