How Our Affordable Counselling Service Works

Our affordable counselling service is made possible through a unique and mutually beneficial model. We partner with student counsellors who are currently completing their professional training and require placement hours as part of their accredited course.

By providing these students with supervised placement opportunities, we are able to offer high-quality counselling sessions at a significantly reduced cost. Each student counsellor works under the close guidance of experienced and accredited supervisors, ensuring that you receive professional, ethical, and compassionate support.

This model not only helps aspiring counsellors gain real-world experience, but also makes mental health support more accessible and affordable for our community.

Our sessions are delivered in-person at our Cuckfield location to ensure a personalised and connected experience.

Are our student counsellors qualified to offer therapy?

All of our student counsellors have successfully passed their Readiness to Practice Assessment, a formal evaluation conducted by their accredited training institutions. This assessment ensures that each counsellor has demonstrated the necessary skills, ethical understanding, and professional competence required to begin working with clients on their own.

We are confident in the quality of care our student counsellors provide. They receive regular supervision and ongoing training throughout their placement with us.

Independent Practice of student counsellors

At The Welcome Room, our student counsellors work independently with their clients as part of their professional training and development. Each counsellor is responsible for their own therapeutic practice and the clients they see.

While they are supported through regular clinical supervision and training, the counselling sessions are conducted solely between the counsellor and their client. This ensures a safe, confidential, and professional space for clients to explore their concerns, while also giving student counsellors the opportunity to build their experience and skills in practice.

By choosing to work with a student counsellor, clients benefit from dedicated one-to-one support and the assurance that the counsellor is developing their professional competence under appropriate supervision.

What happens if I cannot make a session?

If you are unable to attend a scheduled session, please be aware that: Sessions are paid for in advance and are non-refundable. We operate a 2-week cancellation policy.

Why this policy exists:

• Your session time is reserved just for you. Once a session is booked, that time is set aside and cannot be offered to someone else at short notice.

• Student counsellors prepare in advance. Each counsellor takes time to plan and reflect on your sessions, and they rely on consistent scheduling for both learning and client progress.

• It ensures commitment and continuity. Regular attendance is important for building trust and making progress in therapy. This policy supports that consistency.

We understand that unexpected things can happen. If you know in advance that you’ll need to miss a session, please let us know as early as possible. While the fee will still apply, early notice helps with planning and respect for your counsellor’s time.

Are you affiliated with the Holy Trinity Church in Cuckfield?

While our affordable counselling service is located adjacent to Holy Trinity Church, we are an independent organisation and are not affiliated with the church in any official capacity. Our services are open to all members of the community, regardless of background or beliefs. We value our proximity to such a historic landmark but operate separately with our own mission and governance.