Hopefully we have answered your questions below, if not please contact us.
What types of counselling do you offer?
The counsellor will use a person-centred approach, however other talking therapies may be introduced to the session if the counsellor believes that it will enhance your counselling experience and that you will benefit from the intervention.
What happens at my assessment?
At your assessment the referral details we have received will be checked with you, to ensure we have the correct personal information for you. You will be asked for an emergency contact, a brief history of your mental health, if you are on any medication, and if you have any current or past intervention with a mental health professional. By gathering this information, we will be able to identify which counsellor you should be paired with. It might be that our service is not suitable for your presenting issues, where this is the case we will suggest a relevant organisation for you to engage with to access help.
How long does counselling usually last?
Counselling sessions last for 50 minutes. The number of sessions will depend on what you bring to the sessions, the counsellor will review your progress with you and will identify when your sessions will end, depending on how you are responding to the counselling.
What will happen at my first counselling session?
At the first meeting your counsellor will discuss how you will work together, when you will meet, manage expectations and provide you with the legal implications of disclosure, and safeguarding. You will be asked to sign, in agreement, the counselling contract. A copy of the signed contract will be made available to you.
How do you protect my personal information?
We do not hold any personal data on line, all efforts are made to anonymise notes and recordings (where consent has been agreed). Please read our Privacy Policy for more information.
What are the counsellors’ qualifications?
Three of the counsellors at A Time 2 Talk are qualified and members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). The trainee counsellors have been vetted and are working towards the appropriate counselling qualifications, they have clinical supervisors, and are student members of the BACP or equivalent registered body.
Copies of certificates held by counsellors will be available upon request by writing to The Directors, A Time 2 Talk, Disability North, The Dene Centre, Castle Farm Road, Newcastle NE3 1PH.
What do I have to pay?
If you are self-referring to A Time 2 Talk, we will discuss payment at your assessment. You will need to answer questions regarding your income, and you may qualify for reduced, if not free counselling. If you would like to help AT2T to continue with the support they provide, please place a donation, whatever the amount, in the collection box available in the counselling room and THANK YOU.
How do I show my support?
Health Watch, North Tyneside is you local health and social care champion. They make sure NHS leaders and other decision makers hear your voice and use your feedback to improve care. You can leave feedback about A Time 2 Talk on their website.
How do I complain?
Any complaints should be put in writing to AT2T addressed to The Directors, A Time 2 Talk, Disability North, The Dene Centre, Castle Farm Road, Newcastle NE3 1PH in the first instance. A copy of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) complaints information will be made available to you on request and can be accessed via the BACP website.