Do I need a referral from my GP to see a counsellor?

A. No anyone is free to contact us directly, the counsellor that meets you initially will decide if counselling is appropriate for you.

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Q. Do you have disabled access?

A. Yes, as we are based in a modern commercial building there is full disabled access including toilets.

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Q. How long will I need to wait?

A. We don't operate a waiting list so you will normally be seen by a counsellor within a week. 

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Q. Do I need to pay for a set number of sessions?

A. No - as a client you can decide to end counselling at any time. However counselling is a process that takes time and we would always recommend that you plan for a minimum of 6-8 sessions. 

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Q. I have private medical insurance - will they pay for counselling?

A. Each insurance company has its own terms and conditions, therefore you should check with them before starting counselling.

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Q. Will you tell my GP / employer / any other person about anything I disclose in counselling?

A. All counsellors are bound by the code of ethics of their professional body. As such anything you say in the counselling room is completely confidential. However, if the counsellor believes that there is an immediate danger to yourself or another person or if a child is at risk, the counsellor is legally bound to disclose that information (only) to the relevant people. This would always be discussed with you and no counsellor will disclose anything behind your back. If you are referred as part of an Employee Assistance programme then the counsellor will not disclose any details to your employer but will be contracted to provide information to the EAP company (i.e. name, number of sessions, employer name etc.)

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Q. What if I wish to make a complaint against my counsellor?

A. As all counsellors are members of COSCA or BACP then you can make a formal complaint directly to COSCA or BACP.

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For BACP the details are on this link

 

For COSCA the process is as follows:-

'Normally, the complaint must be made in writing using the Proforma for Submitting a Complaint to COSCA and within the procedures laid down in the COSCA Complaints Procedure (see www.cosca.org.uk under ethics).
The above proforma can be obtained from COSCA. This must be completed and sent, signed, dated and marked ‘private and confidential’ to the Chief Executive, COSCA (Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland), 16 Melville Terrace, Stirling FK8 2NE.
A complaint can be submitted within 3 years of the alleged breach of the COSCA Statement of Ethics and Code of Practice..' (Text from COSCA Website)

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