Welcome to Hope Therapy & Counselling Services. We understand that starting therapy can come with many questions, so we’ve compiled this guide to help you prepare for your first session and beyond.
Preparing for Your First Session
Q: How early should I arrive for my first session?
A: For in-person sessions, we recommend arriving 5-10 minutes early to settle in. For online sessions, log in 3-5 minutes before your scheduled time to test your connection. Your counsellor will let you into the meeting when it is time to start.
Q: What if I’m running late?
A: Please inform your counsellor as soon as possible. Sessions will still end at the scheduled time to respect subsequent appointments.
Q: What do I need to prepare?
A: Just bring yourself and an open mind. You may wish to note topics you’d like to discuss, but this isn’t mandatory. For online sessions, ensure you have:
- A private, quiet space
- A stable internet connection
- A device with a camera and microphone
- Headphones (recommended for privacy)
Practical Matters
Q: How long is each session?
A: Standard sessions are 50 minutes long, though your counsellor may offer different session lengths for specific work. Discuss this directly with your counsellor if needed.
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: We accept payments via PayPal and credit/debit cards. Your initial confirmation email includes a payment link. Payment is required 48 hours before your session.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: We require 48 hours’ notice for cancellations. Late cancellations or missed sessions may be charged the full fee. Please discuss any concerns with your counsellor.
Q: Is there parking available for in-person sessions?
A: Parking availability depends on the location. Please confirm this with your counsellor before your session.
Q: Do you offer financial support for sessions?
A: In some cases, we may be able to assist. Please contact us to discuss available options.
Q: Can I get a discount for booking multiple sessions?
A: Yes! We offer discounted rates for 3 or 6-session bookings. Please inquire for details.
Confidentiality and Privacy
Q: Is my information confidential?
A: Yes. The only exceptions are:
- If there’s a risk of serious harm to yourself or others
- If required by law
- If you give explicit permission to share information
All counsellors work with a clinical supervisor to ensure best practices, but discussions are anonymous. - Our full confidentiality policy can be viewed here: https://www.hopefulminds.co.uk/client-counselling-policies/
Therapy Process
Q: What if I don’t feel comfortable with my therapist?
A: If you have concerns, discuss them with us. We can arrange for a different therapist, though availability may depend on location and format (online vs in-person).
Q: Can I switch between online and in-person sessions?
A: If you start in-person, your counsellor may offer online sessions too. However, if you begin online, face-to-face sessions may not be possible due to location. Please discuss this with your counsellor.
Technical Support (For Online Sessions)
Q: What platform do you use for online sessions?
A: Different counsellors use different platforms, but they will try to accommodate your needs. This can be discussed during your initial call.
Q: What if I have technical difficulties?
A: If you experience issues:
- Check your internet connection
- Restart the application
- Contact your counsellor if problems persist
It’s a good idea to discuss a backup plan with your counsellor beforehand.
Emergency Support
Q: What should I do if I need support between sessions?
A: For non-emergency support, such as rescheduling your session, contact your counsellor directly.
If you need help paying for a session, please contact Hope Therapy & Counselling Services via email at contact@hopefulminds.co.uk or call on 07379 538411
For immediate crisis support, we recommend looking at the following link: https://www.hopefulminds.co.uk/client-resources/crisis/
Booking and Scheduling
Q: How do I book my next session?
A: You can schedule your next session:
- Directly with your therapist at the end of your session
Q: How frequently should I attend sessions?
A: Weekly sessions are typically recommended initially, but this can be adjusted based on your needs and circumstances. Discuss this with your counsellor for a structure that works best for you.
Additional Support
Q: Do you provide resources between sessions?
A: Depending on your therapist’s approach, they may offer worksheets, exercises, or reading materials. Feel free to ask your therapist about this.
For any questions not covered in this FAQ, please contact us at contact@hopefulminds.co.uk. We’re here to support you on your therapy journey!