Arushi Ralli (She/Her)’s Post

In the last post on choosing a counsellor or psychotherapist, I made recommendations to look at a preferred gender, and interviewing up to three professionals for face-to-face, or online support. The next question, is deciding which professional to work with. This fact is much more important than you may realise as we use our senses to figure out likely counsellors, or psychotherapists to use. We may like their warmth in pictures, the sound of their voice or perhaps their expertise. These are all valid ways to choose. Next comes availability. The time spent with a talk therapist will need commitment from each party. Thinking about a day and time when you can put the roles down for an hour is vital to a success outcome. More often than not clients will experience topics and themes come up for discussion the night, or day before. And the levels of exhaustion after a counselling and psychotherapy session need good enough space to do self-care. This means a realistic window of a few hours to commit weekly, or fortnightly outside of the role of surviving, parent, partner or employee.  If time is precious, consider the use of online services. However, face-to-face gives more opportunities as communicate more with non-verbal language. As a professional who feels that talk therapist needs accredited education to deliver the service of counselling and psychotherapy, I would suggest looking at a person’s credentials. There are levels of education for counselling and psychotherapy. For most, the training will be at a level 4 which should provide reassurance to work with stress, symptoms of anxiousness and other mental health challenges. While those who have spent time working to level 6 and 7, or 5 to 6 years of educational training, you will have better support with diagnosed disorders, trauma-informed symptoms and mild to moderate crisis for mental, emotional and life health challenges. Doing this work to find someone’s credentials will provide an ethical and professional pathway to working together. Finally, it is vital you come with some themes to the work. A counsellor or psychotherapist is not a GP, public or private consultant. They offer support and do not ‘fix or repair’ anyone. Therefore, look for the right person who relates to the top three pressing challenges you are facing. This way you start with the common goal of being supported in a non-judgemental and confidential way by someone who has a professional interest in you, and your worries. If you would like more information, please reach out. I am happy to answer more questions. BACP Psychology Today Counselling Directory #MentalHealthMatters #AutumnGoals #CareerGrowth #RelationshipGoals #MindfulLiving #PersonalGrowth #MentalWellness #YearEndGoals #TorbayTherapist #LifeTransitions Photo Credit: Pavel Danilyuk

✨I'm delighted to introduce Lynn Hamilton to Hove Counselling and Psychotherapy.✨ Lynn is a qualified EMDR therapist and Psychodynamic Counsellor (Accred). Lynn is now offering 1:1 sessions at our therapy service in Hove - welcome on-board! 👏🏼 I had the pleasure of meeting Lynn recently, please find further information below about the support she offers. 💠About Lynn As a BACP accredited therapist, I offer both Psychodynamic therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing). Psychodynamic therapy involves exploration of thoughts, feelings, and past experiences to gain insight into current behaviours and relationships. I provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental space for exploring past experiences, understanding present challenges, and effecting positive changes in your life. EMDR is a more structured therapy aimed at addressing and resolving emotional distress stemming from past experiences, allowing for healing within a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. 💠Experience/Background/Qualification(s) I initially trained as a mental health nurse (RMN) in 1988 and earned my qualification in 1991. Over the course of my 20-year career, I specialised in forensic psychiatry. I hold a BSc in Professional Practice in Mental Health and a PGDip in Psychotherapeutic Psychodynamic Counselling, which I completed in 2016. Additionally, I pursued training in EMDR and have since incorporated it fully into my practice. I am an accredited member of the BACP and belong to EMDR UK and am currently doing my EMDR accreditation. Throughout my career, I have worked with both men and women, more extensively with women, offering both long-term and short-term interventions. For the past nine years, I have dedicated my efforts to the voluntary sector, working for a domestic abuse charity. I am a very experienced trauma therapist and in this role, I provided therapy to female clients, many of whom presented with complex issues related to trauma. Deciding to ask for help is a courageous move that can be rewarded with huge personal benefits and be transformative in so many ways. 💠Who I work with Adults 18+ on a 1:1 basis 💠Type of sessions offered In person and online 💠Areas of support * Trauma * Childhood Trauma and Abuse (Psychological and Emotional, Physical, Sexual) * Abuse (Physical, Sexual, Psychological, Emotional, Financial, Coercive Control) * Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) * Anxiety * Depression * Relationship/Family Issues * Unprocessed Grief and Bereavement * Loss * Disordered Eating * Identity issues * Self-esteem  * Self-harm  * Sexual identity * Sexuality * Women's issues To make contact with Lynn, you can view her profile via the link below https://lnkd.in/eX9NPvee Please join me with welcoming Lynn to the team 💚 #emdrtherapy #emdrtherapist #counsellorhove #hovetherapist #traumasupport

My Mental health practitioner profile for 2025, I am a Counsultant Psychologist, seasoned Mental health practitioner, Social Entrepreneur and registered member of British Association of Counseling And Psychotherapy BACP UK. Professional Qualifications: Post graduation Applied Psychology, M.Sc. Applied Psychology, Certificate in Humanistic Counselling level 3, (CPCAB, UK.) Diploma & Advanced diploma Humanistic Integrative Counseling, CPPD Pakistan Chapter(BACP UK). Certifications: Certificate in Humanistic Counseling (CPCAB UK), Certificate in handling Schizophrenia (University of Pennsylvania), Certificate in Understanding Eating Disorders & Trauma Informed Somatic Therapy (Arizona International Trauma Institute, USA) Certified EMDR practitioner, (EMDR Asia), Certificate in Trauma buster Technique (TBT),Certificate in Self development through Transpersonal Archetypal Psychotherapy group process, Certificate in Mindfulness based stress reduction therapy (MBSR) Client demographics: Ages 15+. Individual therapy. Proficient in English, Urdu & Punjabi. Works with: Depression, Mental health and personality disorders, Anxiety, Trauma & PTSD, Grief & Loss, Emotional Regulation, Self-Awareness. Therapy modalities: Humanistic Integrative Therapy, Existential Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic, Psychoanalysis, Trauma Informed Psychosomatic therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Rational-Emotive Behaviour Therapy, EMDR Trauma Therapy, Internal family systems (IFS therapy), Mindfulness based stress reduction therapy (MBSR) My approach: I see my role as a safe emotional container, where my clients can unpack and explore their experiences, and rely on my compassionate support and knowledge of therapeutic interventions. I view therapy as a process of self-discovery, and make room for individual differences to understand each client as a unique person. My holistic and phenomenological approach to healing believes in the need to balance intellect, spirit, emotions, and the body. I help my clients become conscious of their unconscious processes, and meet with their intrinsic sense of personal responsibility over their actions and choices. I am aware that therapy can feel vulnerable and difficult, and I try to build strong working alliances so my clients can be true collaborators in the process. I have become more attuned with my own self through the process of therapy, unlearning patterns that are unhelpful, and learning to better regulate myself. I offer my services to others from a place of personal healing and awareness. I enjoy reading, writing, yoga, and consistently learning more about my field of work. Charges: Shared upon request. Get in touch: WhatsApp message 0923164633522. Please allow 1-2 working days for a response. https://lnkd.in/eTDNg-Q2 Social And Emotional Learning Pakistan #MentalhealthpractitionerProfile2025

Here are a few lines from Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: '“Are you asking for counseling or therapy?” Wendell says at today’s session after I tell him that I have a professional question. He knows I’ll understand the distinction because he’s offered professional guidance twice before. Do I want advice (counseling) or self-understanding (therapy)?' I see a lot of confusion around the words 'Counselling' and 'Therapy'. This confusion can cause a mismatch between what the client is expecting and what the practitioner is willing to offer. Let's understand the difference between the terms from the mental health perspective: - Counsellors (derived from a word synonymous with 'advice') focus mainly on helping clients develop coping mechanisms, strategies, and solutions keeping mainly the present in mind. Whereas, therapists (derived from a word synonymous with 'healing') focus on helping clients gain insight into how their past is impacting their present thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Therapists may also focus on coping strategies and solutions during the initial stages with the client's immediate needs. - The duration of counseling ranges from weeks to months (considered short-term) and therapy ranges from months to years depending on the complexity and approach (long-term). - Both require at least a master's degree in psychology and are bound by similar ethical principles. However, there might be some differences in their place of work. Counselors usually work in schools, colleges, offices, and EAP firms where providing therapy is not a feasible option. Therapists usually work with mental health organizations, hospitals, or have a private practice. - In India, both counselling psychologists and clinical psychologists can act as therapists. There are no clear regulations regarding the terms 'therapy' and 'counseling', as of now. Even though the terms are used interchangeably in India, I feel counseling psychologists are stuck in between. In my own practice, I started off as a counsellor and then quickly turned into a therapist by learning psychotherapy modalities. With time, even I am becoming more mindful of how I use the terms. It becomes important to note that both counselors and therapists serve a different purpose with neither being inferior or superior. Providing only counseling in a clinical setting (diagnosis and hospital) and only therapy in a formal setting (workplace/school/college) can be counter-productive. Choose a mental health professional depending on your need. Hope it helps you make an informed decision.

Working with Moral Injury in Counselling and Psychotherapy Workshop with Alison O'Connor ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eHx8zQcV What does the concept of moral injury mean for us as a counselling profession? How might this strengthen our ability to work therapeutically with clients working and living in conditions of systemic injustice? Arguments are emerging for standardised treatment approaches for moral injury. What do we think of this, versus the idea that we may be medicalising a human, moral response to suffering and injustice? Moral injury is the deep emotional and psychological distress caused by “perpetrating, failing to prevent, bearing witness to or learning about acts that transgress deeply held moral beliefs” (Litz et al, 2009), often exacerbated by a sense of betrayal by someone in authority. Understanding of moral injury evolved in the military context when soldiers were unable to reconcile acts committed with their personal moral codes. The global pandemic increased awareness of its relevance to healthcare staff and all who work on the human frontline. In a recent survey of doctors by the BMA, 78% said the terms moral injury or moral distress resonated with their experiences. Moral injury is being increasingly recognised across multiple professions, including clergy, social work, academia and mental health. Anecdotal examples include not being able to provide care that feels good enough, a sense of betrayal by those in authority due to lack of accountability, staff shortages, and pay freezes. This is a global issue beginning to present in counselling and psychotherapy contexts. Alison co-founded a social enterprise, Moral Injury Partnership with Sophie Redlin and Simon Edwards, in 2022, based on their respective Churchill Fellowships exploring indigenous talking circles, creative approaches to trauma and moral injury, and post-traumatic growth. As a GP, a military veteran, and a therapist, they share an understanding of moral injury as a human response to situations that challenge our moral values. Not a sign of weakness, lack of resilience or mental disorder, but a reminder that we are human, and when we work in conditions that conflict with our core sense of what is right, it hurts us. They are delivering a retreat-based programme of restorative support, centred around talking circles, self-compassion and forgiveness, and evaluating this in partnership with the International Centre for Moral Injury at Durham University. This session will share learning from practice and research which will help therapists develop a non-pathologizing, compassionate approach to moral injury and moral repair. _____________ View Alison's collection of learning in Onlinevents Learning Library here https://lnkd.in/ewVdSS_m ▶️ Watch on Catchup ✅ Download your CPD Certificate 👤 Included in your Onlinevents CPD Library Membership

Understand The Power of Group Psychotherapy. Individual Counselling, Psychology Sessions, or seeing a Therapist 1-1 will not have an impact on your ability to stop or moderate addictive behaviours in the long term. It doesn't work.  You know this. That's why you’re still reading. Chances are you have tried this already, and it has failed. Scientific study after scientific study has proven that the only way to take back control is by utilising the power of the group. Why? Because, when one person (your Therapist) offers you feedback around your addictive behaviours you can easily dismiss it. You restate your case as to why it is a good idea that you continue to attempt to control it. You leave, you fail. You come back. Repeat. When you sit in a group setting with like minded people who are all trying to achieve the same goal (which is ultimately to achieve behavioural change) it is impossible as a human being to ignore feedback from your ‘community’. Why is the group so powerful? Because we are hardwired to follow the group and to fit into our ‘community’. How do you think cults work? The need to “fit in” and take on opinions of others in our ‘community’ is a survival strategy that was hard wired into us over thousands of years of evolution. It's about safety in numbers and about avoiding being rejected by our ‘tribe’. It really is that simple.  Spend long enough in a group of people who all have the same goal and it's only a matter of time before you become one of them! How else do you think programs like AA work? I’ll never forget a saying I heard that summed it up really succinctly. If you sit in a hairdressers chair long enough, you will end up with a haircut. Simple isn't it ? Motivating too. All you have to do is commit to the process. The rest will take care of itself. So far to date not 1 person who has completed my addiction recovery coaching program is still struggling with addictive behaviours. Every single one of them is sober as I write this. Pardon me for saying so, but that’s INCREDIBLE! The time to stop is NOW or it might never be. Book through my website or call my practice on (02) 9516 0001.

#counselingpsychotherapy Counseling and psychotherapy are both forms of talk therapy, but they differ in their depth, duration, and focus: 1. Counseling: Focus: Short-term, problem-solving, and situational issues. Goals: Address specific concerns, usually related to immediate life challenges. Duration: Typically short-term, ranging from a few sessions to several months. Approach: Counseling tends to focus on providing guidance, advice, and support for resolving specific problems (e.g., career decisions, relationship issues, stress management). Client: Individuals dealing with life transitions, stress, or specific events. Techniques: Counselors may use techniques like active listening, goal setting, and providing practical strategies for coping. Example: A person seeking counseling for career change anxiety or navigating a recent divorce. 2. Psychotherapy: Focus: Deep, long-term mental health issues, emotional disturbances, and personality patterns. Goals: Explore underlying psychological issues, enhance self-awareness, and create long-lasting change in patterns of behavior or thought. Duration: Typically longer-term, often spanning several months to years. Approach: Psychotherapy delves into emotional experiences, unconscious conflicts, and deeper behavioral issues, often requiring a more in-depth approach. It can address conditions like depression, anxiety, trauma, and personality disorders. Client: Individuals with chronic emotional or mental health issues that significantly affect their lives. Techniques: Psychotherapists may use approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or other evidence-based methods. Example: A person with chronic depression seeking to understand the underlying causes of their mood and to change long-standing thought patterns. Key Differences: Scope: Counseling addresses specific issues in a more structured, short-term way, while psychotherapy deals with more complex, long-term emotional and psychological concerns. Depth: Psychotherapy tends to go deeper into understanding the roots of behavior, emotions, and thought patterns, whereas counseling focuses on immediate solutions and coping strategies. Duration: Counseling is usually shorter and more focused on immediate issues; psychotherapy is typically longer and more in-depth. Both approaches are valuable depending on the individual's needs, with counseling being more solution-focused and psychotherapy more insight-oriented.

I believe that people with Anxiety, Depression, OCD or cPTSD are currently badly served by the NHS. They're often offered only one form of therapy, and only for a very short amount of time. When really there ought to be: a) Much better state / free provision of therapy for as long as someone needs it for full recovery. b) A range of different kinds of therapy modalities on offer to suit different people, different situations, different needs, and different neurotypes. I also believe that in the meantime - if and while this free state provision of therapy is not the case - there ought to be honesty and proper full information for people when they seek help. Even if it isn't covered on the NHS, people need to be told 'yes, there is a way / many ways for you to recover - it's just not paid for on the NHS'. Because at the moment, sometimes people are coming away from their GP with the impression that their anxiety, their depression, their OCD is some kind of impossible-to-solve problem, some kind of lifelong, necessarily ever-worsening condition, when this is not the case. This is not fair and can contribute to further hopelessness. AND people need to be fully informed that there are different forms of therapy and different kinds of therapists. So that people don't end up trying their recommended 6 sessions of CBT, finding that this does pretty much nothing for the severe Anxiety they've been dealing with for 20 years, and conclude that therapy is not something that's going to work for them, because they are not being given information about the other options that exist. They may go away from this experience blaming themselves for not 'doing therapy well enough'. They may go away from this experience thinking that therapy is a load of nonsense, which would not be an unreasonable conclusion to arrive at, at all, if all the therapy that was available for severe Anxiety / severe depression / severe trauma / OCD was a strictly limited number of CBT sessions, or in some cases a strictly limited number of psychotherapy sessions. Imagine if the first time someone when to see a GP about their severe Anxiety, their severe depression, their OCD, they were given a full overview of all the different types of therapy - CBT, counselling / psychotherapy / body psychotherapy / hypnotherapy / NLP / EFT / EMDR and all the others - along with an idea of how much of these it generally takes a person to reach full recovery. That way, even if what they wanted or needed was not immediately available, they could make a plan, start saving up, ask to borrow money from relatives. Or if there isn't the money there, they could - or we could as a society more easily - start pushing for better therapy options to be available on the NHS Imagine if they were also given access to a full range of really great free / low cost resources of many different kinds... podcasts, videos, books, audiobooks.... I think even this amount of change would make a huge difference.

Sourcing private therapy can be a minefield. Searching on google will easily give you lots of options, but how do you wade through them and decide who to go with? The whole process can feel really overwhelming, especially if you are already struggling with your mental health. To make it even more difficult, how do you decide if you need a coach, counsellor, psychotherapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist? In one of my recent blog posts, I discuss some of the overlaps, key differences, and what to look for in an appropriately qualified mental health professional who is best suited to help you with your particular concerns. Please give it a read if you're confused and could use some clarity in who exactly to search for! #therapy #psychologist #anxiety #ptsd #ocd #trauma #worries #panic #panicattacks #phobias #clinicalpsychology #counselling #coaching https://lnkd.in/eqJd7GHz

Is online counselling as effective as in-person therapy? #onlinecounselling #mentalhealthmatters #teletherapy