Clients Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know Counselling is for me?

You won't unless you try it!

CSN acknowledges and understands that counselling is not for everybody (no one therapy is), and some client's are better suited to other Therapeutic approaches like Life Coaching or Nutrition.

Contact CSN and discuss your issue in confidence, and you will be advised accordingly.

I’m not really 'bonkers' or 'crazy' so will counselling be useful?

Counselling has received profoundly negative press in the UK, which has made it difficult for the public to understand its tremendous uses and value.

Counselling is used effectively for issues that we all experience at sometime eg: • anxiety   • stress   • depression   • bereavement   • coping with teenagers   • lack of clarity   • unhappiness   • continual health issues  • addictions   and  • mental chaos.

Please see our Page: About Counselling, title "What is counselling for" for full list.

Counselling will give you time and space, just for you, providing the opportunity to work towards living in a way you find more satisfying and resourceful.

Counselling is not appropriate for people with serious/long term mental heath issues.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies from client to client, the presenting issues and how long the issue has been going on.

Some CSN Members specialise in Adlerian Brief Counselling (ABC). Many clients contract for 6-8 appointments and then review. It has been researched and proved that "significant benefits for Clients can be achieved in 3-8 sessions of Counselling". (5)

How much does it cost?

Charges vary accordingly to the CSN Professional. Please contact CSN for more details.

Your Employers may offer paid or part paid appointments, please ask your
Human Resources Manager or Managing Director.

How do I know that my CSN Member is Trustworthy?

CSN takes a great deal of time and care in interviewing, checking references, and assessing CSN Professionals. Not all Therapists are accepted.

CSN Professionals have to reach a high level of education (minimum 10 years) and a minimum of 8 years experience.

CSN Professionals hold Indemnity Insurance, and are fully Accredited Members of BACP/UKCP. Professions that are not covered by BACP/UKCP hold equivalent accreditations.

CSN Professionals hold a current CRB check (Criminals Record Bureau) Certificate issued in accordance with part V of the Police Act 1997. (7)

CSN asks clients for anonymous optional feedback when they have concluded their appointments to ensure high standards of professionalism are maintained.

What is the location of the appointments?

Some Employers offer appointments on site at your place of work. This does not suit all clients, who may prefer to see their CSN Professional away from work.

If you require an appointment outside your place of work, you will travel to your CSN Professional's workplace. While consideration is taken to the length of journey, paramount importance is given in linking you with the most appropriate professional.

Counselling is for wimps, why don't we just get on with it?

If we could do this healthily then why don't we!?

Why do so many people have addictions, experience depression, display destructive anger, have repeated health issues, when it’s been proven that effective counselling (1) (and some other Therapeutic Approaches) improves health on all levels.

A wise person seeks professional support that could make a difference to their lives. It may take a great deal of courage, often picking up the telephone is the most challenging step.

How can my health be improved by Counselling?

We cannot separate our mental, emotional and physical health, as these three are inextricably linked. If we are challenged in one area this will impact on the other two. If we improve our health in one of these areas, health in the other two areas will also improve.

For some of us we may choose to use the Nutrition route, which will improve our physical health, and therefore our mental and emotional health as well.

What other Therapies does CSN offer?

Please click to see our Range of Therapeutic Approaches, or for more information Click to e-mail us at CSN, or telephone the CSN office on 0870 850 2878.

Is Counselling for men?

In recent years it has been recognised by the medical profession that many health issues being experienced by men are resolvable if they felt comfortable to ask for help.

People and health are not black and white issues, and effective counselling can be a positive way of seeking better self understanding, and therefore changing behaviour.

Counselling may enable you to understand the impact of your thoughts/feelings and therefore how you act.

Recent research indicates that more men would use Counselling if they knew in advance the 'nuts and bolts' of what's involved (6) so please read this website and telephone or Click to e-mail us at CSN for more information. All calls and messages are in strict confidence.

CSN has male and female Professionals.

References
(1)BACP, The Facts, 2001. publishing@bac.co.uk
(2)Heath and Safety Executive. www.hse.gov.uk
(3)Health and Safety executive. www.hse.gov.uk
(4)
(5)BACP, The Facts, 2001. publishing@bac.co.uk
(6)Millar, Anthea (2003) "Entering the unknown: mens experience of counsidering counselling". CPR (Counselling and Psychotheapy Research), Vol. 3 No 1, BACP.
(7)Criminal Records Bureau, PO Box 165,Liverpool,L69 3JD. Telphone 0870 9090844