We hope you find what you are looking for here. However, if you have any other queries, please contact us on 01592 206200.
Coming for Counselling
When we receive your referral for counselling we will arrange for you to meet one of the agency's counsellors. Our office will send you details of your first appointment, where it is and when, and who your counsellor is. We will include an information pack about the service.
Normally this is done by mail. Let us know if you need us to telephone you instead.
Counselling sessions
Counselling usually consists of a series of sessions each lasting between 45-60 minutes. Some people come for only one session, others come for many. Once you start you can continue until you or your counsellor feels it is no longer necessary. You can also stop at any time and come back again.
What happens when I meet my counsellor for the first time?
Many people feel awkward or nervous. Your counsellor fully understands this. Take a look at our Alcohol Counselling with FASS section. We hope this may answer some of your questions and help you understand what to expect.
Your counsellor will begin by trying to understand your needs and will check with you that FASS is the best service for you. Then you will begin your work together.
Helping you change
The aim of counselling is to help you change. Counselling is a 'personal space' created by you and your counsellor, in which you can explore your concerns and find goals and solutions that are right for you. The only demand counselling makes of you is that you try to change.
Will anyone else find out what I say?
In general what you and your counsellor talk about is considered confidential to this agency. However, under certain circumstances we may be obliged to talk to other services. This may happen if we become concerned for your safety and well-being or that of another person you have told us about. We are also obliged to inform the authorities if we become aware of certain offences that have happened or may happen.
I'm attending other services
Let your counsellor know. If you wish we will liaise with your other services to ensure you receive the best combination of help. We will take care to ensue you are comfortable and not overwhelmed by attending services.
Arriving intoxicated
Occasionally a client will arrive for an appointment whilst heavily intoxicated. All our counsellor can do is give another appointment and ask him or her to come back. Counselling will not work if the client is intoxicated.
How long will I have to attend counselling?
That is really up to you and your counsellor. Your counsellor will help you identify what your problems are, and will help you work out how to deal with them. You can stop coming at any time. It may be sensible, though, to discuss this with your counsellor as he or she will be able to help you plan your next moves.
Please let us know if you do decide to stop. Either inform your counsellor or telephone our office on 01592 206200. We won't feel let down and you can come back to us in future if you wish.
Cancelling appointments
Remember, if you can't make your appointment, let us know. Telephone our office on 01592 206200. We won't feel let down and can easily arrange another appointment for you.
What can I do if I don't get on with my counsellor?
Counselling is a collaborative venture and both client and counsellor need to feel comfortable with each other if it is to succeed.
There can be moments in counselling that are upsetting, perhaps if you need to talk about painful things. Your counsellor will be trying to help you find the best way of dealing with these, but this does not mean that he or she can provide easy answers for you.
If you really do find it difficult to work with your counsellor, let him or her know. We might be able to arrange for you to work with another counsellor. Also if you would prefer to speak to a counsellor of your own gender or age, please let us know.
