Adult Counselling - Your Questions Answered
We have tried to answer some of the questions people often ask about counselling. If you have questions that aren't answered below, you can call us on 01373 455255 or email us at counselling@positiveactiononcancer.co.uk
What happens in counselling?
How many sessions will I have?
Where and when does the counselling happen?
What if I'm not sure whether counselling is right for me?
Is it confidential?
What if I don't get on with my counsellor?
How can counselling help?
What happens if I can't come every week?
Will the counsellor be able to talk to me about my cancer diagnosis?
Can I refer someone to PAC?
How do I arrange to see someone?
Counselling provides a safe, confidential place where you can explore difficulties, talk about your feelings and get some support for the challenges you are facing. Your counsellor won't give you advice or tell you what to do but will help you to try to find your own way of understanding and coping with your difficulties.
How many sessions will I have?
We offer clients up to 16 sessions. Some clients feel that they have resolved their difficulties in fewer sessions, while others find that it is helpful to continue for the full 16 sessions.
Where and when does the counselling happen?
We see clients in Frome, Bath, Warminster and Trowbridge. We will send you detailed information about the counselling venue before your first session. If you are unable to come for counselling at one of these venues alternative arrangements can sometimes be made.
Sessions last for 50 minutes and are usually offered at the same time and on the same day each week. Having a regular time for the sessions is helpful for both you and the counsellor.
What if I'm not sure whether counselling is right for me?
The first meeting with your counsellor will provide an opportunity for you to explore together whether counselling might be helpful.
What happens in the sessions between you and your counsellor remains confidential.
What if I don't get on with my counsellor?
The first session will give you an opportunity to decide whether you feel you can work together. If, for some reason, the relationship with the counsellor feels problematic, it's important that you let the counsellor or the clinical manager know. It may be possible for us to arrange for you to see another counsellor.
Counselling can help in many different ways. It can offer you an additional source of support through a difficult time. It provides you with a safe, confidential space where you can talk freely about your thoughts and feelings without fear of hurting or upsetting others, or of being judged. It can be helpful to have time set aside each week that's 'just for you' where you can take the time to understand better what you need and find ways to move forward.
Counselling can help those who are bereaved to talk about their grief and mourn their loss.
What happens if I can't come every week?
We understand that clients are sometimes unable to attend sessions. Talk to your counsellor if you think it will be difficult to attend all the weekly sessions or if you discover that you have an arrangement that clashes with a session, let us know as soon as possible.
Will the counsellor be able to talk to me about my diagnosis?
Our counsellors are professionally trained and experienced in working with people affected by cancer and other life threatening illnesses but we are not medically qualified and can't provide medical advice or information.
Please tell others about the service that PAC offers, however we always ask that anyone who wants counselling should contact us themselves.
How do I arrange to see someone?
Call us on 01373 455255 - if there is no one in the office leave a message and someone will ring you back. Alternatively you can e-mail us on counselling@positiveactiononcancer.co.uk
