What is expected of me in counselling?

The short answer is, nothing. All I ask if that you are open and honest. You do not need to answer questions you do not want to, or talk about topics you are not ready/do not want to talk about. Some clients find it easier to start with issues they experienced from years ago, others prefer to start with what is going on for them right now - there is no right or wrong place to start.

How often should I have sessions?

To begin with, I would advise one session per week or fortnight. This helps to build rapport, a routine, and show commitment. Longer gaps can slow down progress and even reduce momentum. However, I understand work life, personal commitments, and finances can influence your availability. Sessions will be reviewed every 6 sessions and time in between sessions can be increased in line with progress.

How long will I need counselling for?

This depends on what issues you would like to work on, but I cannot give an exact number of sessions as each person is completely different. Some clients may feel they only need 1 or 2 sessions, others may use counselling long-term (even years) as a 'check-in' once every 6 weeks or so once they feel their main issues have improved.

Will my work, school, college or GP need to be informed I am attending counselling?

No. Sessions are completely confidential between you (the client) and the counsellor. Contact will only be made with your permission or to your GP in an emergency situation. 

My child is under 16, can I be present during their sessions? Will I be given updates?

I require a parent/care giver sits with their child for a short while during their first session (particularly if going over the therapeutic agreement) to help them feel relaxed, and once the client (child) feels ready, parents/care givers can leave the room as sessions will be 1:1. It is understandable to want to know what is going on in your child's life, why they are feeling sad / anxious / stressed / acting out etc., but it is important the child knows these sessions are a safe place for them to talk openly about thoughts and feelings, whether these be about school pressures or issues with friends. Like it often is for adults, it can be easier for children to speak to someone not involved in their daily life - an adult who will not judge or give them 'into trouble' - or tell their parent/care giver something they would prefer them not to know. Sessions are confidential, however, if I believe your child to be a risk to themselves or someone else, this confidentiality can and will be broken and you shall be informed (as explained in the therapeutic agreement). If I have any other concerns or ideas which I believe may be of benefit, then with the client's permission, I can discuss these with their parent/care giver and vice versa. *Please note I do not work with children under 11 years.

The General Data Regulation (GDPR) sets requirements for those who have a day-to-day responsibility for the protection of data. It also makes it easier for people to control how their data is used.

What information will New Day Therapy hold and how will it be used?

• During your initial consultation, I will ask you for your name, date of birth, emergency contact details and GP information.
  
• Any information collected for counselling sessions will be held in the strictest confidence. No personal details will be passed on to external parties unless ordered by the courts, or if I have reason to believe you are a risk to yourself or to others, or someone you specifically discuss is at risk of harm. In certain situations, I am not obligated to inform you I am passing on your information (e.g. if there is a child protection issue or I suspect you of terrorism).
  
• Client cases will be discussed at my monthly supervision with my supervisor which I am required to do to make sure I am carrying out the best practice possible, and that the standards of my professional body (NCPS) are being met. However, identifiable information such as your full name or date of birth will not be given.
  

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How is my data kept and how long for?

• In order to remember specific details important to you and your therapy, and to be able to refresh my memory from our previous sessions before each time we meet, I will take notes at the end of every session. Any written records will be locked away when not in use, and those held on a computer will be password protected.
  
• Client data is not kept for longer than necessary.
  
• If you send an enquiry by phone or email but decide not to become a client, you have the "Right to be Forgotten" and ask me to delete any data I have for you. You cannot request for certain data to be deleted if you are a current client or have been in the last 7 years as I am required to keep these in line with my insurance (e.g. case notes). However, you are entitled to view your data to ensure it is accurate and up-to-date.

What happens if my data is lost or stolen?

• In the unlikely event that personal data is breached, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) with whom I am registered with, will be notified within 72 hours and the relevant individual(s) will be notified. Action will then be taken by New Day Therapy to ensure the breach does not happen again.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

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​New Day Therapy

Counselling