Taking the first step

Deciding to have counselling can feel like a big step, particularly if you have never had counselling before. You may know that you are struggling, but not be sure whether counselling is right for you, or even know exactly what you want to talk about. You don't need to have everything worked out before you contact us.

The first step is simply to get in touch. We will arrange a brief telephone conversation with you so that we can hear a little about what is bringing you to counselling, answer any questions you may have and explain how The Welcome Room works.

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A conversation before you start

The initial call is not a counselling session. It is an opportunity for us to understand a little about what you are looking for and for you to decide whether The Welcome Room feels right for you.

We will ask you some questions about your current situation and what you hope counselling might help with. We will also explain our fees, how the sessions work and what you can expect. This is also your opportunity to ask us anything you would like to know.

We will never expect you to tell us everything on this first call. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.

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Finding the right counsellor for you

If counselling at The Welcome Room is suitable for you, we will talk to you about arranging your sessions with one of our counsellors in training.

Our counsellors are students undertaking recognised counselling training and are working with clients as part of their supervised clinical placement. They receive regular clinical supervision and work within The Welcome Room's policies, procedures and clinical framework.

You do not need to know which type of counselling or therapeutic approach is right for you. We will explain this and help you understand what to expect.

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Your first session

Your first session is an opportunity to meet your counsellor and begin talking about what has brought you to counselling.

You might already have something specific you want to talk about, or you may not know where to begin. That's completely fine. Your counsellor will help you start at a pace that feels manageable for you.

There is no expectation that you will tell your whole story straight away. Counselling is a process, and the relationship between you and your counsellor develops over time.

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Your counselling sessions

Sessions take place face to face and last approximately 50 minutes. We currently offer weekly counselling sessions.

Counselling gives you a regular, confidential space to talk about what is happening in your life, explore your thoughts and feelings, and consider things from a different perspective.

Your counsellor is there to listen without judgement and to help you make sense of what you are experiencing. You do not have to arrive at every session knowing what you want to talk about. Sometimes simply starting with how you have been feeling that week is enough.

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How long will I have counselling for?

There is no fixed number of sessions that is right for everyone. The length of counselling will depend on your circumstances, what you would like to work on and the progress you make.

At the beginning of your counselling, you and your counsellor can discuss what you would like to achieve and review this together as your sessions continue.

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What happens when counselling comes to an end?

Ending counselling is also part of the counselling process. You and your counsellor will talk together about when it feels appropriate to finish and will have the opportunity to reflect on the work you have done.

You will not be expected simply to stop coming without discussing the ending with your counsellor. The final sessions can be used to think about what you have learned, the changes you have made and how you can continue to look after yourself after counselling ends.

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If you're not sure, that's okay

You don't have to be certain that counselling is right for you before you contact us. If you are wondering whether we can help, get in touch and we can talk it through with you.

Our aim is to make accessing counselling as straightforward as possible, from your first enquiry through to your final session.