Relate York & Harrogate

 

What happens in counselling?

  

You will come to our centre and meet with your counsellor. They are all very friendly people and are here to help you, so there's no need to be nervous about meeting them.

 

We want you to feel comfortable talking to us, so all our rooms have comfy chairs and are a bit like a sitting room.

 

One of our rooms.

 

You can talk about anything that is upsetting you. Everything you say is private and is just between you and the counsellor.

 

You may find that just talking helps and maybe thats all you want. If its not, we don't tell you what to do, we listen to what you have to say and help you work out how you can sort things.

 

 

What can you talk about?

Anything that is bothering you.

It may be problems with friends, family, school, or difficult feelings of any sort. If you are confused, worried, upset or feeling down, our counsellor will listen and take you seriuously. They will not think you are silly or stupid.

 

 

Will the Counsellor tell anyone what you've said?

No!

Unless specifically asked to by you, your counsellor will not tell your parents, teachers or anyone what has been said. It is very important that you know you can trust them to keep what is said strictly confidential.

 

If the Counsellor thinks you are in danger of harm, then the Child Protection law says they must act to make sure you are safe.

 

 

How long do the counselling sessions last?

It's up to you.

Perhaps half an hour or an hour - it's up to you. You may just want to stay for 5 or 10 minutes and that's fine too. All we ask is you come along or let us know if you can't make it.

 

How long can you come for?

As many times as you like.

Its entirely up to you. Your Counsellor will not put any pressure on you to keep coming or to stop coming.