There are a wide range of techniques
available to ease psychological suffering. It is not the remit of
this page to cover every type of therapy, but they broadly fall
under two headings: counselling and psychotherapy.
In counselling, usually specific problems
are focused on, such as bereavement or redundancy, rather than deep-seated
personal issues. A counsellor is supportive, and is trained to listen
and encourage you to talk freely, but will probe less deeply into
problems than a psychotherapist.
Training in counselling is usually shorter
than for psychotherapy, and may be in specialist areas such as marital
counselling, psycho-sexual counselling and bereavement, as well
as a myriad of other issues related to specific problems, such as
drug and alcohol counselling and AIDS counselling.
When visiting a counsellor it is important,
apart from checking their training and other credentials, to be
sure that they are trained in the particular area which is relevant
to you, if you have a specific problem.
treatment is especially useful in
treating the following conditions:
addictions, AIDS, anorexia
nervosa, anxiety, bereavements,
bulilmia nervosa,
cancer, compulsions, depression,
grief, obsessions, phobias, sexual and relationship problems, stress.
You are recommended to seek advice of a qualified health practitioner.
To find a qualified practitioner in your area look in the Practitioner
Directory.