Counselling
What is counselling?
Counselling is a shared process between you and your counsellor. Counselling can help you to explore issues that concern you, and also the options open to you, in order for you to deal with your problems. Your counsellor will help you to talk freely and openly about your difficulties without judging you or telling you what you should do. Counselling can give you the chance to discover how to manage your problems more effectively, to develop opportunities in your life and to live in a more satisfying way. The service is free and is confidential.
How do I apply for counselling?
Most of our referrals come from GPs, but we also have many referrals directly from people themselves. Just give us a ring and ask to speak to the Counselling Co-ordinator.
Who would I see?
All our counsellors are volunteers. You have the choice of working with a man or a woman and also a choice of whether you attend during the day or in the evening. Before being matched with a counsellor, you will be offered the opportunity for an initial meeting with one of the counselling co-ordinators. This is an opportunity to ask questions about the service and how it works before you decide how to proceed.
We offer both one-to-one counselling and also therapy/support groups. In individual counselling, a maximum of 12 sessions are offered in the first instance; meeting with the same counsellor on a set day and time, usually once a week.
Is it confidential?
Yes. All that is said between you and your counsellor will be treated with respect and discretion. At the outset, your counsellor will make an agreement with you regarding the boundaries of confidentiality.
Who are the counsellors?
All our counsellors are volunteers. They work from a variety of backgrounds, including person-centred, integrative, Gestalt and Transactional Analysis. All counsellors either have a diploma in counselling or are currently engaged in diploma training. We have both male and female volunteers, and if it's important to you, you can ask to see either a man or a woman.
How much does it cost?
The counselling service is free of charge due to the generosity of statutory organisations, charitable trusts and fundraising. If you would like to make a donation to this service, it would be very much appreciated.
What should I do if someone I know is feeling low?
You can help by:
Listening to them.
Accepting their feelings without judging them.
Support groups
FDAMH offers support groups as well as one-to-one counselling. Following individual counselling, some people go on to group work. Others find that they prefer working in a group from the start. The groups, facilitated by two workers from FDAMH, consist of no more than eight members and run for blocks of approximately 10 weeks, with breaks between blocks. While for some, speaking in a group would be too daunting, others find that the support and understanding they receive from the group help them to feel less isolated and alone.
Is it confidential?
In group work, during the first meeting it is agreed that any personal information shared stays within the room. Members also discuss what might happen if, by chance, they should meet outwith the group.
How do I find out about becoming a group member?
You can refer yourself to the service. Just give us a ring and ask to speak to the Counselling Co-ordinator.
How much does it cost?
Attendance at the support group is free of charge due to the generosity of statutory organisations, charitable trusts and fundraising. However, if you would like to make a donation to this service, it would be very much appreciated.
If you would like to make an appointment, contact us or call the Counselling Co-ordinator at the Victoria Centre on 01324 629955
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