Face-to-face Counselling

Our advice on choosing a counsellor

It's important that you choose a counsellor that you feel comfortable with. Most counsellors offer an 'assessment session' in which to meet and discuss your needs. This is an opportunity for you to find out whether you wish to work with this person before going into intimate details about yourself. Do not be afraid to ask questions of the counsellor; they should welcome your enquiry and answer openly and honestly.

Some questions to ask them

You'll need to establish the answers to practical questions about time and place, cost and duration of the sessions - and the counsellor's understanding of confidentiality and the conditions under which this may change.

Some questions to ask yourself

• Do I feel comfortable with this person?
• Do I feel I would be able to talk to them about intimate details of my life?
• Do I feel safe with them?
• Do I like their manner and behaviour towards me?

Always remember that it is your decision and you should feel in control of the decision-making process.

If you'd like to talk to someone about entering into counselling please call our National Helpline on 0845 122 1201 (opens Tuesdays and Thursdays 7pm - 10pm).

Counsellors on the register work independently of Survivors UK and do not come under our usual contract of employment. However should you have any complaint about any of the people listed please contact us and we shall be happy to assist you as best we can.