Question 1

What is counselling?

Accepted Answer

Counselling is a talking therapy that provides a safe, supportive, and confidential space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. A counsellor listens without judgment, helping you to gain clarity, process emotions, and develop coping strategies for any challenges you may be facing.
This therapeutic relationship can be particularly beneficial during times of stress, change, or emotional difficulty. Counselling does not offer direct advice but instead supports you in finding your own ways forward, empowering you to make choices that feel right for you. Sessions can be short-term or long-term, depending on your needs, and can take place in person, online, or over the phone.
The process is tailored to each individual, providing a space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported in your personal growth and wellbeing.

Question 2

What can counselling help with?

Accepted Answer

Counselling can support individuals through a wide range of challenges, offering a safe space to explore thoughts and emotions. It can help with:
 • Mental Health Difficulties – Anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, and other emotional struggles.
 • Relationships – Difficulties with family, partners, friendships, or workplace dynamics.
 • Life Transitions – Coping with change, such as starting a new job, parenthood, retirement, or moving home.
 • Bereavement and Loss – Grieving the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or a significant life change.
 • Trauma and Abuse – Processing past experiences, including emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.
 • Identity and Self-Exploration – Understanding yourself, personal growth, and life direction.
 • Chronic Illness and Pain – Emotional support for living with long-term conditions.
 • Addiction and Behavioural Issues – Exploring patterns of behaviour around substance use, eating, or compulsions.

Counselling is tailored to each person’s needs, providing a supportive and confidential space to navigate life’s difficulties and find ways to move forward.

Question 3

What happens during counselling sessions?

Accepted Answer

Counselling sessions provide a safe, confidential space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a trained professional. The process varies depending on your needs, but typically, sessions may involve:
 • Talking and Being Heard – Your counsellor listens without judgment, allowing you to express yourself openly. They may ask gentle questions to help you reflect and gain insight.
 • Exploring Thoughts and Emotions – You can discuss anything on your mind, whether past experiences, current challenges, or future concerns.
 • Identifying Patterns and Behaviours – Counselling can help you recognise unhelpful patterns and consider alternative perspectives.
 • Developing Coping Strategies – Your counsellor may support you in finding practical ways to manage emotions, stress, or life challenges.
 • A Collaborative Process – You and your counsellor work together at your pace. They won’t tell you what to do but will help you explore your own choices and solutions.
 • A Safe and Supportive Space – Sessions are confidential, providing a non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe to share.
Sessions are usually 50minutes long and can be short-term or long-term, depending on your needs. The first session often focuses on understanding what has brought you to counselling and what you hope to gain from it.

Question 4

How much do counselling sessions cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of counselling sessions are:
 • Assessment Sessions – £50 for everyone, including concessionary clients
 • Standard Sessions – £60 per session
 • Concessionary Sessions –  £35 per session. 
A limited number of reduced-cost (concessionary) sessions are available, though there is often a waiting list. If cost is a concern, find out if you qualify for a concessionary place email: info@therapyroomspainswick.co.uk

Question 5

How do I end my counselling sessions?

Accepted Answer

Ending counselling is an important part of the process and should be done in a way that feels right for you. Here’s how you can approach it:
 • Discuss It with Your Counsellor – When you feel ready to end your sessions, let your counsellor know. They can support you in reviewing your progress and exploring any final thoughts or feelings.
 • Plan for an Ending – If possible, try to have at least one final session to reflect on your journey, acknowledge any changes, and discuss how to continue supporting yourself moving forward.
 • Consider Your Next Steps – You might want to put strategies in place to maintain your wellbeing after sessions end. Some clients also choose to return for occasional check-ins.
 • Know That You Can Return – If you ever feel you need further support, you’re welcome to reach out again in the future.
If you need to stop counselling suddenly, it’s still helpful to let your counsellor know, even if you can’t attend a final session.

Question 6

Difficulties during counselling.

Accepted Answer

It's natural to experience challenges during counselling, as exploring emotions and experiences can sometimes bring up difficult feelings. If you’re struggling, here are some steps you can take:
 • Talk to Your Counsellor – Counselling is a space for you to be open and honest. If something feels challenging or uncomfortable, sharing this with your counsellor can help them support you in a way that feels safe and manageable.
 • Adjust the Pace – Therapy should move at a pace that works for you. If things feel overwhelming, your counsellor can slow down, check in more often, or adapt the approach to better suit your needs.
 • Explore Coping Strategies – Your counsellor can help you develop strategies to manage difficult feelings between sessions, ensuring you feel supported both inside and outside of therapy.
 • Review Your Progress – If you feel stuck or unsure about how counselling is going, discussing your progress with your counsellor can help you reflect on what’s working and what might need adjusting.
 • Consider Other Support – Sometimes, additional support such as self-care practices, peer support, or speaking to a GP or other professional may be helpful alongside counselling.
Your wellbeing is important, and counselling is a collaborative process. If you ever feel uncertain, you are encouraged to voice your concerns so that your sessions remain a safe and supportive space.

Question 7

Do I qualify for Concessionary Rates?

Accepted Answer

We understand that some clients may have financial difficulties, so we offer a set reduction for those who are in receipt of a state benefit (not tax credits). This offer is subject to availability of therapy services.

State benefits currently accepted are: 
 • Income Support
 • Job Seekers’ Allowance
 • Employment and Support Allowance
 • State Pension
 • Personal Independence Payments
 • Disability Living Allowance
 • Carer’s Allowance
 • Universal Credit
 • Council Tax Benefit (not discount)
 • Housing Benefit
 • Bereavement Allowance

In some circumstances clients may not meet the above criteria, but may consider themselves to be receiving a low income. We may consider a request for concessionary fee application, and will use a fixed sliding scale based on the income to apply a reduction. If a client is earning above our threshold it is unlikely a concessionary fee will be offered.

Supporting evidence is required. Should a client be found to be ineligible for the concessionary fee the additional fee will be requested. Where a client is found to have given false or misleading information their therapy may be withdrawn. Refunds will not be issued for fees previously paid where clients have not declared their eligibility.

This concessionary fee policy is subject to review and can be amended at any time.

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