Don't expect to lie on a sofa or couch. I work with us sitting face to face.
If we agree to use CBT together we'll write notes in the session and draw
diagrams to illustrate links between your thoughts and behaviours. CBT is a "doing" active therapy. Initially we will identify problems, then agree goals.
Together we'll look for negative thinking patterns and associated behaviours.
We will look at ways to challenge negative thinking and unhelpful behaviours. We'll agree a focus for each session, devise homework/practice and review this each session. CBT's focus is primarily on the here and now.
During psychotherapy you are invited to talk about all aspects of yourself - your past experiences, current relationships, future ambitions, emotional life, values, beliefs; also your dreams and creative pursuits. The relationship which develops between you and your therapist facilitates a better understanding of yourself and models how you interact with others. Within this relationship underlying anxieties are explored and often intense feelings are experienced.
Through making connections with these anxieties and your true feelings you can develop a new “self-awareness”: a new way of seeing and experiencing yourself and others. Psychotherapy may continue for months depending on individual needs. Most clients who have experienced difficulties for many years value a long-term approach.
The words psychotherapy and counselling are broadly interchangeable. Differences between them are debateable, but psychotherapy may be longer-term, more in-depth, and perhaps addressing multiple issues. Counselling might be shorter-term and take place with the specific aim of addressing one key area or issue.
To get in touch, you can contact me by telephone on 07962 892060 or by email at tricia@bristol-psychotherapycounselling.co.uk
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