The distinction between psychotherapy and psychological support (i.e., a psychological consultation) can be unclear. Both forms are based on conversation, empathy, and understanding, but they have different goals, duration, and scope of work.

Psychological Support (Psychological Consultation)

This is short-term support during difficult moments in life. It may include:

💬 from 1 to a maximum of 10 sessions,

🎯 identifying the situation and understanding current difficulties,

🤝 getting guidance on how to cope,

🧭 help in making decisions,

📍 a possible recommendation for further therapy or another form of help (e.g., psychiatrist, crisis intervention).

Often chosen by people experiencing a crisis, breakup, excessive stress, or difficulty making decisions. On our booking page, for your convenience, consultations have been grouped in one section: Psychological consultations in Polish – | adults, youth (12–18), couples | online and in-person (Warsaw – Bemowo)

👉 Simply click to choose the right option for you:

Psychotherapy

This is a deeper process of change. It helps you cope with emotional and relationship difficulties in the long term. It involves:

🗓️ regular meetings (usually once a week),

⏳ working on the deeper mechanisms of problems,

🔍 understanding the causes, patterns, and emotions,

🧱 building lasting change in thinking, functioning, and relationships.

It is aimed at people struggling with: anxiety, depression, burnout, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem – or those who want to get to know themselves better.

You can find the full offer on our website in the Psychotherapy section in Polish | adults, youth (12–18), couples | online and in-person (Warsaw – Bemowo)

🆓 Not sure what to choose?

You don't have to know right away. The first meeting (even if it's just a consultation) will help you decide together what will be best.

You can also arrange a free 30-minute telephone consultation, during which we will answer your questions and help you choose the right form of support:

👉 Book a free telephone consultation

📊 Summary: differences in a nutshell

Psychological consultation

+      short-term (1–10 meetings)  

+      specific difficulty, decision, crisis  

+      initial orientation  

+      individual strategies  

+  focus on the “here and now”  

–  no formalized plan

Psychotherapy

+++  long-term process  

+++  in-depth work and lasting change  

+++  full diagnosis and conceptualization  

+++  wide range of methods  

+++  working with the past, present and future  

+++  Structure and progress monitoring

🔍 How to read the comparison?

+++ Intensive, in-depth scope

+     Present in a basic or limited scope

–     Usually not present

Many people ask themselves this question, and the question itself can be an important sign. If you are struggling with emotional difficulties, stress, low mood, anxiety, relationship problems, or simply feel that "something is not right," it is worth considering talking to a professional.

📌 You don't need to have a diagnosis or a "serious problem" to benefit from therapy. Psychotherapy can provide support for everyday difficulties, personal growth, or a better understanding of yourself.

You can also book a free 30-minute phone consultation, where we will answer your questions and help you choose the right form of support: 👉 Book a free phone consultation

Although psychotherapy is an effective and proven form of support, it is not always the only or best first step. Depending on your needs, we may also suggest other forms of help:

🟢 Free phone consultation

A short conversation (up to 30 minutes) where you can talk about your situation and get an initial idea of what to do next.
👉 Book a free phone consultation

🟠 Crisis intervention

For people experiencing high stress or emotional crisis, this is a short-term form of support focused on safety, stabilization, and regaining control.

🔵 One-time consultation

An informational meeting without the need to commit to longer-term therapy.
It helps you better understand yourself, make decisions, and assess your situation.

🟣 Psychoeducation / self-help materials 

We provide our patients with free access to a wide selection of support materials, including over 1000 books and publications in the fields of psychology, therapy, self-help, and personal development.
These materials are available as part of therapy at no extra charge.

📚 Additionally, we regularly recommend specific books on our Instagram that can be purchased independently, tailored to various difficulties and stages of the process.

⚪ Psychiatric consultation (pharmacotherapy)

In some cases, it may be helpful to supplement therapy with a psychiatric consultation or medication.

📌 Don't know where to start? Write or call us, and together we will choose the form of support that best suits your situation. 

The duration of therapy depends on individual needs and goals. Some people benefit from a few to a dozen sessions to solve a specific problem, while others work long-term, even for several years.

For example:

• PTSD therapy using the cognitive-behavioral approach usually lasts about 12–16 sessions,

• working on clinical perfectionism or low self-esteem may require several months of regular meetings,

• a deeper personality or relationship therapy process can take many years.

Therapy ends when you feel you have achieved your goals or want to take a break – the decision is always made together with your therapist.

It's very individual – some people notice improvement after just a few sessions, while others need a few months to feel a lasting change. It largely depends on the type of difficulty, motivation to work, and regularity of sessions.

For example:

• when learning techniques for coping with stress or anxiety, the first effects may appear after just 2–3 sessions,

• with mood disorders or complex emotional problems, improvement is gradual and usually requires several meetings.

Therapy is a process – it doesn't always mean immediate relief, but step by step it provides increasing awareness and tools that translate into real changes in everyday life.

Yes, it's possible – especially at the beginning of the process. Therapy often touches on difficult emotions, memories, or patterns that have been pushed aside for years. Becoming aware of them can temporarily cause discomfort, sadness, or a feeling of being overwhelmed.

This is a natural stage of the work – it usually means you are starting to face what needs to be changed. The therapist accompanies you in this process and helps you get through the more difficult moments in a safe way. Over time, most people experience a gradual improvement in well-being and quality of life.

No – therapy is not harmful, although it can sometimes be difficult. Confronting emotions and memories can be demanding, but it is a natural stage leading to improved well-being and lasting change.

Therapy does not change facts from the past – it will not undo difficult experiences, traumas, or decisions that have already been made. It also won't replace medical treatment for somatic illnesses or "remove" all difficulties in a short time.

However, it can help you look at the past differently, better manage your emotions, change the ways you think and react, and improve your relationships with others. In other words, therapy doesn't erase events, but it gives you the tools to live differently despite them.

No – a therapist cannot participate in clients' private events, such as birthdays or social gatherings. This would be a violation of professional boundaries and could harm the therapeutic process.
Therapy works best when the relationship with the therapist is professional and focused on your needs within the session. If you feel the urge to "go beyond therapy," it's worth discussing it with your therapist – this can also be an important topic for working together.

No – a therapist does not maintain private contact with clients outside of sessions. Social meetings, outings, or contact on social media are not possible.
This ensures that the therapeutic relationship remains safe, professional, and fully focused on your needs.

Yes – in some types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), in vivo sessions are used, which involve exercises in a real-world environment (e.g., going together to a place that causes anxiety).
This is an element of the therapeutic plan and takes place only when it is justified and agreed upon in advance with the therapist. Such meetings are always part of the therapy process – they are not social in nature.