FAQs
What is the difference between Psychotherapists, Counsellors, Psychologists and Psychiatrists?
Sometimes it is hard to know who to turn to for the right support, this simplistic guide will lay out some key points:
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are fully qualified medical doctors who are able to assess and diagnose mental health disorders and prescribe medication if appropriate. Their likely focus is mainly on the symptoms of behaviours and few work therapeutically to explore any underlying causes or the emotional side of these. They will therefore often work alongside a psychotherapist or counsellor to support these. They will likely specialise in a particular area such as Paediatric or Geriatric Psychiatry.
Psychologists
Psychology is a broad field but traditionally they come from a more science-focused approach exploring presenting behaviours as a result of specific research and studies. Psychologists will have gained a degree in Psychology but not all psychologists undertake session work and many are purely research based, those that do work clinically may use a more cognitive focused approach such as CBT.
Counsellors
Generally, counselling offers session-limited support focusing on specific issues and behaviours occurring in the present, such as relationship issues or losing your job, and their immediate impact on your life. A counsellor is unlikely to explore underlying issues or the reasons behind any presenting issues or behavioural patterns and will focus more on equipping you with short-term tools to manage in the moment. Counsellors can enter the profession through varying routes but most will have a Post Graduate Diploma. Many will have a specialism in either adults or children.
Psychotherapists
While similar in some ways, generally speaking, a psychotherapist’s approach is more in-depth than a counsellor’s. They will explore and work with any underlying emotions and experiences to shed light on how these impact and shape the presenting issues and behaviours in the here and now. A psychotherapist will have a Masters Degree and undertake a longer training than most counsellors, allowing them to also work with more complex mental health conditions as well as emotional issues. The depth of the work means that psychotherapy is usually an open-ended process, with sessions usually taking place weekly. Most psychotherapists will specialise in a particular area such as children and adolescents, some will also offer adult work too. It is also a requirement for psychotherapists to undertake their own personal therapy throughout their training.
These are by no means exhaustive explanations of each role and individuals will differ in their expertise and services. A good practitioner will always signpost you to the most appropriate support if they feel they are unable to meet your needs.
Confidentiality / Safeguarding & Child Protection procedures
All matters arising during any therapies will remain confidential unless there is the potential risk of harm to either the person in therapy, or someone outside of therapy. In this instance, the appropriate external agency or authority will be notified to allow for additional support and to ensure the safety of all involved
All safeguarding and child protection procedures are adhered to and undertaken to support the needs and best interests of the child / vulnerable adult. Resulting actions may include reporting to the relevant authorities and you will be notified of any such actions, as appropriate.
There may be times when I feel it helpful or appropriate to discuss something from a session with a parent/guardian or teacher, this will always be discussed with the child and ideally shared with the person together. This will always be done with careful consideration as to its appropriateness and its benefit and will not be undertaken if it may be detrimental to the child in any way
All matters of confidentiality are discussed and explained in person, in an age appropriate manner, prior to the start of any work
Ethics and clinical supervision
We abide by the UKCP Code of Ethics and follow their guidelines for all clinical practice
To ensure we maintain ethical and appropriate standards within our work, all clinical practice is taken to a specified clinical supervisor who is aware of all sessional work and supports us with this
Public and Professional Liability and Indemnity Insurance held
Enhanced DBS Certificate held
Complaints procedure
We hope you will never feel the need to make a formal complaint and that any issues can be dealt with by NEST Creative Therapies, however should you feel it appropriate you can lodge your complaint with the agencies below:
– The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) www.psychotherapy.org.uk
– Holistic Insurance Services www.holisticinsurance.co.uk
GDPR details (Data holding and sharing)
Any personal data collected is appropriate and necessary for the means of any therapeutic work.
After every session I will make notes on paper, your full name will not be used on these and they will be held securely in a locked filing cabinet. You are entitled to request to view your notes at any time.
After our work together has finished, I will hold your notes for five years (in the case of a minor, notes will be held for five years following their 18th birthday) after which they will be destroyed. Additional personal data not required during this five-year period will be destroyed immediately following the ending of the work.
All data is annually checked to ensure these time frames are met.
Yours or your child’s information will not be shared with anyone without your prior consent, unless we have a legal obligation to do so.
During our work we will often make links with agencies and organisations already associated with you and/or your child, such as schools and GPs. Any multi-agency liaison will be discussed with you and/or your child and will be done on an appropriate and professional basis.
Please contact us if you have any specific queries regarding GDPR
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Gautama Buddha