So you have some questions? Hopefully we’ve answered them on this page. In case you have any more, please email info@ipswichcounselling.uk
What happens during the initial consultation session?
How does counselling work?
Is what we discuss in session confidential?
How do I cancel an appointment?
How much do you charge for counselling?
What if I cannot afford to pay for counselling?
How do I pay for sessions?
How long will I need counselling for?
How long do sessions take and how often will they take place?
What if I do not get on with my counsellor or find it is not for me?
Can someone else be there with me?
I need to make a complaint. What do I do ?
What happens during the initial consultation session?
You may very well feel quite worried and/or nervous about meeting your counsellor for the first time but please try not to. We understand this and have been there ourselves and recognise that each person’s experience is unique. We will try our best to put you at ease
- During the first session, the counsellor will speak to you about the following:
A bit of history about themselves and their way of approaching the counselling process - Practical issues relating to sessions, cost and payment, time slots, cancellations policy, confidentiality and contact procedures
- They will ask some questions about what brought you to them in the first place. Here you will have the opportunity to discuss your reasons for seeking help and what you hope to gain from counselling.
They will also ask for some brief details about your personal history and current situation. This will help them gain a better understanding of your circumstances.
You will of course have opportunity to ask questions about the counsellor or about counselling in general.
We try our best to make the experience as relaxed and open as possible and there is absolutely no obligation for you to continue with counselling if you choose not to.
The relationship between you and your counsellor is very important and we want you to feel comfortable in working with them.
How does counselling work?
As Integrative Counsellors our approach draws from many different theories depending on the needs of the client. We are not there to give advice and offer solutions. We believe that each person has the capability within themselves to find answers to those questions which they struggle with and it is our job to work with you in order to find the key to unlocking all that lies within.
We aim to provide a safe, trusting and empathetic environment in which we can work together without judgement. Each person’s experience is unique to them and as counsellors we endeavour to sit with you whilst we try to find that which you seek.
Is what we discuss in session confidential?
As members of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy we are bound by and ascribe to the BACP Ethical Framework which has very strict guidelines with regards to confidentiality. Before agreeing to begin seeing a counsellor, our confidentiality policy will be explained to you and you will have the opportunity to ask questions should anything be unclear. You can view the Ethical Framework by clicking HERE.
Anything you discuss with a counsellor and even the fact that you attended the service is confidential. Information about attendance will only be shared with others in very specific circumstances and usually with your explicit consent.
How do I cancel an appointment?
Life happens and there may be times when you are unable to make an appointment.
Please contact your counsellor via telephone, text or email in order to cancel or email info@ipswichcounselling.uk.
It is your responsibility to let us know if you cannot keep your appointment.
The required notice for cancellation is 24 hours prior to the appointment. Where there is less notice or you fail to attend your appointment, the full fee is charged though we will endeavour to try our best to offer you an alternative appointment that same week.
We hope that clients appreciate it is very difficult to fill appointment slots at short notice and we are obliged to charge for the Counsellor’s time.
If you miss an appointment, you will receive an email offering you an appointment at the same time the following week (or agreed usual interval). We will specify a date and time by which to respond. If no response is received the appointment slot will be offered to someone else.
Counsellors are human too and there may be a need to cancel an appointment, for example, due to illness. Should this happen we will contact you as soon as possible and offer you another appointment time.
Counsellors will endeavour to give you a reasonable notice period with regards to annual leave, or other periods when they may not be available.
How much do you charge for counselling?
Please discuss this with your counsellor. In certain circumstances concessions can be made. Please discuss this with your counsellor during the initial consultation.
What if I cannot afford to pay for counselling?
The NHS can pay for counselling and if you want to be referred to a NHS counsellor, please contact your own GP to discuss this. Please bear in mind that there may be a long waiting list for this service. Alternatively, there are a lot of charities offering low-cost or free counselling. You can ask your GP about this or search the Internet for such services in your area.
How do I pay for sessions?
Payment is normally made at the end of each session, or paid in advance for a set number of sessions. Payments can be made via cash or bank transfer or cheque (by special arrangement).
How long will I need counselling for?
This depends on you. Counselling can be anything from 6 – 12 sessions to open-ended. This is an aspect that can be discussed with your counsellor during the initial consultation. The process is entirely yours and is very different for everyone. There will be regular opportunities to review your progress and alterations made where required.
Bear in mind you are the most important person in the counselling room and your needs are individual to you.
How long do sessions take and how often will they take place?
Sessions run for 50 minutes and are usually weekly though this is entirely up to you. You will discuss sessions with your counsellor during the consultation and you may want the frequency of sessions to change depending on your requirements.
What if I do not get on with my counsellor or find it is not for me?
For us, the most important part of the counselling process is the relationship between counsellor and client – referred to as the ‘therapeutic relationship’. Should you feel you do not like your counsellor or their style of working or you feel that counselling may not be for you, please do not just disappear. Tell your counsellor about your feelings as it may help you to find an alternative way forward. The counsellor may be able to help you understand your feelings or may be able to refer you to someone else who might be more suitable. The key is honesty and this will be discussed with you during the initial consultation before you agree to begin sessions.
We do not get on with everybody for one reason or another and as counsellors we understand this and will do what we can in order to facilitate a trusting, honest and healing process for your benefit.
Can someone else be there with me?
You may want someone to come with you to the service and to wait while you have your session but it is not advised to have someone else in the counselling room during sessions as this will influence what may or may not be discussed during the session. If you have any questions or concerns about this, please discuss this with your counsellor.
I need to make a complaint. What do I do ?
Should you have a complaint about your therapist then please voice your concerns with them in order to try and resolve any issues you may have. In the event that you feel you are not able to do so, you may send an email outlining your concerns to info@ipswichcounselling.uk or write a letter to:
Ipswich Counselling
The Hub Business Centre
2 Civic Drive
Ipswich, IP1 2QA
As we are members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) we are bound by their Ethical Framework. If you feel that there is an issue of professional misconduct on the part of your therapist we kindly request that you contact Ipswich Counselling with your concerns. In the unlikely event that you feel you wish to take the matter further, you can follow the BACP complaints procedure by using the link below to the BACP complaints page:
http://www.bacp.co.uk/prof_conduct/Downloadable_Documents.php
Disclaimer
The content of Ipswich Counselling website is intended for information only. We have taken utmost care in writing the information presented on the website and we cannot guarantee its usefulness or accuracy. Therefore, no responsibility will be accepted for any decisions made and accept no liability for any loss of damage based on the information provided on this website. Anyone using the information provided on this website does so at their own risk and will be considered to have taken full liability and responsibility for any damage or injury arising from its use.
If you have any questions not covered here, please feel free to contact us at info@ipswichcounselling.uk