FAQ

Q. What can you talk about?

A. The truth is you can talk about any thing you like.

Some people think that your life has to be hanging on by a thread to go to counselling but sometimes it can be helpful to talk about the jumbled mess of your thoughts, to get clarity. But if you are hanging on by a thread then this is also a great place for you to come.

Topics such as hopes, dreams, fears, anxiety, disappointments, grief, loss, hurts, shame, childhood issues, difficult conversations, relationships, perceived failures as a parent or your most recent date.

Q. Is this confidential?

A. Yes, all conversations are confidential. Counselling will be kept confidential. Written notes are securely locked in a file. There are, however, boundaries and limits to confidentiality. Each Counsellor has to have supervision as a part of their practice. Supervision is a requirement from the governing body such as BACP or COSCA that oversees counsellors and therapists. Counsellors adhere to the ethical framework of their governing body as a part of their terms and conditions of their membership. Confidentiality may need to be broken if there is reason to believe that the client or another is a potential risk to self or others.

Also, confidentiality may be broken when money laundering is a concern.

Q. When can I be seen?

A. On request of an initial assessment, someone will be in touch to let you know when this will be possible. If there is a current waiting list, then you will be informed when it is likely that you will be able to have an assessment. Then if both parties are happy, we will be able to discuss a mutually beneficial time to come for counselling.

Q. Is it only online?

A. Not necessarily. If you live locally to Willow Hill Counselling, there would be an opportunity to be seen face to face. Online options are available using Zoom. This is safe and secure with end to end encryption.

Q. How long is a session?

A. Usually a session will be between 50 to 60 minutes.
An initial assessment can be between 30 and 50 minutes.

Q. What if I don't get on with my counsellor?

A. You are perfectly at liberty to stop counselling at any time If you feel you are not getting on with your counsellor. It can sometimes take up to 6 weeks to feel comfortable sharing with someone at such a deep level. This is normal. If you feel you are not getting on, one thing that I would suggest is that you mention this to the counsellor. One of the things that are important to develop is good working interpersonal skills and so talking about what is difficult within the counselling relationship could help you to be able to have other difficult conversations. But of course, if you do want to stop that is absolutely fine.

Q. What if I have a complaint?

A. If you have a complaint, then please bring it to the counsellor to discuss and hopefully the problem can be resolved. If it cannot be resolved then it can be taken to the governing body in this case it would be British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP).

Q. How long does counselling take?

A. Counselling is a process and it really does depend on the issues presenting themselves. So it could be anything from 6 weeks to 2 years.

Q. What if my circumstances change?

A. If your work timetable, finances or such like change and this affects your therapy. In the first instance discuss this with your counsellor to see if there can be a resolution.