Talk to me and I will listen

The distinction between councelling and Psychotherapy is not a clear line, as in both common and professional usage counselling and psychotherapy are interchangeable. Counselling tends to be oriented in equal measure to the past, present and future as well as problem and solution focused, where as Psychotherapy tends to deal more with seriously disturbed individuals such as those with depression, anxiety or personality disorder. Counselling is any relationship in which one person is helping another person to better understand and solve some problem. Counsellors can be anyone who wants to, friends, relatives, academic advisors, teachers, and many others. Counsellors have a broad range of experience in developing "helping relationships" and working with many different situations.

The main attributes that you will look for in a therapist is;

That they listen to what you have to say and helps you to untangle your thought and help you understand your emotions within certain situations

That they work with you to achieve your goal whilst still repecting your personal and cultural values

Helps you gain your own insight into how you feel you should act, think and feel
Works throug your issues and helps you to work out your own problems and how to see what can be changed and what can’t.

Helps you accept what cannot be changed yet helps you work out a way to deal with the issues

Helps you to become aware of what is important to you and your wellbeing

Counselling and psychotherapy is available for many different issues. There are many types available. Some of the problems that people face or require councelling or psychotherapy for are, aging, chronic illness/disability, cultural issues, domestic violence, sexuality, sexual abuse, self esteem or self image issues, anxiety, denial, relationship issues, marriage counselling, anger management, etc just to name a few.
The main issues that a therapists will face is the lack of cooperation from their clients. Your therapist cannot help you if you do not talk to them about your problems or concerns. Therapists are not there to judge. They are there to simply listen and to give advice whilst helping find resolve.

To get the most out of your therapy session be ready to focus on a specific problem or issue. Be prepared for your sessions. Attend your sessions and take an active part in them. Complete (or at least attempt) any "homework." Tell your therapist if you don't think you're being helped.

Leanne Kemp is the Managing Director for Wotaboutme. Look online to find a day spa, haircut, aromatherapy massage anywhere in Australia. Perfect for gifts for him or gifts for her. For updates, check out the Wotaboutme Blog