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How we offer counselling
How we offer counselling
Counselling works best when there is a regular time and space for it. We offer individual and group counselling, with sessions available in person and, for some services, remotely by video or telephone.
Different ways of meeting suit different people. Some value leaving home or work and meeting their counsellor in a separate, neutral space. For others, travelling may be difficult because of disability, mobility, distance, caring responsibilities or other circumstances. Remote counselling can make attending regularly more manageable.
Who you meet with
Individual Counselling
Individual counselling gives you regular one-to-one time with a counsellor. You meet with the same counsellor each week, on the same day and at the same time. Sessions last 50 minutes.
Having a regular counsellor gives you time to develop a consistent and confidential counselling relationship.
How you meet
In person
Our counselling rooms are at 6–8 York Mews, Kentish Town, London NW5 2UJ. The building has a level entrance with no stairs and is accessible by public transport, including the Northern line and Thameslink services.
Meeting away from home or work can provide a separate space for counselling. For some people, physically arriving and leaving also helps create some space around the session.
Group Counselling
Group counselling brings together people who have experienced bereavement or significant loss. Groups are facilitated by two experienced bereavement counsellors.
Being with other people who are grieving can offer something different from individual counselling. Group members can hear different experiences, recognise things they share and offer support to one another.
Remote
Some counselling can take place by video or telephone. This can be helpful if travelling to our premises is difficult or if you feel more comfortable speaking from your own space.
The counselling relationship and confidentiality remain just as important when sessions take place remotely.
Common questions
Where should I have my remote counselling sessions?
Choose somewhere private where you are unlikely to be overheard or interrupted. We ask that you are indoors for your call, so you can speak comfortably and confidentially.
It can also help to leave a little time before and after your session rather than moving immediately between counselling and a work meeting, caring responsibility or other commitment. Think about what might help you make the transition into the session and back into your day afterwards.
You must be in England or Wales when you attend a remote counselling session. We cannot provide counselling while you are in another country, including when you are temporarily abroad on holiday or for work. If you are abroad at the time of your appointment, the session will be treated as cancelled and cannot be replaced.
Can I have some sessions remotely and others in person?
Your way of meeting is agreed before counselling begins and remains the same throughout your counselling.
Some of our counsellors work only in person and others only remotely. When we match you with a counsellor, you are therefore agreeing to the way in which they provide their sessions. It is not possible to move between in-person and remote counselling once you have started.
Can I have sessions fortnightly or on different days?
No. Our counselling is offered weekly, on the same day and at the same time throughout your counselling. Regular weekly sessions are an important part of time-limited counselling. Meeting consistently gives you and your counsellor the opportunity to develop and make the most of the counselling relationship within the number of sessions available.
Our counsellors work in a voluntary capacity and usually give CCIWBS a set three-hour period each week. This means they are not able to offer sessions on different days or alternate between weekly and fortnightly appointments.
Before counselling begins, we will agree a regular appointment time with you. Please make sure this is a time you can attend each week, as it cannot be changed once counselling has started.
Can I change counsellor?
If something about working with your counsellor feels difficult, we encourage you to talk about it with them. Talking about what is happening within the counselling relationship can sometimes be an important part of counselling.
If you feel unable to continue with your counsellor, please contact us so that we can discuss this with you. If a change is agreed, you are likely to return to the waiting list until another suitable counsellor becomes available.
Can I change the time of my sessions?
Your regular day and time are agreed before counselling starts and cannot be changed once counselling has begun.
We understand that committing to a weekly appointment can be difficult alongside work, caring and other responsibilities. We will talk with you about your availability before arranging your assessment, and it is important to consider what you can attend regularly when giving us your available times.
What if I miss a session?
If you know you cannot attend, please let your counsellor or CCIWBS know as soon as possible. Sessions you cancel or cannot attend are not replaced.
If your counsellor needs to cancel a session, that session will be added at the end of your counselling so that you do not lose it.
If you miss two sessions in a row without contacting your counsellor or the service, your counselling will end. If you are having difficulties attending regularly, please talk to us or your counsellor.
How does counselling end?
The number of sessions available depends on the counselling pathway you are using. You and your counsellor will know the maximum number of sessions from the beginning.
The ending is part of the counselling. As you approach your final sessions, there will be time to talk together about the work you have done, what ending the counselling relationship feels like and what comes next.