About Counselling
Counselling provides a supportive space for self-discovery with the aim of alleviating symptoms of distress. There are many different ways of working, but a key factor in terms of positive outcomes, is a good therapeutic relationship between you and your chosen counsellor.
What can make a difference is the way in which you are listened to, more actively and closely than maybe a friend or family member could, so that you can express yourself without having to worry about the feelings of the listener.
Your counsellor will support you to help you acquire clarity and to explore potential changes in a non-judgemental way.
INTEGRATIVE COUNSELLING
The counsellors at The Counselling Group Practice (The CGP) share an integrative approach to counselling. Integrative counselling is anchored in the idea that every person is different and that the counselling provided to each person needs to reflect this. It combines different elements of psychological therapies such as Psychodynamic, Person-Centred and Transpersonal. This is not a “one size fits all” approach. We take into account your individual preferences and needs to decide which strategies and approaches would best suit you.
HOW COUNSELLING CAN HELP
Whatever brings you to counselling whether it is anxiety, depression, a specific life event or maybe you are seeking a space to reflect upon your life, counselling can help. It can help you to make sense of complicated feelings, enable you to recognise patterns in your thinking or behaviour and empower you to make changes.
Counselling can help with a broad range of issues including:
Abuse
Anger
Anxiety
Bereavement
Life changes
Depression
Discrimination
Health issues
Identity
Loss
Low mood
Relationships
Self-esteem
Stress
Trauma
Work-related issues
Please check each counsellor's individual page and if you would like to discuss something that is not listed, you can discuss it with your chosen counsellor to find out how they can help you.
LENGTH OF COUNSELLING
The duration of counselling can be short-term (6-12 sessions) or open-ended. Short-term counselling can often have a more specific focus than open-ended counselling. Open-ended counselling gives space for a more exploratory approach. Whatever the length of counselling you choose, the contract between you and your counsellor can be reviewed at any time.
The CGP Standards of Practice
The CGP places client well-being as our first priority. We aim to achieve this through our commitment to the highest standards of professional practice. We are accountable to our clients as well as each other.
You can expect the following from all CGP counsellors:
PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN THERAPEUTIC COUNSELLING
All our counsellors have a Professional Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which ensures a high level of training and competency.
We may also have additional areas of specialist interests as detailed on our individual pages.
BACP MEMBERSHIP
The BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for the counselling professions. We are all Registered Members of the BACP. As well as a guarantee of our levels of qualification, membership requires a continued commitment to professional development, and demonstration of high ethical standards and professional practice.
ETHICAL FRAMEWORK
We adhere to the BACP’s Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. The Framework's primary purpose is for client protection and safety. It specifies values, principles and personal moral qualities which inform and underpin our professional practice.
The relationship we aim to build with you is based on respect, non-judgement and strict confidentiality, forming a solid foundation for our work together.
DIVERSITY
We value diversity and are committed to ensuring inclusion for all and to do our best to help people overcome barriers to accessing counselling services.
COMMUNICATION
We commit to straightforward communication about what you can expect from us and we welcome your feedback on your experience of your counselling.
RECORD-KEEPING
In accordance with best practice, all The CGP counsellors keep accurate and appropriate records. In so doing, we commit to protecting client privacy and confidentiality, and work in accordance with our legal obligations, including General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
SUPERVISION
All The CGP counsellors have regular Supervision. This is used to review our counselling work and ensure we are working ethically and consciously on your behalf. Client confidentiality is upheld.
CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)
All our counsellors undertake CPD training adding to areas of specialist interest. See each counsellor’s individual pages for details of specialist interests.
INSURANCE
All our counsellors have appropriate professional insurance.
Should you require more information, or have any questions, please contact your chosen counsellor.