Frequently Asked Questions


How would counselling benefit me? 

Counselling provides you with a space to talk openly and frankly about what’s going on for you.  The non-judgemental atmosphere is combined with experience of working with different issues and behavioural traits.  

Will it mess my head up? 

It requires courage to tackle our problems, but the pace and agenda is set by you.  If you don’t want to talk about something specific, you don’t have to. A good counsellor will acknowledge difficult areas but leave you in the driving seat. 

Is what I say confidential? 

Confidentiality underpins the therapeutic potential of counselling.  With no axe to grind with you, the counsellor is able to observe and challenge without seeming to be critical or motive driven.  In accordance with the ACC code of ethics, your confidentiality is of prime importance. Your case may be discussed with the counsellor's supervisor, but this is done anonymously so you are referred to by code number rather than name. Also, a similar confidential agreement underpins the supervision process. The only time a confidence may be shared is if the counsellor has significant reason to believe you are in danger of hurting yourself or others, or if someone is hurting you. 

What advice will you give me? 

In a word, none.  Counsellors are not there to tell you how or what to do, rather to help you understand for yourself what the options are. 

What if I get emotional - I rarely cry? 

You are not required to “get emotional” in counselling, and you won’t be judged if you do.  Importantly, you’ll be in an environment where your emotions can be expressed safely and explored 

When are counsellors available? 

The times of counselling are agreed between yourself and the counsellor. Some evening sessions are available. However, Counsellors do not normally work at weekends. Each session is one hour in duration. 

What type of counselling is used? 

Our counsellors mainly use secular techniques and approaches represented by the main counselling schools (Humanistic, Psychodynamic, and Cognitive). In general counselling is based on a person-centred approach, but the counsellor will be a Christian with a Christian world view. 

How Many Sessions will I have? 

We offer up to 10 sessions initially, but additional sessions may be negotiated if deemed appropriate. 

Is there an age limit? 

Clients need to be over 10 years of age. 

Do the counsellors receive supervision? 

Yes – either fortnightly or monthly depending on their workload. The supervisor will be a more experienced counsellor and cases will be discussed confidentially. 

What is the cost? 

We do not have a fixed charge, however we do ask you to make a donation in the region of £15 per session to cover our costs.