common questions
Here are some answers to the most common questions we get asked by new clients:
Q: What issues can the counsellors at the centre help with?
A: We can help you with a range of difficulties. Some of these include:
- anger management
- anxiety
- bereavement and loss
- depression
- drug and alcohol problems
- low self esteem
- panic attacks
- personality disorders
- phobias
- obsessions
- relationship difficulties
- sexual issues
- stress
- surviving childhood trauma
Q: What is the difference between psychotherapy and counselling?
A: We believe the difference between the two is often overstated, but generally speaking counselling involves receiving support and guidance to help you cope with difficult issues, where psychotherapy involves undertaking a more intensive process of specific change with regards to problamatic thoughts, moods and/or behaviours.
Q: How long will it take?
A: We understand that many clients do not want to spend too much time or money on counselling, and we work in a way that ensures clients are assisted in making the necessary changes in as short a time frame as possible given each individual’s circumstances. Many factors will influence the amount of time needed in therapy, for example, the nature of the problem, the influence of external factors in your life, and whether one is ready to make the changes and sacrifices required.
Initially, we usually arrange to see a client for six sessions. Often this will be enough to help you in your change journey. After six sessions, we will have a review session, where you can agree to end therapy, to re-contract for a number of further sessions, or indeed to begin to work in an open ended fashion for long term therapy.
Q: How often do I attend?
A: We usually arrange to see clients on a weekly basis, however sometimes seeing people more or indeed less than this is appropriate. At the end of your regular sessions, you may wish to keep in contact for a number of monthly or bi-monthly sessions to help ensure the changes are maintained, though this is by no means a requirement.
Q: What happens at the first meeting?
A: It’s important to remember that whilst your counsellor will be making an assessment of you and your difficulties, it will be your job to make an assessment of your therapist. A good relationship between client and therapist is essential for therapy to be effective, and this is your chance to check that the 'fit' between you and your therapist feels right.
Q: How and when do I pay?
A: You can either pay for each session individually, or pay for a block of sessions in advance. We accept cash or cheque. Unfortunately we are unable to accept credit or debit cards.
Q: What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
A: We expect at least 24 hours notice for any cancellations; otherwise, you will be charged for the session. This notice allows your counsellor to offer the appointment to someone else.
Rescheduling can be easily done by contacted your counsellor by phone or email. We will always do our best to accommodate you when possible.
Q: Can I pick a meeting for any time or day that I choose?
A: Whilst we will always do our best to facilitate you, it might not always be possible to offer you the exact time you desire. Due to the realities of people’s lives, most clients want to be seen in the evening, with the 6.30pm and 7.30pm slots in particularly high demand. If we cannot offer you your most favoured time initially, once a more suitable time comes available we will offer it to you.
Q: Is counselling confidential?
A: Yes, counselling is confidential. However, as required by law, there are certain exceptions, for example, if there is risk of harm to an individual, or if there are major laws being broken.
Q: What does “ändern” mean?
A: Ändern comes from the German verb ‘to change’, which we thought was an apt name that sounded nice. Simple as that!