In order to help answer any questions you may have about counselling, a list of commonly asked questions has been complied below.
FAQ
Common Questions
What do you mean by ‘Counselling’?
Counselling and psychotherapy are umbrella terms that cover a range of ‘talking therapies’, delivered by a trained counsellor who will work with you over a short or long term basis to help you bring about the effective change, and enhance your well-being.
Counsellors work from a variety of theoretical orientations and approaches, based on there training. There is evidence that the relationship between your counsellor and you are more important than the approach your therapist uses.
When is the best time to see a counsellor?
It is most useful to come to counselling before a problem becomes so intense that it becomes a crisis and it can be challenging to make this decision, but it can offer you long-lasting change around your outlook and ways of thinking.
Who is the 'counselling' service for?
Individuals, Couples, Children and Young People (aged from 8 years upwards).
Shouldn’t I be able to get the support I need from friends and family?
Although you might get support from a variety of people, including your family members, friends, and work colleagues, sometimes it is helpful to step outside of these relationships and speak to someone who has no other involvement in your life.
Do I have to be referred by someone such as my GP, Manager or Occupational Health Adviser?
You can self-refer to TLC Counselling, in fact, I generally encourage this, as it usually means you feel more motivated to come, but there are referrals from GPS, Managers and Occupational Health Advisers as well.
How often and long do counselling sessions last?
Sessions are weekly and fortnightly, lasting 50 minutes per session.
Is there a cost for counselling?
It is £50 per session for individuals and £60 per session for couples. The cost for children and young people under the age of 25 is £40.00 per session. As a community counselling provider, TLC Counselling acknowledges that cost can sometimes be a barrier to therapy. I can offer sessions to help those of you on a low income or in receipt of benefits. This is determined by means-testing, you will be asked to provide evidence of your benefits award letter, payslips, or bank statements at the initial assessment/consultation.
How many counselling sessions will I have?
This varies, as you will come for different reasons, and this depends on the depth of your emotional needs. You will initially be offered six counselling sessions, at which point there will be joint review progress to reflect on where you are currently at. Further sessions can subsequently be arranged if necessary, for as long as you need them.
I’m worried about feeling upset – is this usual?
It is only natural to feel worried about attending an appointment, never mind when you are meeting a stranger for the first time to talk about your feelings, this can be very scary! I will aim to ensure that you are settled in, as I have a lovely relaxing room that is private and I will explain everything you need to know every step of the way. I will check in with you to ensure that you are comfortable and we will take it at your own pace.
What if I see someone I know in the building when I come for counselling?
Counsellors adhere to a strict confidentiality policy as stipulated by the British Association of Counselling, and Psychotherapy (BACP). Therefore, I will not disclose to anyone else within the building that you are attending counselling. The building can offer a variety of services therefore no one is going to question why you are there.
Will the counsellor write reports about me?
TLC Counselling does not provide reports I can, however, provide evidence of a attendance of the sessions, this must be agreed before the counselling commences. Brief confidential notes about sessions are kept to summarise session content, but these are not personally identifiable and are only used as a tool to help keep track of session themes/content. Information about data protection and confidentiality will be explained during the first meeting.
I really think I need some advice, will the counsellor tell me what to do?
The counselling aim is to help you draw on your inner resources and find your solutions. I will guide you on your counselling journey by giving you information if this is appropriate, but you will not be told what to do.
Heard a lot about Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and someone suggested to me it might be useful – so what is it?
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), is often referred to in the media and by the medical profession. It was developed to work with depression and anxiety initially and then other psychological concerns in more recent years. CBT techniques will be incorporated as part of the sessions, where appropriate if this is deemed beneficial to you.
What are the counselling professional codes of ethics I follow?
As a professional member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapists (BACP), I adhere to the BACP ethical framework and codes of practice. Alongside, being aregistered member of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018.
If you would like any further information, or you are unsure about how I could support you, please feel free to give me a call. If you would prefer to e-mail me with any questions or queries that you may have, please do not hesitate, and I will get back to you within 24 hours.
Counselling and coaching will allow you the opportunity to have a neutral third party to support you in a non-judgemental and safe environment. Your road to self-discovery begins here by starting to understand what is affecting you in your life.
Helping you to understand what your core triggers and conditioning have been from childhood.
Supporting you to identify what makes you who you are and what you want to keep in your life and what you want to change moving forward.
I aim to help you create a long-lasting change in your life to allow you to have the quality of life that you are seeking and deserve.
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Your first steps to making changes in your life
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