What is counselling?

Counselling gives you the opportunity to talk one-to-one about anything at all with someone who will listen carefully and not judge you. Counselling can help you understand where you are and how you got there.  You can then look at where you want to be and how you can achieve that. It is not advice giving, but encouragement to explore how you feel, look at what your strengths are, and see what choices are open to you. 

What type of counselling is right for me?

Here at the Banbury Counselling Centre we offer a variety of different types of therapy. If you wish to discuss which would be best for you we invite you to come for a free assessment interview which will last 30 minutes.During this interview we will discuss with you the different therapies available and together we can evaluate which is most appropriate for you.We will then refer you to the relevant counsellor or psychotherapist.

Is it confidential?

Therapists have an obligation to treat everything you say with complete confidentiality.  They may discuss their work with a supervisor without identifying clients personally.  This ensures that they are practicing ethically and therapeutically.  If a counsellor is worried that your own or someone else’s life is at risk, they may seek help outside the counselling relationship, but will always first of all consult with the client.

How long does counselling take?

In general sessions last between 50 minutes and an hour each and take place weekly.  The number of sessions you have will depend on you.  At the first meeting, you will get an idea of what counselling is like, and if you want to continue, you can then agree with the counsellor to meet for further sessions.  There is usually no limit to the number of sessions you can have, you finish when you are ready.

Who can access counselling?

In this centre all are welcome, whoever they are, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability or religion.  Our members operate a sliding scale of charges so that everyone can have access to counselling whatever their means.  However, counselling sessions cannot take place if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as this interferes with the flow of thoughts and talking.  For this reason it is a rule of the Banbury Counselling Centre that you come here clean and sober.

Home