Counselling Psychology Services offered by Chartered Psychologists
3.1 Adults
Chartered Counselling Psychologists work therapeutically
with adult clients with a variety of problems, difficulties,
life issues and/or symptoms of psychological disorder.
Their work is informed by psychological theory and research,
but the approach taken in therapy (including the number
and frequency of sessions) varies according to the particular
needs of the individual client and the context in which
the therapy takes place. This is normally discussed
in some detail and depth during the first one or two
sessions (usually referred to as assessment) during
which an agreed plan of therapy is negotiated.
3.2 Students and Young People
The psychological and mental health difficulties experienced by young people
are addressed by counselling psychologists employed to provide student counselling
services and career evaluation, psychometric assessment and educational guidance.
3.3 Family and Couples
An understanding of the dynamics involved in human relationships
and family systems and alternative strategies for communication
and human interaction are offered to those meeting difficulties
in these areas of life.
3.4 Elderly
The issues of the older adults, including retirement,
bereavement, chronic illness, and loss are a speciality
of counselling psychologists. The emphasis is on increased
self-empowerment and the creative use of all available
resources.
3.5 Health and Medical
Through their employment in GP surgeries, alongside
other NHS colleagues or in specialist agencies, counselling
psychologists work to assist those challenged with life
threatening diseases, such as cancer and AIDS, or disabling
conditions. They also work with those experiencing medical
interventions such as major surgery and termination
of pregnancy.
3.6 Groupwork
Exploration of life issues and needs and the development
of social and emotional skills involved in relating
to others can be effectively worked on in a group setting
facilitated by a counselling psychologist.
3.7 Organizational
Work place counselling focuses upon issues such as redundancy,
management, job satisfaction, organisational stress
and creativity.
3.8 Community and Social
Those challenged with issues of social diversity (ethnicity/gender/disability/sexual orientation) are supported by counselling psychologists and encouraged to explore both self empowerment and changes in community relations through individual and group experience.
Counselling psychologists also work in a number of learning difficulties/disabilities services offering individual and family interventions
Work within this area focuses initially on risk, both to self and others such as suicidal behaviour. Counselling psychologists working in this area often run treatment programmes for sex offenders, substance misusers and other high risk offenders offering one-to-one therapy and group work with a range of different therapies.