Counselling
Introduction to Counselling
If you feel certain problems are affecting your well being - maybe you have experienced something that is distressing or impacting on your ability to make decisions; perhaps you are feeling dissatisfied with life or have lost a sense of direction. Often it can be reassuring to talk things through with someone who is professional and independent who will help you explore your difficulties and may enable you to find a new perspective. Download our leaflet on our counselling services here
What is Counselling?
Counselling offers a confidential space for you to explore feelings such as anger, grief, anxiety, disappointment, shame and sadness and may enable you to accept these feelings and understand them better in order to bring about positive change.
Watch a video about our counselling services and then read on
What happens in a Counselling session?
Counsellors are trained to listen in a non-judgemental way and to support you in finding your own way out of the problems that you bring.
Counsellors will not advise or direct you to take a particular course of action but will encourage you to explore the choices that are available to you which can bring about effective change or enhance your well-being.
Counsellors may sum up what they have understood you have been saying so that you can move on and form a plan of action, if that is something that you feel you want to do. They offer pointers on how others may have successfully dealt with a problem and may make alternative suggestions. But it is up to you if you accept their suggestions or find another way to deal with your problem.
About Off Centre’s Counsellors
Off Centre’s fully qualified counsellors and therapists are sympathetic and experienced in working with young people to help you find a way through your difficulties.
All our therapists are registered with their relevant professional bodies and abide by the code of ethics they set out. Off Centre is an organisational member of the BACP and we adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Does someone else have to refer me (like a doctor or teacher?)
The simple answer is no. You may refer yourself to our service. Although we do accept referrals from other professionals or third parties, this needs to be done in consultation and with some sensitivity. Only you will know if the time feels right for you to gain the most from your counselling.
How can I get seen by a Counsellor?
1/ When you contact us for counselling you will be offered an appointment that will last for up to an hour. This will give you the opportunity to talk about what has led you to coming to Off Centre. This is called an Assessment.
2/ In your assessment the counsellor or therapist will tell you about all the services we have on offer (Dramatherapy, Counselling and Art Therapy) and you will let us know your availability and if you have a preference.
3/ After the assessment you will be placed on a waiting list and our qualified staff will decide what they feel is the best service to help with your difficulty.
4/ A counsellor or therapist will write to you with a first appointment. Your appointment will be at the same time every week and it is important that you try to attend all of the appointments. We usually offer a 12 week contract initially, but this can be extended to 24 weeks if necessary. We also sometimes offer 6 week contracts.