Annie Rimmer

Why choose counselling or psychotherapy

What is the difference?

Often these terms are used interchangeably. Both provide a safe place and confidential relationship, outside of your daily life, in which to talk through your concerns and difficulties. Generally speaking counseling may focus more on specific current problems and how to overcome them. Psychotherapy, generally speaking, tends to go a little deeper and deals perhaps with those problems that are persistent and have been resistant to change, and which may be rooted in the past.

Different Approaches

There are many different approaches to counseling and psychotherapy. Some focus on techniques to help you think more positively and some are quite active and use role play, drama or art to help you resolve things. Others are more focused on the internal world of your thoughts, fantasies and dreams, which all help to reveal what is currently outside your conscious awareness. (To find out more about my approach, click on “My philosophy and what I do” or contact me by telephone or e-mail).

The 'therapy relationship

However, over and over again research suggests that the element that influences the success of counseling or psychotherapy most is not the qualifications of the ‘therapist or the type of ‘therapy they offer but the relationship you are able to develop with them. Building that relationship takes time. It might be worth considering what is important to you in a 'therapist. It might be that you want someone who is empathic and warm and understanding so that you can quickly feel safe and comfortable. It may be that you know you need someone to challenge you a little, or someone you feel you can believe in and feel contained by. It may be all of the above. No 'therapist is right for everyone. (To find out more about choosing a therapist or if you and I might be a good "fit", see FAQs or contact me to discuss things further.)

Having a safe, comfortable and confidential space and someone who REALLY listens to what you have to say can be of great benefit in many circumstances. Please phone or e-mail me if you would like to talk further about whether this might be for you.


Telephone: 020 8291 4091
e-mail : info@annierimmer-psychotherapy.co.uk


Counselling and Psychotherapy in Sydenham /Forest Hill, South East London