Schoolway 0208 343 5700
Dove House 0208 906 7500
Guidelines for those seeking counselling
This service is available to residents of the London Borough of Barnet between the ages of 18-65.
There are times in most of our lives when we experiences distressing events and feelings which seem to have end or solution in sight. This can be due to a particular circumstance such as bereavement, difficult relationship, stress or illness, but sometimes we have no idea what is making us feel the way we do. All we know is that life had become uncomfortable, difficult or even intolerable.
It may not be possible to talk to family or friends, and you might feel that there is no one listening to you. It could be at these times that counselling may be a helpful option.
Counselling should provide the opportunity to make sense of your individual circumstance, leaving you better equipped to cope for the future. 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. We offer both long and short term counselling.
- You do not need a referral from your doctor or other professional to access the counselling service.
- You will be asked for your GP details at the initial meeting
- We ask for a contribution to the cost of each session (for details on contributions see How much will counselling cost?)
- All session are for fifty minutes and your session will be with the same counsellor weekly at a set time of day.
No illegal drugs or alcohol are allowed on the premises. You will be asked to leave if you are intoxicated or carry either of these substances.
Short term counselling
This service can offer clients up to eight sessions, but occasionally a single session is enough.
If Mind in Barnet is not appropriate for your needs, the counsellor will be able to give you information on where to find other forms of help.
To access this service
First appointments cannot be booked in advance for this service. To get a first appointment you will need to visit the office in person to complete a form during the hours of operation as set out below. You will then be contacted when an appointment becomes available. After your initial session, ongoing appointments will be arranged with your counsellor. A contribution will be required for each session
(for details on contributions see How much will counselling cost?)
If you do not attend your follow up sessions without informing the office or your counsellor, it is not possible to hold the session open for you.
Times and Venues
Dove House – Dove Close, Bunns Lane, Mill Hill. London. NW7 2AQ
Tel: 020 8906 7500
Mondays |
5.30pm – 8.30pm |
Last session 7.30pm |
Tuesdays |
5.30pm – 8.30pm |
Last session 7.30pm |
Wednesdays |
9.30am – 1.30pm |
Last session 12.30pm |
School Way - 2 Schoolway, North Finchley, London N12 0RY
Tel: 020 8343 5700
Tuesdays |
4.30pm – 8.30pm |
Last session 7.30pm |
Wednesdays AM |
9.30am – 1.30pm |
Last session 12.30pm |
Wednesdays PM |
4.30pm – 8.30pm |
Last session 7.30pm |
Long Term Counselling
This service provides weekly psychodynamic counselling for a maximum of two years.
To Access This Service.
To discuss whether this is the appropriate service you will need to book an assessment session. You will be asked for a contribution for this meeting. Please contact the administration office:
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm. Tel: 020 8343 5700
The Assessor will not be your counsellor for subsequent counselling sessions. If Mind in Barnet is not appropriate for your needs, the Assessor will be able to give you information on where to find other forms of help. If Mind in Barnet is appropriate, your name will be added to the waiting list for when a vacancy occurs. At your assessment you be told the approximate waiting period.
Counselling is available at either the Finchley or Mill Hill center which can be chosen at the assessment session.
How much will counselling cost?
Mind in Barnet is a non-profit making charity funded by the Primary Care Trust via grants and service contracts and by donation received.
You will be given a detailed sheet with the contribution guideline set out but as a general guideline, we would expect a contribution for weekly sessions of between £15 and £50 from clients who are employed, and between £5 to £15 for those who are unemployed. The contribution is dependent on individual circumstances.
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. as a requirement of a court of law.
Ethical Framework
Mind in Barnet is an organisational Member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) and as such is bound by its Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy and Professional Conduct Procedure. (Under this code all of our counsellors are in regular supervision.)
We have an Access to Records policy and comply with the Data Protection Act.
We are committed to an intercultural approach and to equal opportunities.
We have an Access to Records policy and comply with the Data Protection Act. We are committed to an intercultural approach and to equal opportunities.
Accessibility to the Counselling Service:-
We have carried out a disability access audit and have made available some aids and adaptations, e.g. chair lifts have been put in both of our buildings but recognise that there are accessibility limitations to our buildings due to space limitation and design. Where we are unable to provide for specific clients due to physical or sensory impairment we refer clients on e.g. Skylark Counselling service at Disability Action London Borough of Barnet.
(Information updated Apr 10)
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