Anxiety can be a debilitating condition making it challenging for people to live their lives to the fullest. If left untreated anxiety can significantly impact mental and physical health, work and relationships. It is essential to treat anxiety as early as possible. While there are many treatments for anxiety two of the most common are psychotherapy and counselling. In this blog, we will discuss what psychotherapy and counselling are, their differences and which one is better for anxiety.
Psychotherapy and counselling are types of mental health treatments that aim to help individuals manage their emotions, feelings, thoughts and behaviors. The primary difference between the two treatments is the focus of the therapy.
Psychotherapy is a long-term, in-depth and intensive form of therapy that focuses on the underlying causes of anxiety. During psychotherapy a certified mental health professional explores the root of the anxiety and addresses past traumas, deep-seated feelings and patterns of behavior. Psychotherapy sessions are often weekly and can last for months or years depending on the individual’s needs.
On the other hand, counselling is focused on solving specific problems in a person’s life. It is generally a shorter-term therapy that can help people understand their anxiety symptoms, provide coping strategies for different situations, and improve communication skills. Counselling sessions can be weekly or bi-weekly and can generally last from a few months to a year.
Both psychotherapy and counselling have their unique benefits and can be effective in helping people manage anxiety. However, psychotherapy may be more suitable for people who are experiencing severe anxiety or have a history of trauma. Counselling may be a more appropriate option for people who are experiencing more mild anxiety symptoms, and need help in specific areas of their life.
In addition, psychotherapy treatments differ in techniques depending on the type of psychotherapy. Psychodynamic psychotherapy, for example, explores the unconscious mind and how early experiences can affect our current behaviors. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), on the other hand, focuses on the relationship between our thoughts and behaviors. These psychotherapies can be combined with medication to help manage anxiety symptoms.
It is important to remember that each individual is unique, and what may work for one person may not work for another. If you are experiencing anxiety, it is crucial to seek professional help from a trained mental health professional who can provide guidance in choosing the best option for therapy. In summary, psychotherapy provides a more in-depth, underlying focus on anxiety, while counselling focuses on addressing specific issues in one’s life. Both can be beneficial in managing anxiety, and it is up to the individual, with advice from a therapist, to determine which is the best option.
