Counselling and psychotherapy have been shown to reduce anxiety in clients and assist them in increasing their resilience in dealing with specific life issues and in dealing with life generally.
Some issues such as anger management, bereavement, stress and relationship problems can be improved through short-term counselling and may take only a limited number of sessions. Other deeper issues such as depression, addiction, self-esteem issues and other problems relating to how we feel about ourselves, may be better dealt with in long-term psychotherapy.
What is psychotherapy?
Let’s start with the difference between counselling and psychotherapy. Generally, counselling focuses on a specific issue you may be struggling with in your life and aims to assist you in finding ways in which to cope with that problem or view it from a different perspective. Psychotherapy is similar to counselling, however, it tends to focus on how you are in the world, as opposed to dealing with one particular issue in isolation. Psychotherapy is a more in-depth process which deals with changes in personality structure and ingrained patterns of behaviour; therefore the work is usually longer-term.
In the UK, there as two main professional bodies regulating counselling and psychotherapy. They are the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and the UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy). At Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy both Mark Vahrmeyer and Sam Jahara are registered with the UKCP as psychotherapists and all of our associates are members of the BACP, UKCP, BPC or, if they are psychologists, the HCPC.
Whilst some consider the terms of counsellor and psychotherapist to be interchangeable, psychotherapists registered with the UKCP and BPC train for a minimum of four years at Masters level at an accredited training institution. They are required to be in personal therapy for the duration of their training, in clinical placement and also to undertake a mental health placement. As such, UKCP and BPC registered psychotherapists are able to work with more serious mental health issues than counsellors and at a deeper level.
Research has shown that the quality of the relationship between the client and the therapist has a greater impact on the outcome of therapy than the specific type of approach used. At Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy we work first and foremost to create and maintain a safe supportive relationship with you, beyond which our clinicians apply their training in employing particular approaches to best facilitate your journey and growth.
How psychotherapy can help you
Psychotherapy is a treatment based on the therapeutic relationship co-constructed between the clinician and their client or patient. Through this relationship, the clinician works with the patient to bring to light unhelpful relating patterns established in the past that are playing out in the here and now. The relationship offers a safe, no-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions with your psychotherapist alongside you lending you their mind to make sense of your experience. Through different therapeutic techniques, your therapist can help you to identify and change unhelpful patterns and behaviours to support personal growth, self-awareness, and emotional resilience.
From stress, anxiety, and depression to relationship issues and more, psychotherapy can improve your coping strategies for life’s challenges and transitions and help you to transform your relating patterns outside of the consulting room.
Group psychotherapy
Group therapy differs from individual therapy, in that you work as a group of patients alongside a group analyst who facilitates the group process and dynamics. Group therapy can be extremely beneficial as the group members work alongside each other in naming unhelpful patterns in relating.
Confidentiality is still a core principle in group therapy. Therapists are still bound by confidentiality, and it is also understood that any information and identities of the group members remain confidential within the group.
Group therapy can be beneficial for a range of individuals, including those struggling with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, grief, and more.
Type of issues psychotherapy can help with
Psychotherapy can help treat many mental health issues. It helps you take control of your life and respond to challenging situations in healthier way. In addition to the treatment of mental health, psychotherapy also can help those struggling with the stresses and conflicts of life that can affect anyone. Here are some of the issues that psychotherapy can help with:
- Anxiety – social anxiety, OCD, phobias, panic disorders, PTSD, and more are all forms of anxiety that can be helped through therapy.
- Mood disorders – such as depression or bipolar disorder.
- Addictions – such as alcohol, drugs, gambling etc.
- Eating disorders – such as anorexia or bulimia.
- Conflicts – whether with a partner, family members, or someone else in your life.
- Major life changes – such as divorce, death, loss of a job, or a family member getting ill.
- Abuse – psychology can help you recover from different types of abuse from sexual to mental.
Our psychotherapists
At Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy, we have a team of highly skilled and qualified psychotherapists who can support you through a wide range of issues. Our practice has been running for over a decade and each of our clinicians has been interviewed and invited to join our team. We all work closely together and cross-refer cases to each other where appropriate. Due to our reputation, we are lucky enough to have a team with a wealth of experience, some of whom have been with us since our inception.
If you want to find out about our individual psychotherapists or want to book a consultation, you can use our practitioner search to view those who are currently accepting patients or running a waitlist.
We have practices in Lewes and Hove and have clients from right across Sussex as well as London and further afield – Get In Touch today to find out more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need therapy?
This can differ from person to person. However, common signs that therapy may be beneficial for you is if you’re experiencing persistent emotional distress (e.g. feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger etc.), it is an indicator that you may need additional support.
Furthermore, if you are finding it difficult to cope with stress, feeling hopeless or worthless, or your issues are interfering with your daily life and relationships, therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to explore these challenges.
Remember too, you may not necessarily be in a crisis or ‘need’ therapy to choose to embark on this journey.
How long does a therapy session last?
Generally a therapy session lasts a ‘therapy hour’ which is 50 minutes.
How often do sessions usually take place?
Therapy sessions typically take place once a week, but you might agree to see your therapist more or less often depending on the severity of your issues and your goals for therapy and the type of therapy.
Can I change my therapist if I don’t feel a connection?
It’s important you feel comfortable enough to open up to your therapist in order to have positive outcomes. We would always encourage you to explore this with your therapist, however, if you come to the conclusion that the person you are working with is not right for you then you are at liberty to choose another member of our team or to contact us for assistance.
Do you offer online therapy?
Yes, we offer online therapy for those who are unable to make it into our offices, or feel more comfortable accessing therapy from their own homes. Due to our reputation, we see clients and patients from all over the UK and the wider world.
Our online sessions are conducted via video calling software such as Zoom and are completely secure to ensure confidentiality.
How do I book a consultation?
You can book a consultation directly with your preferred therapist through our practitioner search. Here, you will be able to see all psychotherapists with availability or waiting lists. Alternatively, contact us and we can help guide you through the process.
All the content on this page has been reviewed and vetted by Mark Vahrmeyer UKCP Registered Psychotherapist, Supervisor and Co-Founder of Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy. For any questions or more information about the subjects discussed on this page please contact us.