Counselling/Psychotherapy

We are often asked the difference between counselling and psychotherapy; and the truth in our opinion is “not a lot”.

Counselling and psychotherapy are both forms of talking therapy that involve working with a therapist to address emotional, psychological, and mental health issues. While they share many similarities and the terms are often used interchangeably, there are some differences in their focus, duration, and depth.

While both counselling and psychotherapy are valuable therapeutic approaches, the choice between them often depends on the nature of the issues being addressed, the depth of exploration required, and the duration of therapy desired.

In practice, the lines between counselling and psychotherapy can be blurred, and at Clifton Counselling we offer both, depending on the specific needs of our clients.

The main differences we believe between a counsellor and a psychotherapist are the level and depth of training involved to become a psychotherapist compared to that of a counsellor.

In the UK to be recognised as a counsellor within one of the “counselling & psychotherapy organisations” you need to have completed a recognised course for a minimum of 2 years. This involves a supervised counselling placement of 100 hours, and the trainee counsellor has to personally undergo a set number of counselling hours themselves.

Psychotherapy training tends to be a longer in duration and usually at a higher academic level with a more in-depth and technical understanding of psychology, pathology, diagnosis and treatment. There is quite often a significantly higher number of required hours of supervised therapy and personal therapy as well.

The general aims of both counselling and psychotherapy are the development of a safe, nurturing relationship between the therapist and client resulting the easing or cessation of the presenting issues.

This can enable the client to better understand and accept their own feelings, thoughts and behaviours without the fear of criticism, rejection or shame.

At the same time, the objectives of both counselling and psychotherapy are to help empower the client to identify their wants and needs. To put into motion the steps required to achieve this, which can ultimately lead to a more happy and satisfying life.

We offer one to one Counselling and Psychotherapy to both adults and young people (16+)

Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy
Developed around 40 years ago by Richard Schwartz, IFS Therapy is today one of the most sought-after therapies around.
With demand currently far in excess of the number of qualified IFS therapists worldwide.

IFS Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that conceptualises the mind as being made up of different “parts,” most of which are formed in our youth when unmet needs or traumatic experiences threatens our feeling of safety.

Each part exists within us with its own distinct emotions, thoughts, and roles. These parts can include protectors, managers, and exiles, among others.
IFS helps individuals understand and communicate with these internal parts, fostering a more harmonious internal system.

The goal of IFS is to heal wounded parts, resolve inner conflicts, and access a core “Self” that is characterised by qualities like compassion, curiosity, and calmness.

This approach can lead to greater emotional balance, self-awareness, and overall well-being.

Clifton Counselling is fortunate enough to have an IFS trained therapist, and access to a network worldwide of skilled IFS practitioners.

This also includes adopting an IFS lens towards Addiction and Addictive Processes in a manner that challenges traditional methods of working with addiction in a much more compassionate non-pathologising manner.

If you would like to get to know your “parts” better then please let us know and we can arrange this therapy for you.

Couple Counselling/Marriage Guidance/Relationship Therapy

When something happens that threatens to destroy our relationship; for example, our partner has had an affair or we just don’t seem to be getting on anymore, there is tension being around each other and we may feel like we are walking on egg shells.

For some people, sitting in this vulnerable, wounded state, it could feel as if the only way forward is to leave this relationship and maybe find someone else who we believe will restore the safety and security we all desire within an ideal relationship.

Sometimes if we can bear to stay with the difficult feelings that have been evoked, work through them together and come to understand each other in a more caring and compassionate way then this can very often lead to a deepening of our relationship and a new level of intimacy maybe not experienced before.

Working through difficulties in couples therapy is not easy and will take time, dedication and a willingness to explore, to begin to understand both our own; as well as our partners worries, fears, thoughts and feelings.

Merely turning up to a relationship therapy session to “keep the other half happy or as an ultimatum will not necessarily lead to you staying together; but it may lead to a better way of moving on, and an honouring of your relationship whether it is ultimately together or not.

A couple may seek help with improving issues around:

• Intimacy
• Conflict
• Children/Step children
• Affairs (physical and emotional)
• Violence
• Sexual compatibility
• Sexuality
• Secrets
• Lies
• Trust
• Separation anxieties
• Addiction
• Financial worries
• Religious beliefs
• In-laws
• Or as is very often the case; it is how our own family dynamics growing up, continue to affect our intimate relationships as adults.

One of the most common topics that arise in couple therapy is a breakdown in communication. This can be an easy thing to notice, for example:

• When you talk to your partner you feel like you’re talking to a brick wall.
• Your conversations just go round and round in never ending circles.
• After talking, you feel frustrated and confused.
• You can’t talk for more than a few minutes without it turning into a shouting match.
• You fear that bringing up certain subjects will make things worse.
• Or sometimes you feel that you have nothing left to say to each other anymore.

If all or part of this sounds familiar then perhaps relationship therapy could be an alternative to separation.

Although trained in traditional couple counselling; Clifton Counselling have found that the most effective relationship therapy that we have come across to date is IMAGO Relationship Therapy.

IMAGO Relationship Therapy is a type of couples counselling that helps partners understand and improve their relationship through “the IMAGO Dialogue”. The core idea is that we are often subconsciously drawn to partners who remind us of our childhood experiences, both positive and negative. These experiences shape our expectations and behaviours within our intimate adult relationships.

IMAGO therapy focuses on creating a safe space for couples to communicate openly and honestly. It teaches them to listen deeply to each other and express their feelings without blame or criticism. By doing this, couples can better understand each other’s needs and work through conflicts in a healthy way, ultimately deepening their connection.

The goal is to transform conflicts into opportunities for growth and healing, helping partners build a more conscious, loving relationship.

From the very first session you will learn things about yourself and your partner, combined with a simple but revolutionary way of communicating to and with each other that in our opinion is nothing short of breath taking.

If this is of interest then please feel free to get in touch to book an initial consultation.

Single Session Solution Focused Therapy

For those interested in a more rapid solution to an issue that has arisen; then single session therapy may be the answer.

You will be given a short questionnaire to hone in on this specific problem before the actual session, and we will then devote 2 1/2 hours to identify, understand and provide solutions solely on that issue. This then gives YOU the tools to work on this and prevent it becoming bigger in the future.

(please note this is NOT suitable for historic abuse or trauma, and this has aspects of CBT as well as brief solution focused therapy, so is only suitable if you are prepared to put the work in during the session and maintain this at home afterwards).

Online/Remote Therapy
Telephone, Skype, Zoom, Online and Email Counselling

In today’s busy world, people we are finding less and less time to look after their psychological wellbeing than ever before.

However; with the rise of online communication in recent years we are finally able to access the often-needed help in a much more time effective manner.

This can be extremely beneficial for people unable to leave their homes, people in remote locations, ex pats overseas, those that simply do not have the time for a face-face visit, or someone who may feel unable to talk about a specific topic in person to begin with.

We are able to provide both one to one as well as relationship therapy via online work.

If this is something that appeals to you, then please feel free to get in touch with no obligation.

With the appropriate training and by attaining Senior Professional membership status of ACTO (Association for Counselling & Therapy Online) you can rest assured that we have a great deal of training and experience to offer a safe and secure therapy through video sessions, via telephone or email.

We do stress however that online counselling cannot provide an emergency service for clients.

If you found yourself in a major crisis and were considering serious self-harm it would be vital to get immediate help.

This could include contacting your GP, or your nearest (A & E).

You could also call:

The Samaritans on 116123
or email (for email emergency support).

SANEline 0300 304 7000

The MIX (under 25ís) 08088084994

Papyrus(under 35 and suicidal) 0800 0684141

CALM (men) 0800 585858

Black Orchid (BAME) 0117 9079982

Switchboard (LGBTQ+) 0300 3300630