Psychotherapy, Counselling and clinical psychology have a lot in common with each other, and so it is easy to get confused between them.

Psychotherapy is a talking therapy that takes place between a trained professional and either an individual, a couple and sometimes within a family/whānau. It usually takes place once a week for an hour and provides a place to discuss and explore problems. Psychotherapy focuses on two aspects: the need to find practical solutions to problems, and the need to understand these problems, especially if they form a pattern that keeps arising.

People come to see a psychotherapist for many reasons, and some of these are listed below:

• Coping with difficult times – a relationship ending, having health worries, losing a job
• Experiencing and coping with grief
• Difficulties with managing emotions
• Coping with anxiety or stress
• Coping with feeling low or depressed
• Understanding yourself and your reactions
• Trauma or abuse