I am not a Christian; can I still receive counselling?

• Yes! Our counselling service is for everyone and being a Christian is not a criteria to be eligible for our counselling service.

I have got mental health difficulties/a diagnosis; will I be eligible for counselling?

• Maybe. All potential clients are required to have an assessment with a member of the assessment team. Depending on your presenting level of risk, you may or may not be eligible for the service. We would endeavour to signpost you to an appropriate service that may be better suited to your needs if you are not eligible for the service.

How do I refer myself for counselling?

• Please visit the contact us page where you will be directed to an online form to complete.

Can I refer someone for counselling?

• If you’re worried about someone and believe that they may benefit from counselling, the best option may be to gently introduce the idea. We’re unable to accept referrals that have been completed on behalf of someone else.

Do you offer couples counselling?

• At present, we are unable to offer couples counselling. However, we will be able to signpost you depending on your needs.

What happens during an assessment?

• The aim of the assessment will be to assess your eligibility for the service by collating information about your mental and physical health, social circumstances and risks. A member of the assessment team will get in contact with you to arrange a date and time that is mutually convenient. During the assessment, questions about your challenges and reasons for seeking counselling will be asked. The assessment also aims to match you with a counsellor that may be best suited to help you achieve your goals.

When will I hear the outcome of the assessment?

• You should receive a telephone call within 2 weeks of your assessment where your next steps with the service will be discussed. Depending on the information that has been disclosed, the person assessing you may discuss any concerns with a senior member of the team.

What will happen if I’m not eligible for counselling with your service?

• If following an assessment we have come to the conclusion that you are not eligible for the service, we will inform you about the outcome and will endeavour to signpost you to a service that may be better suited to meet your needs.

Can I change my mind?

• Yes! Following an assessment, people may decide not to continue with the process of receiving counselling with us. Do let a member of the team know if you change your mind, for whatever reason. We would always receive you with welcome arms should you choose to return at a later date.

How long after the assessment can I start counselling sessions?

• We endeavour for accepted clients to be seen within a month of being assessed. However, some seasons are quieter or busier than others. You may be able to start quicker or later than a month. You’re more than welcome to ask the person who assessed you where you are on the waiting list.

How many counselling sessions can I have?

• 24 sessions is the maximum amount of sessions that a client can have. However, in individual circumstances, this may be extended for a further 6-8 sessions.

Can I choose my counsellor?

• Clients are unable to choose their counsellors. During the allocation process, we carefully allocate clients to counsellors on the basis of need/expertise and any gender preferences that were disclosed during the assessment process.

Can I change my counsellor?

• In the rare occasion that clients request to change their counsellor, the request will be processed by the service manager who may opt to phone clients to understand the reason for the request. Changing counsellors will be done at the discretion of the service manager.

How much does each session cost?

• The service believes that counselling should be affordable and accessible to all. The assessment process is a flat rate of £30. Fees for counselling are a flat rate of £50 per session. Concession rates are available for students, people who are on benefits and/or unemployed.

Will other people know that I am receiving counselling?

• No. The service prides itself in being a confidential service for all. During discussions and meetings, we refer to clients by their initials and a random number. For example Jane Smith may be referred to as “JS001“.

I know some members of the team personally; will they be aware that I am receiving counselling?

• During discussions and team meetings, we refer to clients by their initials and a and random number. We cannot guarantee that team members will not be aware of clients that they may know, however, we never allocate clients to counsellors who know each other personally.

Why do you need my GP’s details?

• We ask for GP details during the assessment process. This is to ensure that we have the details of a statutory service in the event of escalating risk or safeguarding issues. Please note that we will always endeavour to inform you that we are planning to contact your GP and the reason(s) for this.

How much do I need to share with the assessor and counsellor?

• We recognise that disclosure of personal information is built on trust that will not have been established with the person assessing you and your counsellor. However, we would encourage you to disclose as much as you feel comfortable if you believe that it is relevant to your reasons for seeking counselling.

How can I trust that my details will be safe with the service?

• The service is compliant with UK-GDPR regulations.