FAQs

What is the process for seeing a counsellor?

Please contact us via the forms on any of the pages and you will be contacted via email to arrange an Initial Session. We aim for this to take place within 4 weeks of your contact.

What happens in the Initial Session?

The initial session will be carried out by a Senior Counsellor although this may or may not be the counsellor you will end up working with. During the session you will be given the opportunity to talk about your reasons for wanting support and to describe some of the difficulties you are experiencing. If you are a young person, it is your choice if a parent/carer comes in with you.

What happens after that?

You will be recommended a programme of support, this will either ICM Wellbeing or one of the longer term counselling services. You will then be placed on a waiting list until we can match you with an appropriate counsellor. Your contact details will be passed to one of our qualifying or qualified counsellors and they will get in contact with you to discuss an appropriate time for a weekly appointment.

Will you ever share my details?

No, we will never share your details with any third parties.

What ages do you work with?

We work with children, young people and adults aged 11 and over.

Do you have disabled access?

Yes, we have a ground floor counselling room with a ramp.

How much does it cost?

Our sessions cost £15, the evening sessions (after 6pm) are open to those aged 18 and over and they are £25 per session.

How long do the sessions last for?

Counselling sessions last for 50 minutes. Please be aware that if you arrive late for your appointment then the session will still end at the same time.

Do you have a waiting room?

Yes we do have a waiting room and there is parking for the person bringing you to the appointment. There are a number of cafes nearby if they do not wish to wait here. We do ask that they return at the agreed finish time to collect you.

What if I have to cancel my appointment?

We ask that you contact your counsellor giving at least 24 hours notice if you have to cancel your appointment. If you cancel giving less than 24 hours notice then you will be charged for the appointment. We expect you attend your appointments every week, if your attendance drops below our minimum standard your file will be re-assessed and you could potentially lose your spot.

How many sessions will I get?

We will initially allocate you 12 sessions, if your counsellor feels there is benefit for you to stay longer then this will be agreed between you both.

If my parents ask you what I said during the session will you tell them?

We take confidentiality very seriously as it is one of the most important aspects of counselling that can lead to therapeutic change. Therefore your counsellor will not discuss any details of your sessions with anybody else. There are some exceptions to this and these will be explained by your counsellor when you begin working together.

How long will I have to wait to see a counsellor?

Unfortunately we do have a waiting list and it is the longest we have ever had. If you are able to flexible with your appointment time then you can be seen in 12-18 weeks, however if you are waiting for an appointment after school, you could be waiting for up to 6 months. We have very good a very good reputation and relationships with local schools and they are normally supportive of authorising absences to attend sessions here.

Who are the counsellors and are they members of any professional organisations?

Our counsellors are a mixture or qualifying and qualified counsellors and they are all registered with either the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). These organisations are two of the most respected organisations that govern the profession of counselling and psychotherapy.

If your question is not listed here please contact us with your query.