Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a specific form of therapy that works at a deeper level, exploring how past experiences, relationships, and unconscious patterns shape the way you feel and function today. This page explains what psychotherapy is, how it differs from other forms of therapy, and what to expect.
Psychotherapy is a depth-oriented form of therapy that explores the underlying causes of emotional difficulties — not just the symptoms. It examines how past experiences, early relationships, and unconscious patterns influence your present-day thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. Psychotherapy typically involves longer-term work and requires a qualified practitioner with postgraduate training.
What Is Psychotherapy?
While the word "therapy" is used broadly to describe many forms of talking treatment, psychotherapy refers specifically to a deeper, more exploratory form of therapeutic work. Rather than focusing primarily on managing symptoms or solving immediate problems, psychotherapy looks at the root causes — the patterns, beliefs, and experiences that sit beneath the surface.
Psychotherapy often explores questions like:
- Why do I keep ending up in the same kind of relationship?
- Why do I react so strongly to certain situations?
- Where does this feeling come from?
- Why do I find it so hard to trust people?
These are the kinds of questions that benefit from the depth and patience of psychotherapeutic work.
How Does Psychotherapy Differ From Counselling?
Counselling and psychotherapy overlap significantly, and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. However, there are meaningful differences:
- Counselling tends to focus on specific, present-day issues. It is often shorter-term and may be more solution-focused. It is effective for navigating a particular difficulty such as a bereavement, a relationship breakdown, or workplace stress.
- Psychotherapy goes deeper. It explores how past experiences — particularly early relationships and formative experiences — have shaped the way you relate to yourself and others. It often involves longer-term work and can address more complex or longstanding difficulties.
Both are valuable. The right choice depends on what you are looking for and what you are working through. [Therapy vs Counselling](/therapy-vs-counselling)
How Does Psychotherapy Differ From Coaching?
Coaching is forward-focused and goal-oriented. It helps you get from where you are to where you want to be. It does not typically explore emotional difficulties, past trauma, or unconscious patterns.
Psychotherapy is therapeutic. It helps you understand why you feel the way you do, process difficult experiences, and change patterns that are not serving you. If your difficulties have emotional roots, psychotherapy is the more appropriate choice. [Psychotherapy vs Coaching](/psychotherapy-vs-coaching)
Qualifications and Training
Psychotherapy requires substantial training, typically at postgraduate level. A qualified psychotherapist will have completed several years of clinical training, personal therapy, and supervised practice.
I hold a Master's degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Roehampton and am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), member number 416139. I am working toward BACP accreditation. I am not currently registered with any other professional body.
My Approach to Psychotherapy
I practise as an integrative psychotherapist, which means I draw on several psychotherapeutic traditions:
- Person-centred therapy provides the relational foundation — a safe, accepting space where you feel genuinely heard
- Psychodynamic therapy brings depth — exploring how past experiences and unconscious patterns show up in the present
- Transactional analysis offers practical insight into communication patterns and relationship dynamics
The therapeutic relationship is always at the heart of our work. Research consistently shows that the quality of the relationship between therapist and client is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes.
You can read more about how I work in practice on How I Work.
Is Psychotherapy Right for Me?
Psychotherapy may be particularly helpful if you:
- Have long-standing patterns that keep repeating
- Feel stuck in ways you cannot fully explain
- Have experienced trauma or abuse
- Struggle with relationships
- Want to understand yourself at a deeper level
- Have tried other approaches and found them helpful but incomplete
You do not need a diagnosis or a referral. If something does not feel right and you want to explore it properly, psychotherapy provides the space and the depth to do that.
Scope and Boundaries
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a depth-oriented form of therapy that explores the underlying causes of emotional difficulties. It looks at how past experiences, early relationships, and unconscious patterns shape the way you think, feel, and relate to others in the present.
What is the difference between psychotherapy and therapy?
Therapy is a broad term covering many forms of talking treatment. Psychotherapy is a specific form of therapy that works at a deeper level, exploring root causes rather than focusing primarily on symptoms or immediate problems. Therapy vs Psychotherapy
What is the difference between a psychotherapist and a counsellor?
Both are trained professionals who provide talking therapy. The main difference is depth of training and scope of practice. Psychotherapists typically train at postgraduate level and work with more complex or longstanding difficulties. Counsellors may focus on specific, shorter-term issues. In practice, there is significant overlap. Therapy vs Counselling
How long does psychotherapy take?
This varies. Some people benefit from a few months of work. Others find that longer-term psychotherapy over a year or more is what they need. The pace is set by you, and we review regularly to make sure the work is still serving you.
What qualifications should a psychotherapist have?
A qualified psychotherapist should have completed postgraduate-level clinical training, undertaken their own personal therapy, and practised under clinical supervision. They should be registered with a recognised professional body such as the BACP or UKCP. I hold a Master's in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Roehampton and am a BACP registered member.
Is psychotherapy evidence-based?
Yes. Psychotherapy is supported by a substantial body of research evidence. Studies consistently show that psychotherapy is effective for a wide range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, trauma, personality difficulties, and relationship problems. The therapeutic relationship itself is one of the most researched factors in positive outcomes.
Can psychotherapy be done online?
Yes. Online psychotherapy is effective and widely practised. All my sessions are held online via a secure video platform, which many clients find more accessible and convenient. Online Therapy UK
What issues does psychotherapy help with?
Psychotherapy can help with a wide range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, self-esteem, anger, grief, life transitions, workplace stress, and the lasting effects of abuse. It is particularly effective for complex or longstanding difficulties where deeper exploration is needed.
If you are considering psychotherapy and would like to talk it through first, I offer a short, free introductory call. There is no obligation.