What is Counselling/psychotherapy?

Counselling & psychotherapy both fall under the umbrella term ‘talking therapies’ and they allow people to discuss their problems and any difficult feelings they encounter in a safe, confidential environment. The terms can mean different things to different people, but in general, they are processes people seek when they want to change something in their lives, or simply explore their thoughts and feelings in more depth.

We are often asked what the difference between counselling and psychotherapy is.  This is a simple answer:

• Counselling: A talk therapy and the provision of professional assistance and guidance in resolving personal or psychological problems

• Psychotherapy: The use of psychological methods, particularly when based on regular personal interaction with adults, to help a person change behaviour and overcome problems in desired ways

A counsellor is not there to sit you down and tell you what to do. Instead, they will encourage you to talk about what’s bothering you in order to uncover any root causes and identify your specific ways of thinking. The counsellor may then look to create a plan of action to either help you reconcile your issues, or help you to find ways of coping.

What we offer at Iris House

We offer free or affordable counselling or psychotherapy to everybody who goes through cancer, their families and care takers. At Iris House, all of our therapies are provided by highly qualified and fully insured volunteer therapists.