What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is an exploration between a client and a therapist which helps to uncover patterns. These are patterns in the way of relating to people and in dealing with situations. Psychotherapy provides an opportunity to explore these issues in a professional, confidential and safe setting.
Psychotherapy helps us to find meaning in our life. It helps us explore areas of our life that are difficult or dissatisfying. The word comes from the Greek – "psyche" meaning "soul" and "therapia" meaning "care of". So, psychotherapy is care of the soul.
Is Psychotherapy Different to Counselling?
Psychotherapy and counselling both aim to help people lead more satisfying lives and to understand themselves better. They both refer to a similar process. Counselling tends to be short-term and helps find solutions to specific problems.
Psychotherapy tends to be in-depth and generally extends over a longer period of time.
Why Do People Come for Psychotherapy?
People come for many different reasons. Some of them are:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Death of someone close
- Relationship problems
- Spiritual despair
- Wondering "is this as good as it gets?"
- Loss of meaning in their life
What Happens in a Therapy Session?
Each session is an hour long. In the first session you will be asked for a bit of background information, in order to find out what brings you to psychotherapy and what is happening in your life at the moment. In subsequent sessions we will work with whatever issues you bring on the day.
These might be:
- Why certain relationships follow the same pattern
- How particular expectations create unhappiness
- Learning to become more aware of how the physical body holds emotions
- Strategies for relaxation and meditation techniques
An important aspect of Metta Therapy is learning to be in the present moment and to see things just as they are – without judgement. This is the first step in bringing about change. In each session you will be encouraged to tune into your present experience – watching the breath, the body and thoughts, and exploring things as they change in our moment to moment experience.
What Is Core Process Psychotherapy?
Core Process Psychotherapy combines western therapeutic approaches with Buddhist psychology and awareness practice. It is based around the Buddhist principles of awareness, compassion, loving kindness and equanimity.
Core Process Psychotherapy explores how we are in the present, and how this reflects our previous experiences in life. It helps us to cultivate awareness of our physical body, our thoughts and emotions.
The intention is not so much to change our experience, but to see more clearly how we relate to it. This awareness of how things really are opens up the possibility of bringing more conscious choice into our lives.
For more information on Core Process Psychotherapy, visit the Karuna Institute website
For more information, or to arrange a session, please contact Megan