Thinking of those seeking counselling

There are times in most of our lives when we experience distressing events and feelings which seem to have no end or solution in sight. This is often due to a particular circumstance such as a bereavement, difficult relationships, stress or illness, but sometimes we have no idea what is making us feel the way we do. All we know is that life has become uncomfortable, difficult or even seems intolerable. It may be difficult for you to talk to those close to you, or it may seem there is no-one to listen to you.

The aim of counselling is to give you an opportunity to explore, discover and clarify ways of living more satisfactorily and resourcefully. Counselling relationships will vary according to need, but may be concerned with looking at specific problems, making decisions, coping with the crisis, understanding oneself better, confronting difficult feelings or improving relationships with others. The counsellor aims to help the client reach their own understanding of their difficulties and to find their own ways of dealing with them. During the sessions, ideas, thoughts and feelings can be aired in a non-judgemental and confidential setting. It is not an easy process as it often entails digging below the surface and talking about things which we feel uncomfortable about or have pushed to one side. Although sometimes disturbing and painful it can be a relief to air  feelings in a safe setting.

Code of Ethics

Mind in Barnet is an organizational member of the British Association for Counselling (BACP) and as such is bound by its Code of Ethics and Practice and Complaints Procedure.

Confidentiality

All personal information disclosed to a counsellor is confidential to Mind in Barnet. No information will be disclosed to a third party without the prior permission of the individual concerned unless in exceptional circumstances, e.g. a requirement of a Court of Law.

The Assessment Interview

Everyone requesting this service is asked to come for an initial assessment. The assessment interview usually lasts for 50 minutes. It is an opportunity for you to discuss with the assessor how counselling may help with the problem you are bringing and whether or not ours is the right agency for you. If it is appropriate you will be told at the assessment and placed on the waiting list for a regular weekly appointment. This can be for a limited period or long term up to a maximum of 2 years.

If Mind in Barnet is not appropriate for your needs the assessor will be able to give you information of where to find other forms of help. Please note that your assessor will not be your counsellor for subsequent counselling sessions.

Following the initial assessment interview, we sometimes suggest a further interview. The additional interview is to enable us to make a more informed decision.

Counselling Sessions

Owing to the pressures on our resources, we have a waiting list for counselling sessions. Once an appointment is available at a time to suit you, you will be contacted, usually by letter. We would expect confirmation of acceptance of this appointment. If an appointment is not confirmed it will be offered to the next person on the waiting list. Each session lasts for 50 minutes and once you have accepted the appointment you will be expected to see your counsellor weekly, on the same day at the same time.

To Make an Appointment

Please contact the Administrative Officer, Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm on 020 8343 5700 for an assessment interview which is generally available within 5/10 working days. Confirmation of acceptance is expected to avoid wasted appointments. Due to the demand on the service, if it is not confirmed it will be offered elsewhere.

How much will it cost?

Although Mind in Barnet is staffed by volunteer counsellors and receives grants, it does rely to some extent on the payments made by people who use the service. At the Assessment Interview you will be asked for a payment according to your means and we will take into account whether or not you are employed.

At your first counselling session you will be able to negotiate with the counsellor what you can reasonably afford each week.

As a general guideline we would expect payments of between £7.50 - £30, but we understand that this may not be possible for everyone and a lower amount will be acceptable. Payments may always be re-negotiated when there are changes in financial circumstances. Payment for all appointments will be expected.