Counselling

COUNSELLING, SOME QUESTIONS ANSWERED

WHAT IS COUNSELLING?

This is a service designed to help young people who wish to make changes in their lives by offering ‘talking treatment’ without giving specific advice.

HOW COULD A COUNSELLOR HELP ME?

You should expect one or a series of confidential, profession appointments of up to an hour length in a private setting.

WHAT ARE THE KEY ELEMENTS OF THIS PROCESS?

• Service provided when you wish to make changes in your life.
• An opportunity to make sense of your individual circumstances.
• Contact with a therapist who helps identify the choices for change.
• Support for the individual during their process of change.
• The end result leaving you better equipped to cope for the future.

HOW DO COUNSELLORS WORK THEN?

They usually work face-to-face employing a range of techniques to suit your circumstances. Wigan Family Welfare offers person centred, cognitive behavioural, bereavement counselling and integrative counselling.

WHY ARE THERE DIFFERENT APPROACHES?

Different therapies have different styles. For instance, in cognitive behavioural therapy there will be ‘homework’ to do. In bereavement therapy, there would be a lot of emphasis on supporting you through some difficult emotions.

WILL I GET HOOKED ON COUNSELLING?

The aim of counselling is your increased self-awareness, skill acquisition and independence. During counselling you may develop some feelings of reliance upon the counsellor. Although a normal reaction it can, at times, feel worrying, but a professional counsellor knows exactly how to handle these feelings and is genuinely interested in helping you make progress.

IS THERE A COUNSELLOR FOR MY SITUATION?

We are trained in situations as diverse as: coping with anxiety and bereavement, relationship difficulties, educational dilemmas, sexual and racial issues, personal problem-solving as well as helping victims of child abuse and trauma.

WE ARE EXPERIENCED IN DEALING WITH A VARIETY OF PROBLEMS RANGING FROM:

• Coping with anxiety and bereavement
• Relationship difficulties
• Educational dilemmas
• Sexual and Racial Issues
• Personal Problem-Solving
• Traumas such as Child Abuse
• Many other emotional difficulties

WHAT IF I AM DEAF OR HEARING IMPAIRED?

You can contact BACP via its minicom service on 0870 4435162 for assistance in trying to locate accessible practitioners or services.

WHAT CAN I ASK WHEN I CONTACT A COUNSELLOR FOR THE FIRST TIME?

Ask about the time, place, cost and duration of meeting plus any charges for cancelled appointments and holidays. You may also wish to enquire about the counsellor’s professional membership, experience and training. During this time you will build up an idea of what is involved and you will be able to make up your mind if this is a person you can work with. It is important to be clear about what you want and what the practitioner is able to offer.

IS COUNSELLING CONFIDENTIAL?

Everything you discuss is confidential between you and Wigan Family Welfare. There can be certain legal exceptions and the counsellor should clarify this with you prior to the establishment of any agreed contract for working.

WHAT IS SUPERVISION?

All BACP counsellors need to be in supervision which is a form of consultative support and must therefore discuss their work with at least one other person, but a supervisor is also bound by rules of confidentiality so in practice there is no likelihood of any breach of trust. Counsellors for Wigan Family Welfare have both organisational supervision and outside counselling supervision.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

It is free.

COUNSELLING, SOME QUESTIONS ANSWERED

WHAT IF I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THE COUNSELLOR?

During the Assessment or first session be prepared to trust your instinct because your relationship with the counsellor is at the heart of work. If you are unsure about the counsellor please ask to speak to the Counselling Services Manager or Chief Officer. Having confidence in your counsellor is very important and will enable you to get the best out of the time you spend together. Always remember it is you who are the customer.

WILL A COUNSELLOR SEE ME STRAIGHT AWAY?

Every effort will be made to see you at a time to suit. Sometimes demand for individuals for counselling can mean a small waiting list. If you have concerns please speak to the Counselling Services Manager or Chief Officer.