What to expect…..

Accessing counselling for the first time can sometimes feel quite daunting. Some people find that it can be helpful to understand what to expect. 

What is counselling?

Counselling offers you the chance to stop, draw breath and reflect on your life.  We provide a safe, confidential, undisturbed counselling space for you to focus on any aspect of your life that feels troubling or distressing and may be causing you angst or has become overwhelming. Client choice is always paramount, and the content of the sessions will be guided by you. 

How many sessions will I need?

There is no hurry. For some clients one or two sessions will feel enough; for others, longer-term work might feel more appropriate.  We will discuss your individual plan during our initial free consultation session and once we get started, we will regularly review and adapt the plan to suit your changing needs.

Do I have to attend every week?

Sessions are generally held at an agreed time and place each week. We find that this continuity really aids the therapeutic relationship and helps to both encourage and support client autonomy. Sessions last up to an hour and are paid for at least 24 hours prior to each session (rates start from £60 per session).  We appreciate that sometimes life can be unpredictable, however we do ask for 24 hours’ notice if appointments need to be cancelled or re-scheduled. It is our policy to charge for late cancellations and non-attendance (see our payment and cancellation policy).

Is my counsellor trained?

All the counsellors at York Counselling Practice trained at York St John University and hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling.  Every counsellor is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), has an enhanced DBS and is fully insured.  In line with regulations, they also receive monthly supervision and regularly undertake Continued Professional Development (CPD) courses. 

How difficult is counselling?

Most clients report that counselling leaves them feeling much lighter, more positive and focussed and most of all, they usually feel heard and understood. However, no two clients are the same and everyone’s experience will be different. Sometimes counselling can feel difficult and healing doesn’t always follow a linear path.  Research shows that the clients who commit to the counselling process tend to make the most significant progress.

How will my privacy be protected?

We take your privacy very seriously and are vigilant in our approach to confidentiality.  We hold all confidential client information in accordance with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and information will remain confidential within York Counselling Practice.  Occasionally we might be obliged to break confidentiality - when persons are in immediate danger or persons are involved in criminal activity (money laundering, terrorism, drug trafficking) or if compelled by a court of law. It is our policy to always try to work with a client to formulate a collaborative plan before confidentiality is broken (for more details see our privacy policy). In addition to this, to comply with current government guidelines, if you attend sessions face-to-face, your details will also be held for track and trace purposes.

How do I contact my counsellor?

York Counselling Practice has a dedicated phone line with a confidential voicemail system.  We ask that you use this number to leave a message and your counsellor will endeavour to return your call within 48 hours.  If you have given your consent, some information might also be emailed to you from your counsellor’s York Counselling Practice email address.  Counsellors should not be contacted through social media channels. 

Can I continue to see my other therapist or begin seeing a counsellor from another organisation?

Generally we would not see clients who are already seeing a counsellor. However, each situation is different so this is something which would need to be discussed in person with your counsellor. 

What if I feel that my counsellor isn’t the right fit for me? 

We want you to have a positive counselling experience.  We offer a free initial consultation appointment to help clients decide if they feel comfortable working with their counsellor. Your counsellor will regularly review things once you start working together but nonetheless, we would encourage clients to raise any concerns as soon as they arise. Should you feel that an issue you have raised has not been resolved, please refer to our complaints policy which explains the procedure to follow or you can visit our professional association website for more information and advice (seewww.bacp.co.uk).

What if my counsellor is unwell or unable to work?

In the event of the counsellor becoming unable to work, York Counselling Practice will endeavour to keep clients well informed of possible alternative arrangements. We may offer you sessions with another counsellor or you may choose to suspend your sessions until your counsellor can return to work.  Clients will receive a full refund of any sessions that cannot be facilitated because of counsellor absence.

I see that you offer online counselling and telephone counselling – what does that entail?

We offer a variety of ways to engage with counselling as some of our counsellors offer online sessions using Zoom as well as telephone counselling. Working online, or via the phone, has been proved to provide an effective, safe place to work therapeutically - our chosen online platform Zoom uses AES 256-bit GCM encryption which supports confidentiality and integrity. Online or telephone counselling operates very similarly to face-to-face sessions and requires the same commitment. In addition, it offers the advantage of allowing you to access counselling from wherever you are. We do ask that you try to find a space where you can speak freely, without fear of being interrupted, and that you leave some time after the session to transition slowly back into your daily life.

What do I need to do to prepare for an online counselling session?

If you are interested in online sessions, you will need access to a computer and web camera as well as a reliable connection to the internet. In addition to this, it is preferrable if the computer is located or can be used in a safe, confidential space - somewhere where you feel comfortable enough to talk freely, you feel safe enough to share personal information of your choosing, and where you won’t be interrupted or disturbed. It is also useful to remember that using a web camera allows the counsellor to see into your own personal space

For online sessions, we will send you a link for the Zoom meeting before the session will take place.  After clicking on the link (you don’t have to install Zoom to access the session, although it downloading the app may speed up the process for subsequent sessions), you will find yourself in the counsellor’s online ‘waiting room’. When it is time for the session to start, the counsellor will ‘admit’ you into the counselling session. At the end of the session, the counsellor will ‘end the meeting’ for you both. 

I don’t have much expertise using computers – what if something goes wrong?

The technology we use for online counselling is very robust and rarely completely fails. If it does, we will do our best to offer the appointment using another communication method or offer an appointment at an alternative time.

If you do experience some technical difficulties, your counsellor will always work with you to try and solve any problems. The counsellor may suggest to switch to audio or use an alternative means of communicating with you (telephone or email) if a connection cannot be established or the connection is lost or cannot be maintained. To that end, it is helpful to have your phone to hand. 

If you have not connected to Zoom at the beginning of the session the counsellor will resend the meeting link and will also try to make contact with you via an alternative source (email or telephone). This process will be repeated again 10 minutes into the session. If the session does take place, the session will nevertheless end at the scheduled time. If you have not contacted us within 25 minutes of the scheduled start, we also consider that a cancellation without notice.

I am much more confident expressing myself on paper – would email counselling suit me? 

Email counselling is an excellent way to access counselling. Your weekly email to your counsellor provides a dedicated, confidential space to express yourself. Your counsellor will reply to each email – helping you to gain greater insight and understanding.

My question hasn’t been answered. What should I do?

We welcome your questions and ask that you phone 07764 528138 and leave a message on our confidential number if you would like to know more. We will endeavour to return calls on weekdays between 9-5pm. If you would rather speak outside of those times, please outline a suitable time to call and we will try to accommodate your request.