Mental Health: Counsellor or Psychotherapist?
What’s mental health?
In many parts of the world, mental health care still carries a stigma, suggesting that seeking support implies something is wrong with the individual. This thinking raises a fundamental question: what does it mean to be a “normal” human being? Is normalcy characterized by facing life’s ups and downs without being transformed by them, or does it involve facing life’s beauty and hardships head-on with hope, faith, and resilience?
Traditionally, normal mental health is defined by having healthy relationships, performing well at work or school, and maintaining a sense of control over one’s thoughts and emotions. However, everyone goes through tough phases. Does normalcy mean navigating life’s challenges without any personal change, or is it more about learning to adapt and grow in the face of adversity, embracing each obstacle with confidence and strength?
Self Care
Our circumstances only truly transform when we first change what lies within us. One might then ask: What is abnormal about nurturing one’s mental health? How can it be considered normal to neglect the well-being of our minds and souls? Ignoring one’s mental health and failing to address life’s difficulties in a healthy manner can hinder personal growth and prevent us from reaching our full potential.
In the quiet corners of our minds, a gentle voice whispers our deepest needs and truths—a voice often ignored until it intensifies into a desperate shout. When disregarded, this inner voice doesn’t fade; instead, it manifests as burnout, depression, addiction, anxiety, and other signs of neglected needs. At this point, our mental health begins to deteriorate, casting shadows over our mind, body, and soul.
How do we tune into this soft-spoken voice amidst the noise of daily life? It starts with the willingness to listen, to truly hear what this inner voice is trying to say. It requires us to take it seriously, to respect its truths, and to respond to its calls for attention and care. The journey doesn’t stop at listening; we must learn to integrate this voice into the fabric of our minds. This involves dismantling mental walls constructed over years—barriers built from tradition, fear of change, and the comfort of conformity. It’s about allowing ourselves to be moved, changed, and grown by embracing what this inner voice offers.
Listening to and honouring this voice is more than a practice; it’s a transformation. It allows us to live more authentically, aligned with our true selves, paving the way for a healthier, more fulfilled existence. Through the therapeutic process, we not only hear what’s been whispered all along but also find the strength to answer its call.
It starts with the willingness to listen, to truly hear what this inner voice is trying to say. It requires us to take it seriously, to respect its truths, and to respond to its calls for attention and care.
Influences on mental health
We can’t hope for a life without challenges—that would mean no growth. Instead, we should aim to strengthen our minds, gather the right mental tools, and build our spiritual resilience. With stronger mental, physical, and spiritual muscles, we can handle any difficulty life throws our way. This is certainly achievable with therapy.
The components necessary for you to build durability and endurance are influenced by several of your personal aspects: your genetic disposition, your family dynamics, your abilities and weaknesses, education, lifestyle, the impact of your friends, and your life choices. Just because you’ve been in the same place for a while doesn’t mean you’ve fully adjusted, especially if something feels off. Sometimes, you might not even realize what’s bothering you. It’s crucial to take a moment to reflect on your surroundings, thoughts, and feelings. Check in with yourself about the choices you’re making and what triggers your stress. This is key to understanding your internal world.
Counselling versus psychotherapy
So, who should seek counselling and who needs psychotherapy? If you’re considering starting a healing journey, congratulate yourself for recognizing that you’re not perfect. Psychological counselling is short-term therapy focused on addressing immediate life challenges like burnout, stress, bereavement, midlife transitions, marital issues, divorce, anger management, gender identity concerns, relocation, new job adjustments, retirement, balancing family and work, mild depression or anxiety, postnatal depression, and parenthood support.
In counselling, the counsellor helps you understand your impact on your environment and provides guidance to manage new changes in your life. Counselling assists you in discovering effective strategies to navigate life, cope with changes or challenges, gain a fresh perspective on issues, and equips you with mental tools for practical application. It enhances your self-awareness, helps you identify your personal triggers, recognize your own thoughts, and know when to seek support. In summary, you will know yourself better and develop an awareness of your surroundings.
On the other hand, psychotherapy is a longer-term treatment addressing deep-rooted psychological challenges that have developed over your lifetime. These are often long-standing issues. The duration of treatment varies based on your own individual circumstances and the therapeutic approach taken. A next inline blog post will delve into the benefits of each therapeutic method. Generally, psychotherapy delves deeper, considering past events to help you understand how they have shaped you and influenced your feelings, actions, and thoughts. Psychotherapy addresses more chronic mental health challenges like anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, addictions, and obsessions.
psychotherapy is a longer-term treatment addressing deep-rooted psychological challenges that have developed over your lifetime
Numerous psychotherapy techniques exist, each tailored to address specific issues. It’s important to acknowledge that revisiting past traumas may initially feel uncomfortable. However, a therapist can facilitate a more comfortable experience. Ultimately, the decision to endure this discomfort in pursuit of personal growth rests with you. Embracing vulnerability requires openness, courage, honesty, and humility—qualities essential for each one of us seeking to transform deep-rooted patterns developed over many years.
Thus, the distinction between needing a counsellor or a psychotherapist depends on the nature and depth of the issues you face. Counselling can help with immediate, manageable issues, providing tools and strategies for coping and adapting. Psychotherapy, however, is suited for deeper, more ingrained problems requiring a thorough exploration of past experiences and long-term treatment.
Both counselling and psychotherapy aim to improve mental health and well-being. Choosing the right approach depends on your specific needs and the nature of the challenges you’re facing. By addressing your mental health with the appropriate method, you embark on a journey toward a more balanced, resilient, and fulfilled life. So, whether you seek the guidance of a counsellor or the in-depth exploration of a psychotherapist, taking that first step toward mental health care is a courageous and vital move toward personal growth and well-being.