Carlisle Counselling Centre frequently asked questions

• What is counselling?

• Why come for counselling?

• What does the Carlisle Counselling Centre offer?

• What experience do your Counsellors & Psychotherapists have?

• What about confidentiality?

• How much do you charge?

• How can I make an appointment?

• What can I expect from the first meeting?

Q1. What is counselling?

Counselling is talking with someone in a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment, without fear of being judged. As counsellors, we believe you are the real expert on yourself so we will merely facilitate change, and enable you to move towards living in a more positive and satisfying way.

In our work we aim to:

• Clarify and confront difficulties

• Face and share emotional pain

• Process the past

• Identify personal strengths

• Build on self knowledge

We do not give direct advice like, for example, the Citizen's Advice Bureau.

Back to top

Q2. Why come for counselling?

There are many reasons why you may want counselling. You may be facing emotional difficulties in relation to;

• Serious illness in yourself or your family

• Bereavement or loss

• Relationship or family problems

• Effects of childhood abuse or deprivation

• Traumatic life events

• Stress in the workplace

• Redundancy and unemployment

• Anxiety and depression

• General feelings of dissatisfaction and despair

• Loss of self esteem / self confidence.

Back to top

Q3. What does the Carlisle Counselling Centre offer?

The Carlisle Counselling Centre offers:

• Individual counselling and psychotherapy; consisting of brief focused therapy or open - ended exploratory counselling.

• Couple counselling; for those having relationship difficulties with their partners, whatever their marital status or sexual orientation.

• Group work; consisting of personal development groups and self help groups.

• Employee counselling; the provision of a confidential counselling service for employees of local companies and organisations.

• Professional supervision; for Counsellors, Social Workers and others in the helping professions.

• Workshops; a varied programme in response to need.

Back to top

Q4. What experience do your Counsellors & Psychotherapists have?

Our Counsellors are all qualified, and members of either the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, or the U.K Council for Psychotherapy. All of the centre's practitioners adhere to their professional Codes of Ethics and Practice.

Our Counsellors' experience includes:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy

• Life Coaching

• Person - centred counselling.

• Psychotherapy.

• Supervision of Counsellors and therapists.

• Group work and personal development.

• Employee assistance programmes.

Back to top

Q5. What about confidentiality?

All that takes place between the Counsellor and client is treated with repect and discretion. An agreement is usually made at the outset on confidentiality. However, exeptional circumstances may arise when a client's consent will be sought for a change in this agreement.

Back to top

Q6. How much do you charge?

Counsellors usually charge £35 - £45 for each therapy session, which lasts approximately one hour. Other fees are by negotiation. Funding maybe available to offer subsidised or free sessions where necessary to those living in some areas of the city.

Back to top

Q7. How can I make an appointment?

Appointments can be made by calling the reception during our office hours, 9am to 5.00pm weekdays. Otherwise leave a message on the answerphone and a Counsellor will contact you by the next working day to arrange an appointment.

Back to top

Q8. What can I expect from the first meeting?

The first meeting offers an opportunity for you to discuss your problems, identify the areas you want to work on and to decide whether or not counselling is for you.

Back to top