Counselling generally refers to short-term consultations while psychotherapy typically refers to longer-term treatment and support. Counselling generally identifies and responds to present and current issues that may be easily resolved on the conscious level, whereas psychotherapy looks deeper. It is more intensive and extensive in exploring a person's psychological history. In other words, counselling is more focused with practical and/or immediate issues and outcomes while psychotherapy is more concerned with helping a person understand their life in a profound and reflective manner, and to develop insight and increase self awareness.

​Counselling usually assists a client to process strong emotions such as grief or anger, deal with immediate causes of stress and anxiety, clarify values and identify options when managing important personal or professional decisions, manage conflict within relationships, develop better interpersonal communication skills, or intentionally change unproductive thoughts and behaviors. 

Psychotherapy, on the other hand, is an evolutionary process that helps a personal look at long-standing attitudes, thoughts and behaviors that have resulted in the current quality of one's life and relationships.  It is a process that goes much deeper to uncover root causes of problems, resulting in more dramatic or lasting changes in perspective regarding oneself, others and life experiences. The overall aim of psychotherapy is to facilitate a process that empowers the individual by freeing the person from the grip of unconscious triggers or impulses through increased self-awareness.

There are times during the course of treatment and support that both approaches are needed, depending on the individual and their personal goals, time and ability to access continuing sessions; to find out more discuss with your therapist or counsellor.

*This content was resourced from australiacounselling.com.au.

A common question I am asked as a counselor is about my qualifications and training.

​People often assume that I am a psychologist as opposed to a clinical social worker or accredited mental health social worker. So what's the difference?

Social Workers are not psychologists, we share some similarities and common training in providing care and treatment in mental health care and counselling but there are also differences.

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) provides further details regarding psychology. The social work profession provides seeing and understanding the person(s) in context to their circumstances. The focus is not on pathologising problems. 

The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) describes social work as: Social Workers assess the social needs of individuals, families and groups, assist and empower people to develop and use the skills and resources needed to resolve social and other problems, and further human well being  and human rights, social justice and social development. 

Some social work facts, social workers skill level requires a Bachelor degree or higher. Accredited mental health social workers are required to follow the AASW code of ethics, meet the AASSW practice standards and have significant work experience in mental health or related field and maintain continuing professional development. Continuing Professional Development is how AASW members maintain, improve, broaden and develop their skills, knowledge and expertise. CPD is an ongoing process throughout a social worker’s career, informed by changing practice environment, professional domains, new evidence and community need. 

Specific training in mental health and focused psychological strategies are a requirement for Accredited Mental Health Social Workers. Each individual counselor or therapist uses their experience and training in their area of interest that may vary from working with families, couples, individuals, communities, government or non-government and not for profit organisations and many other opportunities.

To learn more about the services provided by Orana Health Services, visit the website for further information, www.oranahealth.com.au.

So, it's 2018 and many people are working on New Year's Resolutions and Goals for this year.

This is a great start, however to make the most of these resolutions or goals; it's important that you are clear and honest with yourself. 

• Why am I am doing this and what do I want to achieve or gain?
• What is the emotional connection to your New Year's Resolution or Goal for yourself?

It's important that you include personal meaning and something that is integral to the self and that you have an emotional attachment to the goal. This is especially important when motivation fluctuates.

Over the years as a counsellor, I have observed common themes and issues become evident and if I can summarize what is important to most people, it is achieving success in creating and having an experience of healthy, loving and harmonious relationships.

If you want to find out more about this concept, here's the link to the blog.

Wednesday, 15th of November 2017 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Robinson Reserve Neighbourhood House
​104A Reynard St Coburg, VIC 3058
www.rrnh.org.au

Neglect or Abuse, It's Your Call

The National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline 1800 880 052

Some Black & White Definitions, Not to Be Forgotten