• 5 Lyncroft Ave Harrow HA5 1JU
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FAQs

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FAQs

Most research points to the fact that when we begin to give voice to our pain, our wounds, our story; that, in itself, begins to alleviate the pain we bear. However, it is also true that sometimes we have to disrupt and invite or risk more pain in order to begin to build something healthier and fuller. As well, each person is unique and within a unique context or community. We cannot say when or if or how you will feel better. But, we can say we will be committed to walk with you and bear your pain as you courageously engage your story.
All sessions last 50 minutes.
You are inviting us into your story. You get to determine how often you need to come to therapy. A normative effective counselling process is to meet weekly or bi-weekly for a 50-minute session. Usually, we meet for an initial session and determine together what is most beneficial for you and as we notice where you are in your healing process.
If you need help urgently for a mental health crisis or breakdown you should get immediate advice and assessment. Please go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department or contact your GP for an emergency appointment. Or alternatively contact the NHS urgent mental health helpline.
NHS HELPLINE

ember Community Counselling adhere to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of May 2018 as well as the BACP’s Ethical Framework for the Counselling Profession to actively protect all client information from unauthorised access or disclosure.

All information discussed during therapy sessions will be treated as confidential and not disclosed to any other person except in the following circumstance (s):

  • As required by a police investigation.
  • As required to answer questions in court.
  • As required in any case where a failure to do so would lead to the conviction of the Counsellor.
  • As required when there is an imminent risk of the client inflicting serious injury on himself/herself or others.
  • As required when information is given about a child or vulnerable adult being currently abused or at risk of abuse.

 

Counselling notes may be shared under an identifying code with a supervisor, counselling professional body or similar for purposes of maintaining professional standards and aiding the counsellor’s professional development.

During the 1st counselling session ember counsellors will go over the GDPR, Safeguarding and record keeping policies.

In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of May 2018, KCC is a registered Data Controller with the Information Commissioner’s Office. In compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we store all confidential client data in separate locations (keeping names and contact details apart from the assessment notes) in password protected files, on a password protected PC which has virus protection software installed. Any handwritten data is stored in a locked, fireproof safe in the counsellor’s home office.

During your 1st counselling session we will go over our GDPR policy with you and field any questions.

One of our primary goals is to make counselling accessible to all. It is for this reason that, as a charitable organisation, we offer high quality counselling at already reduced fees. We also recognise there is a very real connection between the price paid for counselling and the therapeutic progress made with a counsellor. There is a cost for each session. We believe you and your healing are worth the cost, and hope you do too.

Our fees: £35-£80 per session depending on the counsellor’s experience. Concession applications are available during the intake process.

At present we are offering the majority of our counselling sessions online. Research shows that the success of any counselling process rests largely on the quality of the relationship between the client and counsellor. This is true regardless of whether your sessions are in-person or online. It is essential that we work towards a relationship of honesty and trust.

If we agree to online counselling sessions, ember Community Counselling will suggest using the most secure videoconferencing program available which includes, but is not limited to, Doxy, Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp. These tools use end to end encryption to protect conversations across devices. KCC will take every effort to ensure online security for each session.

Confidentiality and security should be treated like an in-person session: no outside distractions, turn off mobile phones not needed in a session, close other programs on the phone or computer and make sure no one can see your screen while you are in session.

We request that clients check privacy and encryption information for the appropriate online communication tool and raise questions prior to a therapy session.

You do not need to have any specialised equipment though certain apps may need to be downloaded (WhatsApp or Zoom) on your computer or phone in advance of a session. For online sessions, clients need to ensure they have adequate broadband or wifi signal and a working camera. If using a computer it is important that the computer is protected by good anti-virus software and other individuals do not have access to your computer. Any personal notes that you may keep regarding sessions should be password protected.

BACP’s Ethical Framework for the Counselling Profession states that it is unethical and potentially harmful for any counsellor to engage in social contact with a client outside of counselling sessions. Similarly, counsellors are advised not to accept invitations from clients to connect on social media. Please do not be offended when we decline such requests.