Frequently Asked Questions
Who is counselling for?
Counselling is for anyone who is facing personal challenges, emotional distress, or seeking support for various issues. It can be for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life who want to improve their mental and emotional well-being.
We firmly believe that counselling can be a preventative tool rahter than solely reactive. While many people seek counselling in response to specific challenges or emotional distress, it can also be a valuable tool for preventing issues from escalating or even occurring in the first place.
What is person-centred counselling?
Person-centred counselling is our main counselling approach. It places the client at the centre of the therapeutic process, allowing them to explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences in a non-directive and supportive environment.
What kind of counselling services do you offer?
We offer counselling for anyone over the age of 16. You can find out more about our services here.
What issues can counselling help with?
Counselling can help with a wide range of issues, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, stress, relationship problems, grief and loss, trauma, self-esteem issues, career challenges, and personal growth.
Can I speak to a counsellor before starting?
As part of our services we offer a free 20 minute initial consultation where you can speak to a counsellor before committing to ongoing therapy. This is an opportunity for the counsellor to explain the service to you and outline what you can expect, cover the counselling agreement and confidentiality policy as well as payment options for the sessions. This will allows you to discuss your concerns and goals and determine if the counsellor is a good fit for you.
What can I expect during a counselling session?
During a counselling session, you can expect a safe and confidential space to discuss your concerns, emotions, and experiences. The counsellor will listen actively, offer support, ask questions to help you explore your feelings, and may provide guidance or techniques to address your issues.
This is a time and space for you, so you can bring anything you wish to discuss in the session.
Will my counselling sessions be confidential?
Yes, counselling sessions are typically confidential. Counsellors are bound by ethical and legal obligations to maintain client confidentiality. There are, however, some exceptions, such as when there is a risk of harm to oneself or others.
How long do I have to be in counselling?
The duration of counselling varies widely and is highly individualised. There is no fixed or one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Rather, we will work together to determine what feels best for you. At regular intervals, we will conduct a review of your progress and collaborate on when feels like an appropriate time to end.
Will my counsellor be available when I’m in crisis?
As we do not operate a 24/7 service, we are unable to offer support out-with schedule counselling sessions. However we you can find a list of organisations offering information and helpline support if in crisis, in our resources page.
What are you hours for counselling?
Our counselling hours are primarily Monday to Friday, 8.30am-3.30pm. However we do endeavour to offer appointments to fit with clients requirements, including a changing work schedule. If you wish to arrange for a counselling session to take place later in the evening we can discuss this during your initial consultation.
What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule?
We do request that any cancellation or rescheduling take place with a minimum of 24 hours notice to avoid a late cancellation fee. Please see our cancellation policy for further information.
What if I am not sure if my problem is ‘bad enough’ for counselling?
There isn't a universally defined standard for what qualifies as ‘good' or 'bad' when it comes to people's challenges, and therapy can be beneficial for a diverse range of concerns. What truly matters is your emotional experience. If you're feeling low or that you could use a little support, regardless of the cause, or if you find yourself in a state of stagnation without knowing how to progress, participating in a counsellingprocess might provide the assistance you require.