What is Counselling
Counselling is a talking therapy that gives you the chance to have a conversation about anything you want to that may be troubling you. You will be listened to without judgement. It can help you to understand your feelings and yourself. You can explore problems or decisions and find new ways to think about things. What everyone chooses to talk about during their sessions is different and you will be guided by your counsellor but you lead the sessions. The counsellor will not offer advice they will help you to develop coping strategies and help you to find your own way to any solutions.
How to Make a referral
All our referrals are done via our website, our referral pathways can be found under projects a referrals.
Once you have made a referral via our website:
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If we cannot accept your referral we will be in contact to let you know the reason why and help signpost you to a relevant organisation.
If your referral is accepted , you will be invited for an initial assessment appointment to see if you are suitable for our service (please refer to projects and referral page for waiting times)
Once the assessment is completed and if you are suitable for counselling, you will be contacted and offered an appointment for sessions with an allocated counsellor (time scales may vary)
Starting Counselling
Your counselling sessions will always be at same time and day each week, you may feel worried about coming somewhere new, we are happy for you to have a look round our building before you attend for your counselling.
On the day
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On the agreed day of your appointment you will meet your counsellor to start the counselling. The sessions are usually around 30-50 minutes long.
The counsellor will set a working contract with you this explains about how they work and how they can help you. They will also explain the confidentiality regarding the sessions and answer any questions you have. We feel that these sessions are yours and want you to have a feeling of control.
Confidentiality
Counselling is confidential unless you or someone you speak about is at risk of harm. We have to safe guard the young people we work with and this can sometimes mean sharing this information, we would always strive to do this working with you but if the need arose we may have to do this in your best interest and to ensure safety for all.
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Getting the best
If you don’t feel you can work with the allocated counsellor please let us know and we will arrange for you see someone else. This is a really important part of getting the best out of your counselling and so we would be happy for you to talk to us about this.