Are you thinking of studying in counselling and psychotherapy? Deciding to retrain or merely looking to explore your own self development? Not sure about the distinction between counsellors and psychotherapists?
Psychotherapy, or talking therapy, may be carried out on an individual basis, as part of a group, or with your husband, wife or partner. Remember that psychiatry is something very different. Psychiatry deals with psychosis and mental illness. If you are experiencing symptoms of psychosis you will need a consultation with a psychiatrist. See here for an updated list of common presenting issues for psychotherapy.
A useful first step is the student page of the BACP which provides a wealth of information on counselling courses. Counsellors and psychotherapists both work from a variety of theoretical approaches with their clients. Check out the BACP site for the Theoretical Approaches for counselling courses.
Part-time counselling and weekend training courses are useful for prospective students in counselling and psychotherapy. They can be a useful way of deciding is counselling is for you. Successful completion of such courses can also be helpful when applying for postgraduate diploma courses in counselling and psychotherapy.
An integrative approach to counselling will typically draw on a number of different models to facilitate change. This can range from applying behaviour theories to Rogers’ person centred approach, Transactional Analysis and Gestalt.
It is wise to go to open evenings at Colleges and try to speak to current or ex students about the practicalities of life at such institutions. You may also need to consider where you will undertake your placements and whether a prospective college has any direct placement links as securing placements is an important part of any counselling and psychotherapy course.
See also
Counselling in South West London
Counselling in North London
Counselling in Mayfair
Counselling in Chelsea
Counselling in Wandsworth
Counselling in Notting Hill
Counselling Paddington
Low cost counselling in London
Resources
CCPE
Training course resources