Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions will I need ?
This depends to some extent on the depth and complexity of the issue that you are facing and on you as the client. For some clients a few sessions are sufficient to achieve their counselling aim, others require more. It is you, the client who will determine how long you wish to remain in counselling. We would recommend a minimum of 6 sessions in order to allow time for the counselling relationship to develop and explore the issues in reasonable depth.
What is the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy?
There is no formal definition or to many any significant difference. Counselling is often considered to be the approach for shorter term therapy and Psychotherapy the approach for longer term work. However we are able to offer longer term therapy.
What are the opening times?
We have a variety of opening times including evenings Monday to Friday. Evenings tend to be the busiest times when there can be waiting list. Please call to discuss availability.
How much does it cost ?
We are a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and therefore a not for profit centre and not part of the NHS. Our counsellors/therapists offer their time and skills at reduced cost in order to support our vision of making counselling more affordable to all.
We ask for a contribution to our running costs with a suggested minimum of £20 and increased based upon a sliding income scale and personal financial circumstances. We are able to consider further concessions to clients on benefits or low income. It is important that no one is denied counselling due to lack of funds so please do discuss what is fair and affordable to you. Counselling is a committment and we rent rooms so late notice cancellations will incur a cost.
How long are the sessions?
Each session lasts 50 minutes and you will see the same counsellor at the same time each week.
Where are we located?
Our main location is in Reigate Community Centre, High Street, Reigate, SURREY, RH2 9AE. We have disabled access in these premises . Please call to discuss any mobility issues.
There is public car parking nearby and good public transport access. Therefore we are accessible from surrounding areas including Dorking, Horley,Merstham and Redhill In addition we can offer on-line/video sessions where these are more appropriate.
How do I book?
Please call or e mail the contact above. If we are busy and cannot answer the phone please leave a message, including your name and number and we will return your call as soon as possible. We will respond to e mail enquiries but will also need to have an initial consultation with you to understand your difficulty and needs and allocate a suitable counsellor. This may be by telephone, zoom or in person.
We strive to make booking straightforward and each booking is handled sensitively and in confidence. In our initial conversation we will gather some background details and may invite you to an initial appointment in order to understand your needs in more detail .
Personal Data
Protection of your personal information is important to us and we will only use your personal information to provide the service you have requested from us. Such information will be retained in accordance with Data Protection regulations.
Reigate Community Counselling Centre collects and retains contact information including name, address ,telephone and e mail in order to contact you regarding appointments and availability. We will not share our data with third parties unless expressly authorised to do so the information is of such gravity in the case of fraud, crime, or serious or imminent harm to the client or others or required by law. http://www.reigate-counselling.co.uk/privacy_notice
What do I do should I have a complaint
We aim to ensure that all discussions are open and transparent as our client's best interests are of paramount importance.
However in the event that you are dissatisfied with our service and you have not been able to resolve satisfactorily having discussed this with your counsellor you should in the first instance contact the centre manager telephone : 07791 214903 and/or ask the counsellor for a copy of the complaints procedure
Testimonial
Being able to talk out aloud about things that I didn't feel I could talk to anyone about has made me look at things from a different perspective.... I feel more confident in myself.
