Scientific advancement is a wonderful thing. It has allowed us as humans to explore the universe and uncover many of its secrets. It has enabled us to make technological advancements beyond the (once thought) realms of possibility and, it has made it possible for us, as a species, to evolve.
Why is this important? Because not only have we evolved as people, it has allowed our practices to evolve too. Through insight and education we have learned to better understand each other, thereby diversifying our teachings, and creating more distinct and effective therapies for individuals and their specific needs.
What will take a bit longer is for all of us to catch up. We do not all move at the same pace, and with the addition of political and environmental influence, our acceptance of certain advancements can take time. For example, the stigma mental health and therapy in general has faced is due to influence, not fact.
Now, as we start to come out the other side and accept therapy’s place in our community, it is important to distinguish between the different types available.
Psychotherapy Vs Counselling
As it is the question we get posed with the most, we will focus on counselling vs psychotherapy. It is important to understand that treatment is available for those suffering with their mental health in counselling and psychotherapy, however, you do not need to be experiencing mental health issues to benefit from either.
Many things in life that we consider normal can be the cause of great distress, things like birth, changing school, dentistry, moving out of home, buying a home, and so forth. All are considered normal life events but that doesn’t mean they don’t cause any stress.
What Is Counselling
Counselling serves as a social support for people, a problem shared is a problem halved. It can also focus a bit more on short-term issues, encouraging you to talk about them, and come up with solutions. You will not be told what to do but are guided through the process in a secure environment.
What Is Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, a practice offered by Alex Delogu, looks at the underlying reasons for our behaviour, often with a focus on the long-lasting impact our upbringing has had on our present life situation. It aims to address the deep causes of our problems; understanding the roots of our distress goes a long way in easing and managing it.
Psychotherapy offers a space in which two people can think together about what is happening in someone’s life. There is so much information and advice out there about an infinite array of problems, sometimes we need less solutions, and a place to simply be with someone else.
How Therapy Can Benefit Your Health
Counselling, psychotherapy and health go hand-in-hand. Just like a climber should not navigate a sheer cliff face without a harness, a person navigating through any issue should not do so without support. Whichever method you choose, both forms of therapy are there to help you, and give you the tools to manage your journey.
Not all therapies will suit all people, but like any relationship, it is important to find a therapist that you work well with. Sometimes we might meet a therapist and it doesn’t work out so we think that all therapy is no good, this is not the case. Meet a few, let them know what you are doing, and make an informed decision.
There are many approaches one can take to address stress and mental strain, from medical assistance to more holistic methods. Whatever your query right now, it helps to talk, so why not explore the options out there and see what appeals to you.