What is counselling?
Counselling is a safe space for you to talk about things that have been troubling you for some time. Our therapists listen actively, impartially and without judgement to your situation, and help you explore what has happened and how it has impacted on your life. Counselling can help you to become more self-aware, clarify your thoughts and feelings and make beneficial, informed choices and decisions.
Your counsellor create a safe space for you to share your problems and any emotional pain. They will support you to explore other possible sources of help, should that be necessary and/or appropriate.
How can I access counselling?
Your support worker may suggest counselling to you or you can ask them about counselling yourself. To come to the decision that counselling is appropriate for you at that time, your support worker will discuss counselling with you, giving you a chance to explore what counselling is and what it isn’t. This process can really help with managing any expectations you may have and helps to give a clearer understanding of what is involved.
How long will I need to wait?
There are waiting lists for our counselling and creative therapies. If you would like further information about current waiting times, please contact our Therapeutic Services team directly on 07775 544383.
How many sessions will I have?
You will initially be offered 20 weekly one-to-one counselling sessions. Each session lasts between 50 minutes and 1 hour. It is recommended that you commit to attend the full course of counselling so that you can gain the full benefit.
For creative therapies, you will initially be offered 12 sessions, and up to a maximum of 16 sessions. Session lengths will vary dependent on the needs of the participant.
Is everything I say confidential?
In your first session with the counsellor they will go over what is termed your ‘Counselling Contract’. The contract sets out the circumstances in which your counsellor would be bound by law to disclose what you have said to them. These circumstances include: anything that falls under Child Protection; a risk of serious harm to yourself or another; acts of terrorism, and other considerations.