What is counselling?

Counselling involves the development of a relationship between a client and a trained professional (e.g., counsellor) that focuses on the client’s concerns and difficulties. It is a process in which individuals have the opportunity to improve upon their understanding of themselves, including their patterns of thoughts, behaviours, feelings, and the ways in which these may have been problematic in their lives. Counselling also provides individuals with opportunities to examine how to tap into existing resources or develop new ones that make for more effective living and relationships.

How can counselling help me?

Counselling helps you take time out from your situation and see it from a fresh perspective. Working with a counsellor gives you a chance to think about what you can do to change your situation for the better. It can also give you a chance to explore complex or difficult issues in a safe and confidential environment.

What are the fees?

Fees are £75 per session. Rates for corporate clients are available upon request.

How long are the sessions?

Sessions last 50 minutes and are normally on a weekly basis. However flexibility is available for appointments and session frequency can be negotiated depending on the issues brought by the client.

How many sessions will I need?

Every client is different and the number of sessions you need will be decided between you and the counsellor. Our initial contract with clients is for six weeks and we can renegotiate this if we need to.

What is the next stage?

The first meeting will be a consultation to assess the issues the client wants to work with. At this stage the client is under no obligation to continue but there will be a consultation fee of £75. If the client decides to enter into an agreement, times, cancellations and confidentiality are discussed.

Can I bring someone with me to my counselling sessions?

Counselling is essentially a 1-1 activity between you and your counsellor, allowing you space and privacy to explore any personal issues or problems you may be experiencing. If anyone accompanies you to the service they are most welcome to wait in reception.

Who will know that I am coming for counselling?

Unless you decide to inform others (e.g., family, friends, partner) that you are seeking out counselling, no one will know. In accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework, our counsellors adhere to a strict policy of maintaining confidentiality regarding your involvement in counselling. Should you request your counsellor to communicate with an external source, written consent must be obtained in order for us to release any information. However, there are circumstances when counsellors are ethically and legally entitled to break confidentiality.

These circumstances include:-

• Knowledge of ongoing abuse and neglect of a child or dependent adult
• Serious risk of suicide or harm for you or other individuals
• Subpoena of your file by a court of law

How can counselling help me?

Are you feeling anxious, stressed out or having a difficult time with a relationship? Perhaps you just want someone else to listen and share your problems with. Whatever it is, just sharing a problem can be the key to help you understand your feelings and move forward, working out what’s right for you.

What does counselling involve?

Counselling gives you time and space, which we often don’t get in day to day life, to enable you to explore your thoughts and feelings. It can help you to acknowledge and understand these thoughts and feelings, enabling you to regain control of your life, and move forward in a positive way.

Issues we can help with include (but are not limited to):-

• Relationship Issues
• Bereavement & Loss
• Marital/Relationship Breakdown
• Post Natal Depression
• Stress Management
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bullying
• Low Self-esteem
• Self Confidence
• Loneliness
• Eating Disorders
• Crisis & Trauma
• Phobias
• Life Stages
• Sexuality
• Separation/Divorce
• Infertility