FAQ — Inclusive Counselling Service
General Questions
What is counselling?
Counselling is a confidential space where you can talk openly with a trained professional about your thoughts, emotions, relationships, identity, or life experiences. The goal is to help you better understand yourself, develop coping tools, and feel more supported.
Who is this service for?
Our service is open to adults and young people seeking affirming, inclusive mental health support. We welcome LGBTQIA+ people, neurodivergent people, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, allies, and anyone looking for compassionate counselling.
Do I need to be in crisis to start counselling?
Not at all. Many people come to counselling for self-exploration, relationship support, stress management, life transitions, burnout, identity questions, or personal growth.
What issues can counselling help with?
Counselling can support people experiencing:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and low mood
- Burnout
- Identity exploration
- Gender and sexuality-related concerns
- Relationship difficulties
- Family conflict
- Grief and loss
- Trauma and PTSD
- Workplace stress
- Neurodivergence-related challenges
- Self-esteem and confidence issues
- Life transitions
Is your service LGBTQIA+ affirming?
Yes. We are committed to providing an affirming, inclusive, and respectful environment for LGBTQIA+ clients. Our counsellors work from a non-judgmental and identity-affirming approach.
Do you support trans and non-binary clients?
Absolutely. We respect and affirm all gender identities and expressions. Clients are always addressed using their chosen name and pronouns.
Are your counsellors trauma-informed?
Yes. Our counsellors use trauma-informed approaches that prioritise emotional safety, consent, collaboration, and client autonomy.
Do you provide evidence letters or assessments?
To find out about our policy of the provision of evidential letters or assessments, click here.
What therapeutic approaches do your counsellors use?
At our core is the Person Centred approach; however, some of our counsellors work in other modalities. If you’re interested in the types of modalities offered by a particular counsellor, please ask.
How do you match clients with counsellors?
Our Clinical Lead matches clients to counsellors with several criteria in mind. These include timings, availability, clinical observations, and counsellor proficiency, as well as other circumstances, such as whether the work is time limited or delivered through a longer term contract.
We do also take into account any requests that a client might make, but we can’t guarantee that all requests can be met.
Sessions & Appointments
How do I book a session?
You can book through our website, by email, or by contacting our team directly. We’ll help match you with a counsellor based on your needs and preferences.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes. We offer secure online counselling sessions via video call (usually via Google Meet), making support accessible wherever you are.
Do you offer in-person counselling?
Depending on location and counsellor availability, we may offer in-person sessions as well as online appointments.
How long is a counselling session?
Standard sessions are typically 50 minutes.
How often should I attend counselling?
This depends on your goals and circumstances, however sessions are held weekly to begin with. Other frequencies will need to be discussed with the clinical lead.
Can I choose my counsellor?
We carefully consider many factors when placing you with a counsellor – for this reason it might not be possible to place you with a specific counsellor.
What if I don’t feel comfortable with my counsellor?
The relationship between client and counsellor is important. If you don’t feel comfortable, we encourage you to let us know so we can help arrange a better fit.
What happens in the first session?
The first session usually focuses on getting to know you, understanding what brings you to counselling, discussing goals, and answering any questions you may have.
Can I stop counselling at any time?
Yes. Counselling is voluntary, and you can pause or stop sessions whenever you choose.
Are sessions available outside standard business hours?
Standard hours are 10 AM until 4 PM Wednesday-Sunday. We may offer sessions outside of this – however they will be delievered online only.
How many sessions will I need?
Our free services allow for 6 sessions of work – extendable with the agreement of both the clinical lead and counsellor to 12 sessions. Our low-cost and reduced-fee sessions allow for work to continue up to 6 months, and then, with the agreement of both the clinical lead and counsellor to extend for a further 6 months.
Do you offer workshops or group therapy?
Yes, we offer a number of different groups. To find out more about what we currently offer, click here.
What should I do before my first session?
Before your first session, you will receive an email from our admin team asking you to fill out our client information forms – all of which can be found here. If you are on the Low-Cost / PWYC service, you’ll also need to set up your subscription before your first session. You can check out the payment options here.
Privacy & Confidentiality
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. What you discuss in counselling is confidential, with limited legal and ethical exceptions related to safety concerns.
Are online sessions secure?
Yes. We use secure, privacy-conscious platforms for online counselling.
Will my information be shared with anyone?
Your information will not be shared without your consent unless required by law or there is a serious risk of harm. However our counsellors engage with our Clinical Lead and Supervisors to ensure the safety and integrity of their work. Great care is taken to protect our clients’ identities.
Can I attend counselling anonymously?
We require some personal information to provide services safely and ethically, but we aim to collect only what is necessary.
Accessibility & Inclusion
Do you offer neurodivergent-affirming support?
Yes. We aim to create a supportive environment for autistic, ADHD, and otherwise neurodivergent clients.
Can sessions be adapted for accessibility needs?
Absolutely. We encourage clients to let us know about any communication, sensory, mobility, or accessibility needs so we can accommodate them where possible.
Do you support culturally diverse clients?
Yes. We value culturally responsive and anti-oppressive practice and welcome people from all cultural backgrounds.
Do you offer support for young people?
Please contact us directly to discuss age requirements and whether appropriate counsellors are available.
Can partners or family members join a session?
This may be a possibility – however, it should be discussed with your counsellor before introducing any other people into the space. There must also be an implicit understanding that the session remains the client’s session and it is not couples’, family or group therapy.
Fees & Payment
How much does counselling cost?
Our sessions are priced fairly and competitively at £40 for in-person sessions and £36 for online sessions.
Do you offer concession rates?
Where possible, we may offer reduced-fee or sliding-scale sessions for clients experiencing financial hardship.
What payment methods do you accept?
We typically accept card payments, bank transfer, and other online payment methods.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for advance notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations or missed appointments may incur a fee.
Finding the Right Support
How do I know if counselling is right for me?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, emotionally exhausted, isolated, or simply wanting support and self-understanding, counselling may help.
What if I’m nervous about starting counselling?
That’s completely normal. Many people feel unsure before their first session. We aim to create a welcoming, supportive environment where you can move at your own pace.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. You can refer yourself here.
Can counselling help with identity exploration?
Yes. Counselling can provide a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore gender, sexuality, relationships, values, and identity.
Do you offer couples or relationship counselling?
Depending on counsellor availability, we may offer couples, relationship, or chosen-family counselling.
What if I need urgent mental health support?
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent support, please contact emergency services or a crisis support line in your area.