Counselling and Psychotherapy in London
As of 2021, the population of London is 9,425,622 or a total of 13.8% of the entire British population. Being the largest city in the kingdom, population-wise, we decided to start our practice precisely in London. based near a significant railway and tube terminal, King’s Cross and St. Pancras, however as of 2022, all sessions are held online via zoom.
Our counselling and psychotherapy practice focuses on holistic treatments and innovative methods, as well as traditional talking therapies, and spiritual explorations of non duality and the 3 principles. We provide counselling sessions led by licensed and registered professionals.
What is counselling?
Counselling is a process whereby a trained counsellor or therapist helps you explore personal problems in a confidential and safe environment. Counselling theory posits that you and the therapist work together as a team to identify and change negative thinking and behaviour patterns. Counselling aims to help you build on their strengths and resources to find ways to manage your difficulties.
Counselling can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or long-term, addressing more deep-seated issues. The number of sessions required will depend on your needs and preferences. Although it can be challenging, counselling skills can also be a very positive and rewarding experience. It can help you gain greater insight into yourself and your relationships to develop new ways of coping with life’s challenges. A personal development group along with counselling is a great way to get the more help and have deeper insights into yourself.
What can counselling and therapy help with?
Counselling and psychotherapy are effective treatments for various life issues, mental health struggles, such as depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship problems. These conditions can lead to other mental health disorders if left untreated. Counselling and psychotherapy offer an opportunity to explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe and confidential setting. They can help you better understand yourself and find solutions to the problems causing you distress. Whether or not you decide to pursue psychotherapy counselling is entirely up to you – but it’s important to know that they are both available should you need them.
If you’re looking for personal and professional development, counselling, like coaching, can be an excellent way to achieve your goals. It can help you learn more about yourself, identify and work through personal challenges, and set and achieve goals. What you get out of counselling depends on your specific needs and goals.
Psychological Symptoms
Psychological symptoms are changes in thinking, feeling, or behaviour that can be a stress response. Psychological symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. They can range from feeling “down” or “blue” to having suicidal thoughts. Psychological symptoms can affect how you feel about yourself and your ability to function in daily life. If you are experiencing any of the following psychological symptoms, please seek help from a mental health professional:
Depression
Depression is one psychological symptom; it is a state of low mood and aversion to activity. If you have depression, you may experience many emotions, including sadness, anxiety, irritability, frustration, and even hopelessness. Depression can lead to physical problems such as sleep disturbance, fatigue, and decreased appetite or sex drive. It can also cause problems with concentration and memory.
Anxiety
Anxiety is another psychological symptom, which is characterised by feelings of fear, worry, and unease. Anxiety can be mild or severe. It can be a normal stress reaction or a sign of an underlying mental health problem. If you are experiencing anxiety, you may feel tense, restless, and have difficulty concentrating. You may also experience heart palpitations, sweating, and nausea. Often this can develop into panic attacks.
Abuse
Abuse uses power or control to hurt, harm, or exploit someone. Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, or financial. It can happen in relationships between family members, friends, intimate partners, and strangers. You may feel scared, isolated, and helpless if you are being abused. You may also have physical symptoms such as bruises or cuts.
Relationships
Relationships are a fundamental part of our lives. They can provide us with love, support, and companionship. But relationships can also be difficult, confusing, and even painful. If you have problems in your relationships, counselling and therapy can help. Counselling can help you to understand the issues you are facing and find ways to improve your relationship.
Addiction
Addiction is a simple misunderstanding involving physical and psychological dependence on a substance or activity. Addiction can cause behavioural changes, including compulsive behaviours. With addiction you may feel unable to control your urges or stop using the substance or engaging in the activity, even though it is causing you harm.
Overeating
Overeating can be a sign of an underlying mental struggles. If you find yourself unable to control your eating, hating on your body or struggling to find the right way to eat, coupled with a lot of negative thinking, over time, it is worth getting some help to move forward and find a new way of coping.
Trauma
Trauma symptoms can vary in intensity and type. Psychological symptoms of trauma are often grouped into three categories: intrusive thoughts, avoidance, and changes in emotional or physical reactions.
Avoidance is any behaviour you use to keep yourself from thinking about or feeling the pain of your trauma. This might include not talking about what happened, avoiding places or people that remind you of the event, numbing yourself with drugs or alcohol, withdrawing from friends and activities, or anything else that keeps you from facing your memories.
General Mental Health and Wellbeing
It is a term used to describe various conditions that affect our mood, thoughts, and behaviours. Mental health can be good or bad, and it is important to understand the signs and symptoms of mental illness so that we can seek help when needed.
There are many different types of mental health problems, and each can present differently. Some common psychological symptoms include: feeling sad or down, feeling anxious or stressed, feeling angry or irritable, difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, low self-esteem, and feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. Mental health practitioners such as counsellors and psychotherapists can help us to understand our mental health and to manage our symptoms.
What happens in a psychotherapy session?
The therapist and client usually sit facing each other in a comfortable setting, such as a private office or on video. During the session, the therapist will encourage you to talk openly and honestly about whatever is on your mind. The therapist may also ask questions to help you explore your thoughts and feelings further.
Therapy sessions typically last 55 minutes but may be shorter or longer depending on your needs. You may see a therapist once a week, while others see a therapist less frequently. Therapists often work with you for long-term treatment, but some only see a therapist for a few sessions before they feel they have resolved their issues.
The private therapist and client typically schedule a time for the next session at the end of each session. Some therapists also provide homework or assignments for clients to work on between sessions. This may include reading material, journaling, or practising certain coping skills.
When is it time to get therapy?
The answer to this question is different for everyone. For you, therapy may be a good idea if you struggle with day-to-day tasks or feel like you are constantly in a state of distress. For others, therapy may be beneficial if they have experienced a significant life event such as losing a loved one or a divorce.
Ultimately, the decision to seek therapy is personal and should be based on what you feel comfortable with. If you are unsure whether therapy is right for you, consider talking to your doctor or another trusted healthcare professional. They can help you assess your needs and make a recommendation about whether therapy would be beneficial for you.
How to find the right therapist
When you are seeking personal therapy, it is important to find a therapist that is a good fit for you. When choosing a professional therapist, there are many factors to consider, starting with the relationship between you, their approach to therapy, and style. It is also essential to consider whether the therapist has experience helping others with your issue, like psychotherapy skills. Here are some tips on how to find the right therapist for you:
Define Your Needs
What are you looking for in a therapist? Do you need someone who specialises in a particular area? Do you prefer a specific type of therapy? Consider what you want out of treatment and use that as a starting point in your search.
Ask Around
Talk to friends, family, or your doctor and see if they have any recommendations and client experience, and research skills. Once you have a few names, you can research the professional skills of each therapist to see if they would fit you well.
Check Their Credentials
Make sure the therapist you are considering is licensed and has experience treating your issue. You can check this information on their website or by calling their office.
Read Reviews
Once you have narrowed down your options, take some time to read online reviews of each therapist. This can give you insights into their style and how they work with clients.
Meet Them In Person or Live on video.
The best way to know if a therapist is right for you is to meet with them in person or live on a video. Many therapists offer free initial consultations, so take advantage of this opportunity to see if you feel comfortable with them.
What to expect from counselling
When you first begin person-centred counselling, it is normal to feel a bit apprehensive. After all, you share intimate details of your life with a stranger. The therapeutic relationship is built on trust, so it is important to find a therapist that you feel comfortable with. However, with the right therapist, you should feel safe and supported. Here are some things you can expect from counselling:
1. A Non-Judgmental Environment
Your therapist should provide a safe and supportive environment where you can openly share your thoughts and feelings without judgement to understand counselling placements.
2. Confidentiality
What you say in counselling should remain confidential between you and your therapist unless there is suspicion of harm to yourself or others.
3. Active Listening Skills
Your therapist should actively listen to your words and ask questions to clarify your thoughts and feelings. If your therapist listens to you, they should be able to understand your perspective. To be professional therapist communication skills are essential to understand clients.
4. Respect
Your therapist should respect your personal beliefs and values. It’s essential to find someone who you feel comfortable with and who respects your views.
5. Empathy
Your therapist should be able to understand and empathise with your feelings. This can help you feel understood and supported.
6. Guidance
Your therapist will provide advice and support as you work through your issues. A qualified counsellor will also provide challenging questions when needed.
7. Honesty
Your therapist should be honest with you about your thoughts and feelings. This can help build trust between you and your therapist.
8. Insight
Your therapist should be able to offer insights into your thoughts and behaviours. This can help you better understand yourself and make positive changes in your life.
Who can benefit from therapy?
Anyone can benefit from therapy, but it is most commonly sought out by people experiencing emotional distress or difficulties in their lives. Therapy can provide support, guidance, and new perspectives on challenges. It can also help people learn more about themselves and make positive life changes.
Therapy is a collaborative process between therapist and client. To be successful, there must be a good working relationship between the two. This means that you should feel comfortable with your therapist and feel like they are someone you can trust for your personal development.
You will be invited to share your thoughts and feelings openly and honestly during therapy sessions. Your therapist will support, understand, and challenge you to explore new ways of thinking and behaving. This process can be challenging at times, but ultimately it can lead to positive changes in your life.
Will psychotherapy really help me?
If you’re considering psychotherapy, you may wonder if it will help you. The answer depends on many factors, including the severity of your symptoms, the type of therapy you receive, and how well you respond to treatment.
Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, is a process where you can talk about your feelings and thoughts with a mental health professional to feel better. It can effectively treat many mental and emotional disorders, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Generally, the most successful outcomes occur when psychotherapy is founded in a great relationship between yourself and the therapist, this is a two way thing. This is because the relationship can make it easier to participate in therapy. However, psychotherapy can still be helpful even if you don’t fit together, but always follow your instinct.
If you’re considering psychotherapy, the best way to find out if it will help you is to talk to a mental health professional about your specific situation. They can give you more information about how therapy might help you and answer any questions.
Types of counselling and psychotherapy
Here are some of the most common types of counselling and psychotherapy:
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing your thoughts and behaviour. It is most commonly used to treat anxiety and depression but can also help with other mental health problems.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a type of talking therapy that focuses on the relationships between the unconscious mind, past experiences, and present behaviour. It can be helpful for people who are struggling to understand their emotions or behaviours.
Family therapy
Family therapy is a type of counselling involving all family members to resolve issues that may be affecting them. It can be helpful for families who are struggling with communication or conflict.
Group therapy
Group therapy is a type of talking therapy that involves meeting with other people who are experiencing similar issues. It can be helpful for people who feel isolated and need support from others.
Humanistic therapies
Humanistic therapies are talking therapy that focuses on the individual as a whole person rather than just their symptoms. They can be helpful for people who are struggling to make sense of their thoughts and emotions.
Cognitive analytical therapy (CAT)
CAT is a talking therapy focusing on the relationships between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It can be helpful for people who are struggling to understand their feelings or behaviours.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
MBCT is a talking therapy that combines CBT with mindfulness meditation elements. It can be helpful for people who are struggling with anxiety and depression.
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
DBT is a talking therapy that helps people to manage their emotions by teaching them skills such as mindfulness and self-compassion. It can be helpful for people who are struggling with borderline personality disorder.
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a more long-term process than counselling, and mental health professionals who practice psychotherapy typically have years of specialised education and training. Psychotherapy can treat various psychological issues like depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and addiction. Counselling practice may overlap with psychotherapy, but there are important differences. Counselling tends to be shorter than psychotherapy and often focuses on specific issues. For example, you might see a counsellor for help with grief or stress management. Counsellors also tend to have less specialised training than psychotherapists.
Both counselling and psychotherapy can help treat mental health issues. The type of treatment that’s right for you will depend on your specific needs and goals.
Final Words
Counselling and psychotherapy are important methods of helping people deal with psychological distress and problems. While there are some similarities, they are quite different regarding their approach, goals, and techniques. Counselling tends to be more passive, while psychotherapy is more directive. Counselling focuses on the client and their own solutions to the problems they bring, while psychotherapy focuses on insight and understanding through exploration. Ultimately, deciding which to choose depends on the individual’s needs and preferences. If you’re unsure which one is right for you, it’s best to consult a mental health professional to get more guidance.
Question & Answers
COUNSELLING THERAPY - FAQ
What is your approach to counselling?
We take a holistic approach drawing upon years of experience of helping people with all forms of suffering, from personal journeys to professional psychological qualifications in Counselling and Psychotherapy to Spiritual explorations of Non Duality, and other eastern traditions.
Can you help with self-doubt?
Yes self doubt is a common and paralysing experience for many but actually it is simple to overcome when you see the source of it is your own thoughts. It is the deeper manifestation of a misunderstanding and that is how it shows up.
Does counselling help for trauma?
What are your counselling credentials?
We have qualifications in Person Centred Counselling, Psychodynamic Therapy - Transactional Analysis as well as a long list of smaller qualifications around trauma, 12 steps, Spiritual explorations as well as transformative Life Coaching.
Does counselling help professionally?
Yes there is no difference if your problem is professional and related to work life, or personal life, relationships, the struggle is within you, and we help you understand you better, this is universal applies to all areas of life.
About The Author
Jason Shiers Dip.Psych MBACP
Jason Shiers is a Certified Transformative Coach & Certified Psychotherapist. Jason has been working with addictions and people in recovery for over 25 years now and is always looking towards the innate mental health that is inside everyone.
This therapy is a holistic view of the mind body taking approaches from psychological understandings, somatic practices and spiritual explorations such as non duality and advaita vedanta.
Jason has been cited in multiple articles about addiction, therapy, coaching and mental health and is a regular contributor to many different websites.
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