What is counselling?

Counselling provides an opportunity to discuss the things that may be troubling you or causing you problems. Your counsellor will not offer advice, but will provide a safe space where you are able to reflect and explore the issues and difficulties that you are facing.

If you think you would like counselling, you will be offered an initial consultation before you start. This will provide you with the opportunity to ask further questions and decide whether or not counselling and our service feels right for you.


How often should I see a counsellor?

You will see the same counsellor, weekly, at the same time and place. Each session will last 50 minutes. Your counsellor is not usually the one you met with for your initial consultation. Your counselling session is held for you each week, therefore if you are unable to attend you will be expected to pay for the missed sessions.

Will my counsellor be qualified?

All of our counsellors are managed and supervised by South Bucks Counselling Service and abide by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Ethical Framework. Many of our counsellors are qualified, while others may be completing their training at an accredited place of study.  Everyone works to the same high standards.

How long does counselling take?

We offer up to 24 weeks of one-to-one counselling.

Where will counselling take place?

Either at South Bucks Counselling, The Cottage Behind the Hub, High Wycombe, or by video link

How long is the waiting list for counselling?

This depends on your availability which we will discuss at your assessment meeting. There may be a short wait before you are offered an initial assessment meeting.  Once you have had your assessment meeting we would hope to be able to offer you on-going counselling within 4 weeks.  Evening appointments are available, but these are in high demand and counselling is not available at weekends.

How much will counselling cost?

South Bucks Counselling is a registered charity (No. 1095554) and its main aim is to make quality, affordable counselling available to the local community. We receive no NHS funding and sessions are subsidised through grants from charitable trusts, donations and fundraising.  We also rely on the fees we charge people using our service.  For this reason the fees for counselling are discussed with you at your assessment meeting..

Cost of assessment meeting

The initial assessment meeting fee is £40.00. Please note that you will be expected to pay for missed or cancelled sessions, except for sessions cancelled by your counsellor.

What if I am unhappy with my counselling?

In the first instance this should be discussed with your counsellor as it maybe related to the issues you have brought to counselling. If you feel uncomfortable doing this you can contact South Bucks Counselling enquiries@southbuckscounselling.org to explain your concerns. If you are still unhappy then SBC has a formal complaints procedure.

Is my counselling confidential?

The conversations between you and your counsellor are confidential and this information is not shared outside the agency. If we had concerns about your well being we would discuss this with you and obtain your permission to discuss with your medical healthcare professional. In some exceptional circumstances, where there might be an immediate concern about risk associated with your physical or mental health, your counsellor may need to contact your medical healthcare professional for your own safety.  You would be kept informed at every step.

Useful NHS and voluntary sector contact details

Service/organisation

Contact details

 

 

IAPT / Healthy Minds

https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/healthyminds/

01865 901600

 

Cruse Bereavement Support

 

https://www.cruse.org.uk/

0808 808 1677

CBUK

 

https://www.childbereavementuk.org/

0800 02 888 40

Florence Nightingale

Hospice

https://www.fnhospice.org.uk/

 

Alexander Devine Hospice

https://alexanderdevine.org/

 

Bucks Mind

https://www.bucksmind.org.uk/high-wycombe/

 

Relate

 

https://www.relate.org.uk

0300 003 2324

 

Rennie Grove: Internal

                         

https://renniegrove.org/patients-and-families/how-we-care-for-you

 

Helen House Hospice

 

https://www.helenanddouglas.org.uk/

SOBS – Survivors Of Bereavement by Suicide

 

https://uksobs.org/

 

South Bucks Hospice:                    

https://sbh.org.uk/

01494 552750