FAQs
How do I refer myself to Community Counselling?
​
You can self-refer to our brief counselling services by completing the online referral form. You can also make a referral by calling 01653 690 124 between 9:30 and 16:30, Monday to Friday. You can also be referred by your GP. To access the Victim Counselling Service, please contact Supporting Victims directly.
​
What is counselling?
To find out information about counselling, please visit the 'What is Counselling' page.
How long will I wait for an assessment?
Due to the high demand for our services, there may be a wait before the assessment, and then again between the assessment and the start of counselling. The waiting time for Options and for the Victim Counselling Service is generally much shorter than for our other (grant-funded) services.
How many sessions will I get?
We offer an assessment and up to eight counselling sessions for the brief counselling services. Clients of the Victim Counselling Service are offered up to 10 sessions (15 for children and young people under 18). there is no upper limit to the number of sessions available under the chargeable service, Options.
How long do the sessions last?
Sessions last between 50 minutes and an hour, depending on the theoretical approach of your counsellor. Appointments generally take place at the same time on the same day each week.
If I have to cancel a session do I lose it?
We ask that you give us as much notice as possible if you are unable to attend an appointment, preferably a minimum of 48 hours' notice. However, we also understand that sometimes things happen that are outside of your direct control. We will take account therefore of any extenuating circumstances.
Can I ask for a female/male counsellor?
We try to meet clients' requirements such as appointment times and choice of face-to-face or remote sessions (online or telephone) as much as possible within the resources available to us. However, we may not be able to offer a choice of female or male counsellor in all venues. If we cannot offer you your choice at a particular venue (especially in the children's service), we can do either online or over the telephone.
Can I have sessions by telephone or online?
We offer a 'hybrid service' with a choice of face-to-face, online or telephone appointments, except for EMDR which does not have a telephone option. Telephone counselling is also not suitable for younger children.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
No. Depending on the issues and how the individual counsellor works, the counsellor may suggest exercises to do between counselling sessions, but you don't need to bring anything to the first session.
Will you be contacting my GP?
Only if there is a safeguarding concern such as risk of self-harm. Please visit the Confidentiality webpage for information about our Confidentiality Policy and when we might break confidentiality.
Is there step-free access to the client rooms?
Most of our venues offer step-free access, with lifts to client rooms on upper floors. If you do have an access issue, do let us know so we can make adjustments such as offering a client room on the ground floor.
Will I have to pay for the counselling?
Apart from Options, which is a chargeable service, all our other services are offered free to clients. However, as a charity we do welcome donations as they help maintain the service for others.
Will my counselling be confidential?
We provide a confidential service. However, there are exceptions to confidentiality, which are designed to keep clients, and others safe from harm. To find out more about our Confidential Policy click here.