What are the differences between counselling, psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic counselling?
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) sees no evidence of any difference between the functions of counselling and psychotherapy. Generally, counselling might be regarded as shorter-term with a focus on a specific need or issue, and psychotherapy as longer-term, more in depth work. Psychotherapeutic counselling therefore offers the flexibility to work short or long term, depending on people’s individual needs and preferences. All approaches are respectful, collaborative and exploratory, intended to enhance self-awareness, resilience and wellbeing.
What is the difference between a BACP-Registered and BACP-Accredited therapist?
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) registered therapists will already be an individual member of BACP, currently be in practice or have practised within the last three years. They must have either successfully completed and graduated from a BACP accredited course or passed the BACP Certificate of Proficiency.
- BACP Accreditation is a quality status for experienced practitioners who can demonstrate high standards of competent and ethical practice. Becoming an accredited member involves a rigorous application and assessment process.
What is a humanistic approach?
At the core of the humanistic approach is a belief in the human potential for change and growth, and respect for the importance of subjective experience and meaning-making. As such it strives to deepen our understanding of who we are, what we think, feel and how we have been shaped by our experiences. This enhances self-awareness which then creates possibilities for self-determined choice and change. Counsellors who work in a humanistic way are able to provide respectful, non-judgemental support so that someone can freely explore their whole life experience; past, present and future.
The humanistic approach draws largely from existential and phenomenological philosophy and person-centred theory. It may incorporate approaches such Gestalt, Focusing, Transactional Analysis, Solution-Focused and Mindfulness, and tends to be less ‘technique’-based than other orientations.
What can psychotherapeutic counselling help with?
Psychotherapeutic counselling is a personal journey and so the therapeutic work will be tailored to your individual needs. Some areas people may wish to explore include:
- A sense that something isn’t quite right or that life doesn’t feel as fulfilling as it should
- Getting through a difficult time
- Someone to talk to
- Feeling lonely or alone
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Depression
- Self-harm
- Thoughts of suicide
- Tearfulness
- A sense of detachment or numbness
- Relationship difficulties or break up
- Panic
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Feeling that something is missing
- Bereavement
- Loss (including loss of a pet)
- Low energy or exhaustion
- Identity
- Sexuality
- Addictions (i.e., alcohol, drugs, food, sex, love, gambling)
- Difficult or traumatic experiences
How confidential are sessions?
In accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, psychotherapeutic counselling sessions are strictly confidential except under the following circumstances:
1. Your counsellor will discuss their work, from time to time, with a qualified Clinical Supervisor and Peer Supervisor. Your identity is not revealed and all supervisors are also bound by the BACP’s Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.
Engaging in clinical supervision is a BACP requirement and standard practice for all credible counsellors.
2. Your counsellor reserves the right to break confidentiality and may have a duty of care to do so under the following circumstances:
- If they believe there is a serious risk of harm, either to yourself or others
- Where there are concerns about the welfare of adults who have care and support needs, or children.
- Where knowledge of, or involvement in acts of terrorism, money laundering or drug trafficking is inferred.
- If required by subpoena or court order.
- For reasons of public interest in the area of public health.
How is your personal data processed and stored?
GDPR Privacy Statement for Clarity Counselling
Your personal information is processed to enable Clarity Counselling to provide psychotherapeutic counselling services to you, to arrange appointments with you and to maintain records. All personal information is processed and stored in accordance with BACP and GDPR guidelines and Clarity Counselling is registered with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO).
Type/classes of information processed
Clarity Counselling processes information relevant to the above reasons/purposes. This information may include:
- personal details
- family details
- lifestyle and social circumstances
- services
- financial details
- employment and education details
Clarity Counselling also processes sensitive classes of information that may include:
- physical or mental health details
- sexual life
- racial or ethnic origin
- religious or other beliefs of a similar nature
- offences and alleged offences
Who the information may be shared with
In the event there are concerns for your safety or that of others, Clarity Counselling may have a duty of care to share your personal information with other services, as outlined under ‘How Confidential Are Sessions?‘ above. This will always be discussed at the start of therapy and outlined in your contract. Where this is necessary, Clarity Counselling is required to comply with all aspects of the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions and GDPR and ICO guidelines.
The services or professionals Clarity Counselling may have a duty of care to share information with might include:
- healthcare professionals (e.g., your GP)
- clinical supervisor (please note, in the event your counsellor is unable to work or contact you due to serious ill health or death, their clinical supervisor has authorisation to access your records, if necessary, in order to contact you and protect your data in accordance with GDPR and BACP guidelines)
- peer supervisor
- statutory services (e.g., where there are concerns about the welfare of adults who have care and support needs, or children, or where knowledge of or involvement in acts of terrorism, money laundering or drug trafficking is inferred, for reasons of public interest in the area of public health)
- court of law (e.g., if required by subpoena or court order)
Record-keeping
Records are kept in accordance with the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), Information Commissioners Office (ICO), Data Protection Act (DPA) and Balens Health Professionals Policy, underwritten by Zurich Insurance Plc.