​

 

What is psychotherapy?

​

If you have never experienced psychotherapy before, the unknown can be very  scary and intimidating because you do not know what to expect. Once you understand what psychotherapy is and give it a try, you’ll see that overcoming the nervousness about it all is worth it. Psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy” or "therapy", is a collaborative and personal process between a registered clinical psychologist (therapist) and the client(s). During this process, the trained and qualified psychologist makes use of specialised techniques. The psychologist also provides a safe space in which you are able to explore and express your behaviour, thoughts, feelings and emotions. It is a space in which you are able to heal and grow. This is so that you are able to reach whatever personal goals, growth and/or quality of life that you desire. 

​

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

​

Counselling and psychotherapy can overlap. As a result, the words are often used interchangeably and incorrectly. Although there are similarities, the two process are very different from each other. One of the differences is that counselling usually is a short term process whereas psychotherapy can be more long term. Psychotherapy is an in-depth process that covers a broader range of psychological difficulties. It involves specialised techniques applied by a trained and qualified clinical psychologist.

​

When is the best time to consider psychotherapy?

​

The correct answer is any time. What is most important is that you are ready and willing to. 

 

If you are not sure about when to see a psychologist, ask yourself this:

​

• Do you feel overwhelmed with the things that you may be feeling or going through in life?

• Is the quality of your life is not what or where you would like it to be?

• Are you having any disturbances and/or difficulties in your emotional, social, work, academic, behavioural and other important areas of functioning?

• Do you find yourself using coping mechanisms (for example, drinking excessively) that are harming you or those around you?

• Are you having difficulty with expressing and managing your thoughts, feeling and emotions?

​

If the answer is yes to any or all of those questions, then it is a sign that you may need to consider beginning a process with a therapist.

 

How long will psychotherapy take?

​

Each process will be unique and dependent on what the need is. Getting to the root of whatever you may be experiencing and going through can take time. You may experience various feelings and emotions throughout the process because of thoughts, feelings and emotions that you might have not been aware of, opted to ignore or had difficulty with expressing and/or understanding.

​

Remember

​

• Therapy is for everyone, at any age and stage in their lives.

• Your healing/growth/change can only go as far as you want it to. You have to be ready and willing to commit to a process.

• It is not an easy process but will always be worth it.