What Do We Mean by “Therapy”?
“Therapy” is the familiar term used to describe both psychotherapy and counselling. During the initial consultation, we will discuss what has brought you in and determine which type of support is most appropriate for your needs and goals.
Psychotherapy & Counselling
You do not need to wait until everything feels unmanageable before seeking support. You may be experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, relationship difficulties, parenting concerns, or a life transition. You may also feel unlike yourself without fully understanding why.
Psychotherapy and counselling offer a confidential space to talk openly, understand what is happening, and begin making changes with professional support.
What Is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a structured psychological treatment for emotional, behavioural, interpersonal, or mental health difficulties. It goes beyond receiving advice or discussing a temporary problem. The work focuses on understanding and changing patterns that affect how you think, feel, respond, relate to others, and function in everyday life.
Psychotherapy may help with:
Anxiety, fears, and persistent worry
Depression and loss of motivation
Trauma and difficult life experiences
Stress and burnout
Emotional regulation
Self-esteem and identity
Grief and loss
Relationship difficulties
Major life transitions
The goals, therapeutic approach, and length of treatment are determined collaboratively and reviewed as therapy progresses.
What Is Counselling?
Counselling is usually more focused and shorter-term. It can be helpful when you are facing a specific concern, decision, or period of change and need support finding a way forward.
Counselling may focus on work stress, parenting concerns, relationship difficulties, separation, grief, adjustment to a new situation, problem-solving, or developing practical coping strategies. When concerns are more persistent or require deeper psychological treatment, counselling may transition into psychotherapy.
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Individual therapy offers one-to-one support for children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, emotional difficulties, low mood, stress, trauma, reduced self-confidence, relationship concerns, school or workplace challenges, or significant life changes.
Sessions provide an opportunity to understand difficult thoughts, feelings, and patterns of behaviour while developing healthier ways of coping and responding.
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Children often communicate their feelings and experiences more naturally through play than through conversation. Play therapy gives children a safe and developmentally appropriate way to express themselves, make sense of experiences, and practise new skills.
It may support children experiencing anxiety, emotional outbursts, behavioural difficulties, family changes, social challenges, trauma, or difficulty expressing their feelings. Parent consultations may be included to help families understand the child’s needs and support progress at home.
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Difficulties affecting one family member often influence the entire family. Family therapy helps parents, children, and other family members better understand one another and address patterns that may be contributing to conflict, disconnection, or stress.
Sessions may focus on communication, parenting challenges, emotional or behavioural concerns, separation, family transitions, or adjusting to a diagnosis. The purpose is not to assign blame, but to strengthen relationships and develop solutions that work for the family as a whole.
