What is Counselling?
Counselling is an opportunity to find a way through problems, which are causing you distress. The counsellor does not give you advice, but helps you look at issues in ways that enable you to re-evaluate them.

Counselling can be a very powerful and positive experience in improving your life. However it is not a magic wand and can only help if you are prepared to help yourself. This can mean making changes: changing the way you see things, changing how you react to things.  But its you who decides what needs changing and how fast you want that change to happen.  The counsellor is there to help and support you through this process by providing insight, listening and encouragement.

 
What type of counselling will I receive?
There are many different types of counselling. At Tameside Oldham and Glossop Mind we offer predominately Person Centred Counselling. We currently do not have Psychodynamic or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy although some counsellors may use some of these techniques. We also have a Cognitive Computer Based Therapy package on different types of counselling please refer to "making sense of counselling" on the National Mind website.

 
How long will it last?
We initially offer 12 sessions, but this maybe extended with the agreement of the counsellor and Client Services Manager. There is a maximum limit of 24 sessions. Unfortunately we are unable to offer open ended counselling due to the waiting lists it would generate. If you miss or cancel 3 session the counselling may be withdrawn.

 
How often will the session be?
Initially they will be weekly for 50 minutes and may change to fortnightly on agreement with yourself and the counsellor.

 
Is it confidential?
Counselling is confidential except when a client discloses information that the counsellors believe that they may cause harm to themselves or someone else. This is in accordance to Minds confidentiality policy.  Another exception is in order to allow the counsellor to work responsibly, counsellors always discuss clients regularly with a supervisor who also has to maintain confidentiality.  Supervision is an essential part of the work and indeed, its seen as unethical for a counsellor to work without it.


Will I feel better straight away?
Some people feel an immediate sense of relief when they begin counselling, maybe because they are being listened to for the first time, or because they have been struggling for along time. Other people may feel more anxious or distressed when they start because they have to pay attention to difficult feelings that, in some way, they would prefer to ignore.  In this situation, they may feel worse before they feel better. It's always best to share with the counsellor any concerns you have about how you are reacting to the counselling.

 
How do I access counselling?
Initially you will be invited in for a 1-2-1 appointment. If you decide you would like counselling here, you will be added to a waiting list. We will then invite you in for an assessment with a worker. This is for you to find out more information concerning counselling and for us to determine if the counselling we offer is appropriate and match you to a relevant counsellor.

 
What should I do if I am in crisis?
Like most organisations we do have a waiting list, but we may see you for a 1-2-1 quite promptly. Similarly, whilst most practise counsellor have a waiting list, you can discuss your difficulties with your G.P as soon as possible, and he or she will advise on the best course of action.   It may be quicker to find a private counsellor with space to see you, if you can afford this.  If you are struggling with suicidal feelings, you may want to call your GP or go to your local hospital's Accident and Emergency department.

 
Alternatively, call a phone line (some of which operate 24 hours a day), such as Samaritans (0161) 480-2222 or Saneline 0845 767 8000. This will give you the chance to speak to someone immediately.