Psychoeducation isn’t practiced by a lot of us, and as a result, we live a life where our psychological health does not become our psychological wealth. We are plagued or paralysed by patterns of the brain such as cognitive distortions or ingrained behaviours that we believe are ‘who we are’ that may have once helped but now truly hinder us from experiencing a more satisfying life and fulfilling our potential.
Counselling, psychotherapy and coaching are often perceived as expensive luxuries instead of an integral part of living. To participate in regular counselling, psychotherapy or coaching can be a real change agent, and to embed it so it is an ordinary part of what we do, like going to the gym, watching our favourite binge episodes or going to work will alter our relationship with ourselves, others and the organisations we belong to.
A simple reference of what the differences are lies within time and techniques. For example counselling is for shorter term work, maybe up to 8-10 sessions, that addresses something urgent and often specific where greater understanding or control is needed so that positive changes can be made fairly quickly. Psychotherapy is for a longer period of time which requires more investigative, on-going and enduring support using psychotherapeutic techniques. Coaching whether life or business, can feel more directive and uses skills and techniques unique to that field. As a therapist, I optimise the effectiveness of existential psychology as well use whatever it takes (in relative terms) to help the client gain what they need and want, and achieve the objectives that they have been able to identify.
Embarking on a lifelong relationship with counselling, psychotherapy or coaching or a combination of these will completely change the way you think, the way you act and the way you relate and that can happen in a short time if you give it the time and commitment it needs. A lifetime relationship with counselling, psychotherapy or coaching does not need to be continuous but it should at least be as early as possible, during those important times and events in your life and when you face dilemmas, predicaments and impasses that need navigating with someone partnering by your side. To be able to be heard and hear an alternative perceptive can do an enormous amount for your physiology, and as a result, how you feel and think will change.