Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, people seek counselling because they find they need help with an issue or problem. There are many reasons why people seek counselling, and no matter what your reason is, for most people, it takes a lot of courage to take the first step. After this stage, it requires you to commit yourself to the process of counselling. For this reason, it is vital that you find a therapist in whom you can trust and work with

Alliance Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists are committed to doing the best we can for our clients in a non-judgmental and empathetic way. We will explore your concerns, and walk with you as you process the many facets of the issue at hand.

According to many studies (see www.talkingcure.com), the therapeutic alliance is the most important part of any counselling relationship. The likelihood of change increases when the client feels they can fully trust their counsellor, and that someone else understands them. As such, we aim to create a solid alliance (relationship) with our clients.

We wish people could come in for one session and be ‘cured’ but that is unrealistic. Sometimes problems take years to develop, and as such they can take time to resolve. Counselling requires exploration of the issues at hand, and the time it takes depends on the nature of the problems or concerns. Once we know what the real underlying issues are, we can work with you to help you bring about change.

After talking about the things that are bothering us, we can often feel better – for a while. However, talking rarely results in a fundamental change, and as such the same problems are likely to occur again and again unless we actively find the root cause and change it

A counsellor is trained to listen and guide you through a process to help you resolve your issues and problems.  We create a safe environment that helps you explore your problems and issues without judgement. Always remember, this is your life and your responsibility to change it - counsellors cannot do this work for you. Your counsellor can provide you with tools to help you change your life, but if you aren't actively using these tools, you won't get very far and begin to get frustrated with your counselor and the therapy process. It can be useful to think of a counselor as an ‘empathetic detective’, who will walk with you to help you solve some of your problems.

We give clients homework depending on the situation. Homework can increase the effectiveness of your sessions, can solidify information given in session, and can speed up the counselling process.

Always make sure that if homework is given, you understand what is required, and write it down if you tend to forget. Please remember we give homework for a reason!

If it is any consolation, we do homework for you too. We write case notes in order for us to understand what is happening, and it gives us a chance to reflect on the session and identify any areas that need addressing that may not have been so obvious during the session.

We also plan for your next session, so we can try and help you as much as we can.

• Put in the time; turn up on time and keep regular appointments – make it a priority.

• Do your homework when asked; this will speed up your progress

• Journal during the week; this is a good way of logging any thoughts or feelings or questions

• Remember change requires work – it can be hard and painful at times, but the rewards are great.

• Be open and honest in session– remember, your lies won’t impress, and your truths won’t disappoint

• If you are feeling challenged by the work or the process is bringing up uncomfortable feelings, tell us!

• Be patient and gentle with yourself. Growth takes time, effort, and patience.

The simplest way to describe the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist is that a psychologist primarily aids a client by counseling and psychotherapy. A psychiatrist may also perform psychotherapy; but, in addition, can prescribe medications and perform ECT (electroconvulsive therapy). A psychiatrist is a medical doctor. A psychologist may hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) and be called "doctor"; but, is not a medical doctor (M.D.).

To get the most out of therapy:

• Put in the time; turn up on time and keep regular appointments – make it a priority.
• Do your homework when asked
• Journal during the week; this is a good way of logging any thoughts or feelings or questions
• Remember change requires work – it can be hard and painful at times, but the rewards are great.
• Be open and honest in session– remember, your lies won’t impress, and your truths won’t disappoint
• If you are feeling challenged by the work or the process is bringing up uncomfortable feelings, tell us!
• Be patient and gentle with yourself. Growth takes time, effort, and patience.

These terms can often overlap, however it is useful to know the difference between these modalities.  The main differences often appear in the training.  Psychologist training tends to be longer, and usually trained to deal with a variety of issues ranging from Schizophrenia through to Clinical depression.  Counsellors on the other hand tend to deal more (but not exclusively) with life’s issues, such as relationships, stress and other everyday problems. Both are a way of interaction - between a Counselor or Psychotherapist on one side and the client(s) on the other side, with the goal to cause changes in feeling and behaviour of the client.

A Counselor is a person who works with clients to help them explore difficulties they may be having, distress they may be experiencing or perhaps their dissatisfaction with life, or loss of a sense of direction and purpose.  Counsellors training can vary, although all counselors at Alliance Professional Counselling have completed a masters degree in counselling at minimum.

A Psychologist is a person who holds a University-Masters Degree in Psychology

A Psychotherapist is a (Clinical-)Psychologist with extensive therapeutic training. A licensed psychotherapist obtains a master's degree or doctorate in a chosen mental health field, undergoes a supervised clinical residency, and is licensed, certified, or registered by a government or psychological agency to which they are accountable.