What Happens at Counselling?
You will be asked some questions when you first contact us to ensure we give you the best possible support. We will explain how we work, when we have appointments available and how long it will take to arrange an appointment. Although we would like to be able to offer appointments when people first contact us, there may be a short waiting list.
Please let us know if domestic abuse is an issue so that we can offer you an appointment on your own to start with.
Your first appointment
At the first session the counsellor will ask for some basic information about you and your situation.
The first few sessions will be about assessing your situation with you to see what the difficulties are and looking at what needs to change. This is also the time when you can see if counselling is the right choice for you.
Usually couples are seen together, but sometimes a counsellor will ask to meet each person individually to fully assess their situation. This might occur if you disclose issues, such as domestic conflict or abuse, where we would need to assess whether relationship counselling is the best option.
Couple counselling is not right for every relationship. In some instances, it can make difficult situations worse. Your counsellor will discuss this with you and advise of other services that may be appropriate for you.
How long does counselling take?
Counselling sessions usually last about 50 minutes. They are with the same counsellor and usually at the same time each week.
It is difficult to say how many sessions you may need. Most counsellors will offer to see you six times initially and then review with you. At this point, you may feel your relationship is in a different place and that you have done all you need to do for now. If this is the case, you can always come back at a later date. Or if you feel you need more time, your counsellor will explore with you how many more sessions would be helpful. Counselling isn’t a quick fix. It could take several months or more to work through your difficulties; it depends on what your situation is and what needs to change.
What about confidentiality?
Anyone who uses our service can expect that we will keep their private information confidential. We will not give anyone any information about you, including your contact details, without your permission. If you have been referred to us by another professional, such as a GP or social worker, we will let them know that we have seen you, but not what we have discussed.
However, we cannot guarantee full confidentiality. There may be times when we have to disclose information, for example:
• If we have reason to believe that you, a child or anyone else is at risk of harm or abuse
• If we have to for legal reasons - if the courts instruct us to
• If you ask us to or give us permission to
• If we have a duty to the public - if you tell us of a major criminal act
