Counselling can be defined as a relatively short-term, interpersonal, theory-based process of helping people to resolve issues of an emotional or developmental nature. Counselling and psychotherapy are based on the principles of psychology, a word which derives from the Latin terms 'psyche' meaning mind or soul, and 'ology' meaning  study. Hence, psychology is the study of the mind or more correctly nowadays, the mind, thoughts and emotions. Counsellors and Psychotherapists offer professional assistance to people who are troubled - whether in their personal lives or at work - or who may be looking for a way to develop their potential to the fullest. Services are designed to help people who wish to make changes in their lives through a series of confidential, professional appointments. 

Depression, anxiety, obsessive - compulsive symptoms, phobias, and the myriad of problems and stresses that may affect people's relationships, sexual functioning, family life, parenting and careers, can be understood during counselling and therapy sessions. Therapy is often used alone or in combination with medication if this is required. A trained counsellor will be able to help a person identify and work through factors that may be causing problems and distress.

HOW DOES PSYCHOTHERAPY HELP?

                     Counselling and psychotherapy help in a number of ways. They are able to assist people to:

                           * Understand behaviours, emotions and ideas that may contribute to their problem.

                           * Understand and identify events or life issues that may contribute to their problem.

                           * Regain a sense of control and pleasure in life.

                           * Learn coping techniques and problem solving skills.

Somatic Psychotherapy is a body-oriented psychotherapy which embraces a holistic approach to personal growth and development. Although Wilhelm Reich is known as the founder of Somatic Psychotherapy, several schools of therapy have developed and evolved over time. These include approaches such as Bioenergetics, Biodynamics, Biosynthesis and the Hakomi Method, to name a few. Somatic Psychotherapy aims to enable a person to change patterns of behaviour that are often unconscious but detrimental to growth and a fully functioning life. 

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Clinical Psychology integrates science, theory and practice to understand and alleviate psychological conditions and to promote adjustment and personal development.  Clinical Psychologists are specialist psychologists with a minimum of six years full-time university training who continue ongoing professional development over the course of their professional lives.  A Clinical Psychologist works directly with individuals at all levels of development, from infants to older adults, as well as groups, using a wide range of assessment methods. 

                                                     Therapy may be undertaken in a number of ways:

                           * Individual therapy, involves only the patient and the therapist.

                           * Group therapy, where 2 or more patients may participate in therapy at the same time.           

                           * Couples therapy, which helps spouses and partners understand why they may not be  

                           * Family therapy, in which family members may come together in support of one member or  

                              to resolve family issues.

A variety of different approaches may be employed in therapy and it will be up to the therapist to decide which to use, depending on their training and the needs of the patient. Some of the most common include:

                           * Psychodynamic therapy which is based on the assumption that a person has unresolved,  

                           * Interpersonal therapy which focuses on the behaviours and interactions of the patient with  

                           * Cognitive - Behavioural therapy which helps people identify and change inaccurate  

                           * Transactional Analysis and Gestalt therapy which provide an integrative approach to help