FAQs

Counselling is where an individual seeks professional help for issues they may be facing. It allows the person to express and explore their life without the fear of judgement in a safe space. It can also give them the tools and techniques to cope with their difficulties and to navigate their problems with a trained professional.

Individual counselling sessions are 50 minutes long. Couple’s therapy is 60 minutes.

Everything is confidential, except when there is serious harm to self or others, mentions of drug trafficking, money laundering or any acts of terrorism. In that case, we cannot keep confidentiality on those details – but we will inform you before doing so. Read more about our confidentiality policies.

Our prices are different depending on the kind of counselling you come for – you can view them on our service list. We aim to be competitively priced, but prices may adjust due to inflation and other business circumstances. We always give our clients one month’s notice of price adjustments.

We support individuals and families on low incomes to receive the help they need. Proof of income or benefits received is required. In some cases we can offer a discount and in certain circumstances we accept donations based on your financial situation.

Each case is considered individually. Please contact us so that we can assess how we can support you to access counselling.

We use an integrative approach at Amplexum. This means we tailor our approach according to what suits each client’s needs. Find out more details about how we work.

Our counsellors are qualified with a BA(Hons) degree in Counselling: Integrative Therapy and Practice. We also attend further training in different areas to ensure our development, as well as attending monthly supervision.

Furthermore, we follow BACP guidance, making sure we are working ethically and all parties are safe. The British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) is a professional body and registered charity that provides standards for practice.

If you would like further information about our qualifications, your counsellor will be happy to provide it or you can send us a message.

This can be explored with your counsellor, and both individuals can come to an agreement. Usually, the contact is regarding your appointment, whether it needs to be cancelled or rearranged.

As we are not an emergency or crisis service, your counsellor will not be available in those situations. If you are having a crisis, contact NHS 111 or the Samaritans on 116 123.

The number of sessions depends on your presenting issue. You may need brief therapy, with a minimum of six sessions, or more long-term therapy, with a review after the initial six-session block.

It also depends on the type of therapy chosen; cognitive behavioural therapy is usually short-term, but other types of therapy may be longer. Bear in mind, once sessions start, new issues and perceptions can arise that you were not aware of. Our counsellors will adapt and flex depending on your needs and desires.

A whole range of issues can be explored. Here are a few examples, though this list is by no means exhaustive:

• anxiety
• depression
• low self-esteem and lack of confidence
• trauma or complex trauma
• eating problems
• stress
• addictions or substance misuse
• bereavement
• grief
• loss
• abuse (physical, sexual, verbal, emotional)
• relationship issues

If you are struggling with something and wonder whether counselling might help, why not book a free 30-minute assessment? You can find out more and we can advise you on the best approach to your challenge.

Payment is made to secure each session appointment, by arrangement with your counsellor. We accept bank transfer or cash in advance.

Appointments cancelled or rearranged less than 24 hours before your appointment are non-refundable.

Before attending your first session, you and your counsellor will both sign the Counselling Agreement. This sets out key information such as our counsellors qualifications & insurance, confidentiality and cancellation agreements.