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.
What happens next?
Once you have made a referral via our website. We will contact you to let you know if we have accepted your referral and you will be added to the relevant waiting list. We do have a waiting list, and can advise you when we contact you what the expected waiting time will be.
You will be invited for an initial assessment appointment to see if you are suitable for our service. We can also signpost you to other suitable services that may be useful.
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)
Accessibility
Our building has steps to enter the ground floor. If this would be difficult for you, please let us know and we could work to see you in a different location. We don’t have anywhere to wait so we ask that parents/carers drop off and pick up at the agreed time.
What will Happen?
Our office will make contact with you or your parent/carer to make an appointment that is agreed by you. Your future sessions will always be at this time on this day unless you discuss and arrange a change with your counsellor or the office. You might feel worried about attending, we are happy for you to have a look round our building before you attend for your counselling.
On the day
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.
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.
No Problem is too Large or too Small to Talk to Us About
Our office is open from 9.00-2.00 Monday to Thursday if no one answers please leave a message with your name and contact number and we will get back to you.
Where to Find Us
Opening Hours
Our office is open from 9.00-2.00 Monday to Thursday.
Face to face counselling sessions are offered 10.00am and 6.30pm Monday to Thursday.
We Are Here
Clinical Office: 01582 363040
info@sortedbedfordshire.org.uk
Finance and Admin: 01582 674442
finance@sortedbedfordshire.org.uk
data-admin@sortedbedfordshire.org.uk