What is Therapy? An Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy

TherapyCounsellingPsychotherapy
Written By Hannah Turner

I first encountered counselling at 14-years-old, then again at 19, and psychotherapy in my 30s. I currently see a therapist most weeks. With therapy so commonplace in my life, I am often taken aback by questions like “What is Counselling?”, “What is Psychotherapy?”, or “What is therapy?”. I’d like to help demystify these terms so they become more readily recognised as  services that can support people through life’s ups and downs.

 

Therapy, Counselling and Psychotherapy

The terms counselling and psychotherapy are often confused. They are different in that Psychotherapists are required to undertake more training hours than Counsellors as a condition of their qualification. This extensive training can often enable Psychotherapists to provide longer-term therapy that supports clients to delve deeper into their experiences. However, all registered professionals undertake annual continued professional development (CPD) and their cumulative experience may end up being  equivalent to each other. So, for the purposes of this blog, I’m referring to both of these practices as “therapy”.

Research tells us that the main factor impacting the effectiveness of both counselling and psychotherapy is the relationship between the therapist and client (UKCP). Research also tells us that therapy can be as effective as medication and also longer-lasting, and that long-term therapy is more effective than shorter term therapy.

If you’ve never come across therapy before, by this point you are probably thinking “ok, so counselling and psychotherapy are basically the same, and research says it’s effective, but what does it do Hannah?”.

 

Why Therapy?

Life throws many challenges our way, which can leave us feeling overwhelmed, hurt, anxious, depressed, frustrated, traumatised, scared, or stuck. Whether it’s dealing with life events like parenthood, aging, menopause, loss, bullying,  or dealing with enduring themes like questioning our identity or navigating relationships, these experiences can strain our mental health, our relationships and affect every aspect of our lives.

Therapy offers a way to find hope, healing, and more satisfaction in life through improving our wellbeing, productivity, and relationships. Often, we share things in therapy that we don’t feel able to share with others. It’s akin to having a compassionate companion by your side as you walk through the ups and downs of life, the periods of life that might feel challenging and/or that you don’t feel able to talk to friends and family about.

 

What Therapy is?

Therapy, at its core, is a form of treatment aimed at relieving emotional and psychological distress and improving mental health. Conducted by trained professionals, therapy offers a safe, confidential space where individuals can explore their feelings, concerns, beliefs, thoughts and behaviours, work through challenging or influential memories, identify aspects of their lives that they would like to change, better understand themselves and others, identify goals and work towards desired change.

Therapy often involves talking in person or online. It can be:

  • Individual therapy – individuals meet with a therapist one-to-one.

  • Couples/Relationship therapy – the individuals involved in the relationship meet together with the therapist to address difficulties in their relationship.

  • Family therapy - family members meet with the therapist together to improve family relationships.

  • Group therapy – multiple individuals facing similar concerns meet together with a therapist to find ways to address those difficulties.

The frequency will vary depending on the therapist you are working with. A common practice for individuals  is a 50-minute session once a week. Couples, family and group therapy may take place less frequently and for longer periods of time recognising there will be more voices and interactions.

 

What Therapy isn’t?

Therapy isn’t a silver bullet to fix challenges instantaneously. Therapy provides support to deal with emotions and experiences in ways that are more satisfying than the experiences you may otherwise have.

Therapists don’t provide medical diagnosis for  mental health conditions – this is the role of medical professionals such as GPs and Psychiatrists.

Therapists don’t prescribe or issue prescribed medication. Therapy can be considered in addition to or in place of medication. Any consideration of medication should be made in consultation with a medical professional.

 

Benefits of Therapy

Engaging in therapy can provide numerous benefits, such as improved mental health, increased emotional resilience, better relationships, and a greater sense of self-awareness and personal growth. It can help you build resilience and navigate life's ups and downs more effectively to enjoy an improved quality of life.

 

Finding the Right Therapist

Choosing the right therapist is crucial to the success of therapy. It’s important to look for a licensed professional with experience in treating the issues you're facing. Equally important is finding someone with whom you feel comfortable and safe, as a strong therapeutic relationship is key to effective therapy.

When considering who you work with you might want to consider how the therapist works. There are many different types of therapy and ways that therapists work, some therapists focus on talking, whilst others might work with worksheets, written exercises, body movement, art materials, in the outdoors. Not every approach appeals to everyone so it’s important to consider what you have interest for and how comfortable and safe you feel with the therapist.

Often therapists will provide information about how they work on their website or professional profile. Some therapists offer introductory calls/sessions, and all should undertake an initial assessment as part of identifying whether or not you are suited to working together.

 

Accessing Therapy

There are a range of ways to access therapy within the UK:

  • NHS - you can contact your GP to find out about services in your area.

  • Low-Cost Counselling / Voluntary Sector – there are a number of low cost and volunteer therapy services in the UK, these will often be available on your local council website.

  • Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) – many employers provide access to employee benefits such as EAPs which often offer a short course of counselling.

  • Private Therapy – there are a number of directories available for identifying registered therapists in your area. I have included a selection of links below.

  • Private Medical Insurance – if you have access to private medical insurance Psychotherapy may be part of the treatment covered.

  • 24-hour support – there are a range of talk and text services available in the UK 24 hours a day. I have included further details below. If you are in crisis and need immediate support these services can provide a lifeline. In an emergency call 999.

 

Conclusion

Therapy offers a path to healing and growth for those struggling with emotional, psychological, or general life challenges. Whether through counselling or psychotherapy, engaging with a skilled therapist can provide the support, insights, and tools needed to overcome obstacles and improve your quality of life. Remember, seeking therapy is a sign of strength and the first step towards a healthier, happier you.

 

The Author

Image of Psychotherapist in therapy room with therapy dog

Hi, I’m Hannah, a Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Facilitator and Coach based in Fleet, Hampshire. I founded Find Your Way Ltd in 2019 to help individuals, couples, teams and organisations find their unique ways to thrive.

I’ve spent 20+ years working with individuals, teams and organisations and am passionate about supporting people to grow and thrive in their relationships at home and at work.

Professional Registrations:

  • Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

  • Registered Member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)

  • Accredited Coach with the International Coaching Federation (ACC ICF)

  • Fellow with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (FCIPD).

If you’ve enjoyed reading this blog and would like to find out more about working with me, browse my website or get in touch.

If you’d like to explore the possibility of working together, I offer a free 30-minute online introduction. You can find availability and book an introduction here.

 

UK Therapist Directories

Hannah Turner