1. When are you open?
2. How quickly can you see me?
3. Can I just turn up?
4. Can I choose the gender of my therapist?
5. How long is each session?
6. How long is my commitment?
7. How many sessions will I need?
8. Are appointments set at fixed weekly intervals?
9. Are the counsellors registered/qualified?
10. Is the service confidential?
11. Can I bring someone with me?
12. What happens at the initial consultation?
13. What theoretical approach is used?
14. Does the practice specialise in any particular area?
15. What do you offer for couples?
16. Can families attend?
17. Are there any services specific to the business environment?
18. Are there any issues that are not dealt with?
19. How successful is the process?
20. Is there a difference between counselling / crisis intervention?
21. Can I park nearby?
22. How do I find you?
23. How much does it cost?

When are you open?

• From 9.0 a.m. to 5.0 p.m. during the week.

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How quickly can you see me?

•  We  endeavor to make appointments for clients as soon as possible.  Waiting times are dependent on the availability of counsellors and the length of the waiting list.

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Can I just turn up?

• Yes, but there is no guarantee that someone will be able to see you immediately.  However, in such circumstances you would be able to make an appointment for an initial session at a suitable time.

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Can I choose the gender of my therapist?

• Yes, subject to availability. We make every effort to match the right client and counsellor in order to best meet every clients needs.

• Some couples and families choose to see two counsellors who work in a team. This is referred to as "Co-counselling".

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How long is each session?

• Usually between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the client. .

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How long is my commitment?

• There is none beyond the current session.

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How many sessions will I need?

• This is difficult to assess prior to the initial consultation as individuals’ circumstances vary so much. Counselling is usually discontinued by mutual agreement between the client and their counsellor.

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Are appointments set at fixed weekly intervals?

• Not necessarily. Subject to availability, sessions can be booked to suit your own preference.

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Are the counsellors qualified/registered?

• Yes, each counsellor is qualified.  Details of staff and their academic qualifications  can be found on the staff page.

• In addition, the Counselling Centre is an Approved Community Services Provider under S 403 of the Children & Young Persons & their Families Act 1989.

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Is the service confidential?

• Yes, the content of sessions is wholly confidential according to ethical guidelines. It is current practice that a confidentiality agreement is made between the client and counsellor at the first consultation.  You can clarify any concerns at that time with your counsellor.

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Can I bring someone with me?

• Yes.  Partners, friends and family members, or support person are welcome.

• Clients can negotiate whether or not their child /children should come.  However our experience is that the matters discussed are generally not appropriate to be discussed in the presence of children.  We can provide a children's' space with videos and toys but please arrange this with us before your appointment.

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What happens at the initial consultation?

• The focus is on getting to know the client, clarifying expectations and goals, and gathering relevant background information.

• An opportunity for the counsellor to assess whether we can help. Some clients are referred on to other agencies.

• A chance for clients to ask questions and to discover if they feel that they are “in the right place”.

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What theoretical approach is used?

• Within the practice there is broadly based theoretical expertise drawing on ideas from a variety of approaches. Within the Centre various counsellors practice an eclectic mix of therapies (Narrative Therapy, Person Centered, CBT, TA, Gestalt, Integrated Art Therapy, Play Therapy ) depending on the needs of the client.

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Does the Centre specialise in any particular area?

• No.  We have clients presenting with a wide variety of needs.  We do however have a growing role working with children within the local schools.  This is often conducted within the school setting.

• Sessions usually branch out much wider and often include family issues, domestic violence, drug issues, sex/sexuality; dilemmas/decision-making, career choices; stress etc.

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What do you offer for couples?

• Couples come here for relationship counselling, often with the aim of staying together, but sometimes to decide whether to part. Divorce mediation and Living apart well counselling is also available for couples who decide to separate.

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Can families attend?

• Yes, we offer family therapy and mediation.

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Are there any services specific to the business environment?

• Yes, we offer professional supervision and stress management.

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Are there any issues that are not dealt with?

• Severe mental illness would be generally referred to specialist agencies.

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How successful is the process?

• Most clients successfully meet their aims and achieve the changes they hoped for.

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Is there a difference between counselling / crisis intervention?

• There are many definitions. One view is that crisis intervention is an immediate short term response to a traumatic event. Counselling can be long or short term and may deal with specific issues, often related to relationship or trauma issues.  For instance, relationship counselling would help a client overcome the effects of a particular relationship; and lead on to helping the client to change relationship patterns for the future.

•  Both are available.

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Can I park nearby?

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How do I find you?

• The Centre is situated on the main street in Levin at 217A Oxford Street.    (Click here for a map.)  

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How much does it cost?

• Fees are based on a sliding scale according to income in order to make the service accessible to as may people as possible.

• Fees for couples are based upon their joint income.

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