Frequently Asked Questions.

​

Will my counsellor be qualified?

​

You can request to see your counsellors qualifications, this will allow them to show you they have studied a college based training, they will have had supervised face to face client hours, that should be above 100 hours, at the time of qualification, so higher hours will allow you to gauge experience.

​

There are many counselling courses which do not require face 2 face client work, this is an essential part of training.  This can be something you can ask your counsellor when you first contact them.

​

Will my counsellor be a member of a professional body?

​

There is currently no requirement for your counsellor to be a member of a professional body.  However finding a counsellor that is will ensure they have the sufficient qualification and insurance, they are also aiming to meet certain criteria of having regular supervision and continue to increase their own personal development.

​

Will my counsellor be insured?

​

Being a member of a professional body, counsellors are required to hold valid insurance, have regular supervision and continue their professional development.

​

Will my counsellor tell anyone I'm in counselling?

​

All sessions are confidential, they may need to break confidentiality if they felt you were at risk of harm to yourself or others,  but they would try to discuss this with you first.  It will be your choice if you want to tell others what you discuss in your sessions.  But your counsellor will not tell anyone you are seeing them.

​

What happens if I see my counsellor out and about?

​

This comes down to confidentiality, and your counsellor will adhere to that outside of the counselling room too.  They are not rude or ignorant, but they wont acknowledge you if they see you out.  However if you choose to greet them, they will exchange a hello but will not engage in any other conversation, as they cannot control confidentiality whilst out and about.

​

How regular should I see my counsellor?

​

Second Chance Counselling recommends seeing your counsellor on a weekly/fortnightly basis, this aids the therapeutic relationship.  However we do understand this doesn't always work, so we suggest discussing your needs with your counsellor.

​

How many sessions will I need?

​

This will depend on many factors, the individual client, the issues that are brought to session.  Improvement can be discussed in any session that you feel appropriate, it is the responsibility of both you and your counsellor to discuss when you feel counselling is coming towards an ending.

​

How long does the session last?

​

Each session at Second Chance Counselling lasts 50 minutes, there is an option to book a double session at 1 hour and 40 minutes.  We do also offer a short telephone session at 30 minutes.

​

What happens if I need to cancel or cant make my session?

​

If you cannot make your session, please inform Second Chance Counselling via phone, text or facebook/WhatsApp messenger.  Please give 48+ hours notice.  Any cancellations within 48 hours will be charged full rate and payable at the start or prior to the next session.

​

What if I get emotional in my session?

​

At Second Chance Counselling we offer a safe, non judgemental environment, you will be given time to work through your emotions, it is your counselling session and you can take a break if you need to at any time during the session.  Sitting with silence whilst you reflect isn't an issue in the counselling room.

​

What happens if I am struggling and dont have a session for a few days?

​

If you feel suicidal or like you might harm yourself, you can contact your GP and book for an emergency session.  You could call 111 and choose option 2, A mental health professional will assess your situation and guide you on what is the best plan of action.  Alternatively ring the Samaritans on 116 123, if you are under 16 call childline on 0800 1111, both are free of charge.

​

How do I end my counselling sessions?

​

If you feel you want to end all sessions, you will need to discuss this with your counsellor and bring it to a satisfactory end.  If you feel unable to end face to face or you struggle with endings, you could give written notice to your counsellor, but please bare in mind the time allow so as not to incur cancellation costs.

​

What happens if I have ended but then feel that I need to return?

​

Second Chance counselling understands that life has its ups and downs, and you will be able to use the tools acquired  during counselling to process and move forwards, but are always welcome to come back to counselling at any time for new issues or ones that you may want to revisit.

​

If you have anymore questions please contact me 

​

​