If you haven't seen a counsellor before, you may have a number of questions and concerns. Some of these can
be discussed when you first contact the service and others can be raised with your counsellor as and when you wish to do so.
Counselling
offers you a safe place to come and talk through what you are feeling and finding difficult to handle. It is different
from other sources of help and support you may value: for example your doctor or social worker. The sessions allow
time for a counsellor to listen to you in order to support and guide you towards making your own decisions, rather than providing
advice or practical solutions. Their specialised training can assist you to a better understanding of your difficulties
and feelings, enabling you to make changes and cope better.
NEECS employs trained counsellors experienced in working
with clients on many issues affecting mental well-being, for example:
* Feelings
of anxiety, depression, anger
* Problems with relationships, family and parenting
*
Difficulties following a loss or change
* Sexual and other kinds of abuse
* Living
with a long-term mental health issues yourself or as a carer
They work from a variety of counselling approaches,
including person-centred, psychodynamic and gestalt. The counsellors work is supported and monitored through regular
professional supervision and in-house training. NEECS also has a small number of student counsellors, who are gaining
experience as they complete a recognised training. You will be informed should you be offered an appointment with a
trainee and you have the option of choosing to have an appointment with a fully trained counsellor, if you prefer this.
The
NEECS Code of Practice follows the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Ethical Framework.
NEECS is an organisational member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy and the Confederation of
Scottish Counselling Agencies. (For further information, please follow the links to COSCA and BACP).
*
NEECS offers one to one counselling by appointment, each session lasting
up to an
hour.
NEECS runs on limited grants and was developed to provide a professional service
for people who may not be able to meet the cost of private therapy services. Sessions can be free of charge or clients
may contribute voluntarily towards the cost. Clients are sent information about our contributions policy before their
first appointment and then discuss with their counsellor what will suit their situation.
For
more information on the contributions policy, please click on the link at the end of this section.
The
Core Service provides counselling of varying length. The number of sessions you have are agreed and
reviewed on an on-going basis with your counsellor. If, for example, you feel you have long-standing difficulties, you
may find the core service best suits your needs. An initial appointment gives you the opportunity to discuss your needs
and what the service can offer. Due to the variable length of counselling, the wait for the core service can sometimes
be long. We do our best to give you an estimate at the time you refer yourself, but it is not possible to give exact
waiting times.
The Short Term Service Developed in response to clients concerns about
waiting times, it offers faster access to counselling than the Core Service. There is an initial session
with a counsellor to find out if this service will suit you. This can then be followed by up to six counselling
appointments. Waiting times are calculated regularly and you will be informed of the current wait.
Should you require a particular time, this can extend how long you will need to wait.
Confidentiality:-
NEECS aims to protect the confidentiality of clients. Information about your
sessions will not be passed on to anyone else unless it is with your permission. Only in the event of you or someone
else being at risk may confidentiality be broken. Even in such circumstances, your counsellor would aim to discuss and
agree with you any action which may be necessary. NEECS policy on confidentiality includes following Edinburgh and the
Lothians Child Protection Guidelines.
