What is counselling?

At some time in our lives most of us face a major crisis. Sometimes it is hard to talk to those closest to us and we feel isolated and alone. Counselling offers an opportunity to explore and understand the experiences that have shaped our lives, and discover ways of living more resourcefully. It can help people improve their relationships, both personal and work related. The kind of problems that people might bring are many and varied. They might include : - relationship problems, anxiety, depression, loss, life changes, stress, anger, abuse, and problems with self-esteem.

Will I get professional counselling?

Bedford Counselling Centre provides high quality confidential counselling. Most of our counsellors are qualified to the highest professional level. The remainder are completing their training under close supervision. All counsellors work within The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, (BACP) code of ethics and receive regular supervision of their work.

What will it cost?

HBCF is a 'not for profit' organisation, a charity whose aim is to make counselling accessible to all in our community. We charge a standard fee for the initial interview. Weekly fees for ongoing counselling are contributed according to what you can reasonably afford towards our costs and are reviewed six monthly.

Can anyone ask for help?

Yes, provided that you are over 18. The Centre is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes everyone without discrimination of race, class, culture, gender, marital status, physical ability, religion or sexual orientation.

Where do I begin?

At an initial appointment an experienced counsellor will listen to your concerns to establish whether the counselling we offer would be helpful to you. If so you will be offered regular weekly 50 minute sessions with a counsellor as soon as a space becomes available.

The Counselling Centre

Bedford Counselling Centre provides high quality, confidential counselling. Our purpose-built accommodation is close to the town centre. The counselling takes place in specifically adapted, virtually soundproof rooms.There are facilities for the disabled, including parking facilities at the centre and a hearing loop.

Confidentiality

All personal information disclosed to a counsellor is confidential to the Counselling Foundation. No information will be disclosed to a third party without the prior knowledge of the individual concerned, except in circumstances outlined by the BACP Code of Ethics, e.g. to a Court of Law or to protect someone from physical harm. Copies of the Code are available at the Counselling Centre.

A WPF Complaints Procedure provides guidelines for clients to resolve complaints. Copies are available on request.

How to apply for Counselling

Our Centre Head is Ruth Cullinan, she can be contacted on the number given below if you have any queries about counselling at the Centre. To make an application for counselling please telephone the Centre on 01234 346077 and speak to our Office Administrator, June Grimes. She will arrange to send you details of how to apply and, on the return of a completed questionnaire, will arrange your initial interview.

The Phoenix Project

Phoenix Counselling offers brief counselling to focus on a particular issue or circumstance. The counselling is arranged for a specific number of sessions, the range of sessions offered could be between 6 and 20 and this will be decided upon with the counsellor at the initial appointment. Once counselling has been agreed at the initial session, it will generally proceed once a week with the same counsellor on the agreed day and time. There is a fixed fee for these sessions.

For further information or to arrange an initial appointment please contact the Office Administrator, June Grimes, on 01234 346077 or email us at: bedfordadmin@hbcf.co.uk