Frequently Asked Questions

If you cannot find an answer to your questions here please get in touch.

Q. What is Counselling and how can it help me?

A. The aim of counselling is to provide you, the client, with a confidential opportunity to explore personal and relational issues in safety. The counsellor’s role is to help you through this process without judgement. Counselling is not about the counsellor offering advice but exploring alongside you, helping you to gain insight into your emotions, struggles, and needs.

Q. Will you keep what we talk about confidential?

A. We will always maintain confidentiality in accordance with the British association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework. You can view this at their website (www.bacp.co.uk). Our counsellors agree not to share with any third party the contents of our emails or communications. Your counsellor may make brief notes during your sessions. Appropriate security measures have been put in place to protect your personal and sensitive information in compliance with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

For your benefit, and to ensure good practice, our counsellors undertake regular supervision sessions. During these sessions our counsellors discuss client work in an anonymous and professional manner.

Our counsellors would be legally obligated to breach confidentiality (by passing information to the relevant authorities) in cases where the following may be present:

• If the counsellor believes there is a genuine risk of harm to yourself or others.

• If a court of law instructions our counsellor to give the information.

• If you share information about past or proposed acts of terrorism, drug trafficking, or money laundering.

Q. Can I contact my counsellor between sessions?

A. Counselling will only take place at the agreed session times and location. Between sessions you may text or email your counsellor any brief questions, concerns, or regarding scheduling matters, if needed. Your counsellor may not always be available for an immediate response but they will get back to you as soon as they can.

Q. What happens if I see my counsellor out and about in the “real world”?

A. In the interests of confidentiality, your counsellor will not acknowledge you if you see each other outside of a session. It might feel rude to be ignored but it’s the best way to ensure that your decision to seek counselling remains confidential.

Q. Do you offer phone or online counselling?

A. We believe that the greatest benefits come from face-to-face counselling sessions. However, we are aware that there some extraordinary circumstances could arise that may make face-to-face sessions impractical or impossible.

For instance, there may be a Covid-related local or national lockdown or you or your counsellor might be exposed to someone who has tested positive for Covid, etc. We will consider options for remote counselling on a case-by-case basis should the need arise.

We will comply with all government advice and regulations regarding social distancing , etc. Please discuss any concerns you might have about this with your counsellor.

Q. What should I do if I need emergency support?

A. We do not offer an emergency service. If you are in crisis or feeling suicidal, please call the Emergency Services (call 999). If you need to talk to someone urgently between sessions we advise you to contact your GP/Doctor or The Samaritans (call 116 123 for free 24-hour-a-day or visit their website (www.samaritans.org)

Q. How much does counselling cost?

A. Each of our counsellors has a set per-session rate that can be seen on their profile.

There is no set number of sessions that would suit every client. We aim to work at a pace that suits you.

Q. What if I am running late or need to cancel a session?

A. We understand that sometime life gets in the way and interferes with our best intentions. We do our best to be there for you at the times and location that we agree at the outset and we are hopeful that our clients honour their side of this agreement, too.

• If you arrive late to a session it will still end at the prearranged time.

• If your counsellor needs to cancel a session they will give you at least 24 hours’ notice and will roll on any payment to cover a future session.

• If you need to cancel a session please give at least 24 hours’ notice. If less notice is given, you may still be liable for the cost of the session.