Frequently Asked Questions
Question
Why choose Poole Community Counselling?
Answer
Poole Community Counselling are the only local counselling organisation that can offer open-ended, reduced price sessions. We are also lucky that we dont have long wait times, and you are able to self-refer.
Question
What is Person-Centred Therapy?
Answer
Person-Centered Therapy, is a humanistic approach that emphasizes the client's capacity for self-awareness, self-direction, and personal growth.
In this therapy, the therapist creates a safe and non-judgmental space for the client to explore their feelings and experiences.
By providing empathy and unconditional positive regard, the therapist helps the client develop self-acceptance and make positive changes.
This collaborative and empowering approach values the client as the expert in their own life.
Question
How many sessions will I need?
Answer
At Poole Community Counselling we are lucky to be able to offer reduced price open-ended sessions.
The amount of sessions will depend on your unique circumstances and what has bought you to counselling. Some people will only want/need a few, and others may be interested in more long-term therapy. There is no right or wrong number of sessions. You and your counsellor will regularly review the work, and decide together when an ending feels appropriate.
Question
How do I know which counsellor is right for me?
Answer
During your assessment we will explore your needs and expectations, enabling us to match you with a counsellor we think will suit you.
For your therapy to be effective, it’s important you work with a counsellor you feel you can trust. At your first meeting both you and the counsellor will have an opportunity to honestly decide if you will benefit from working together. And if after several sessions you simply don’t feel the therapist is a good match, we are willing and able to match you with another counsellor
Question
What can counselling help me with?
Answer
A mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD or eating disorders
An upsetting physical health condition, such as infertility, chronic illness etc.
A difficult life event, such as a bereavement, a relationship breakdown or work-related stress
Difficult emotions – for example, low self-esteem or anger
Other issues, such as sexual or gender identity
Traumatic events - current or historical
Question
Do I have to come every week?
Answer
To begin, we would encourage you to attend sessions weekly. This can help establish the relationship and trust between you and your counsellor. However there is the option to drop to every other week, if you feel this would work better for you, as you progress.
Question
Do I have to come to all my sessions in-person?
Answer
While we would encourage in-person sessions, here at Poole Community Counselling we can offer online sessions too.
You can also do a mix of both, if this works best for you and your circumstances.
Question
What happens if I need to cancel my appointment?
Answer
you can cancel your appointment by text, phonecall or email. While we would prefer 24 hours notice we understand sometimes emergencies happen so just let us know as soon as you can.
Question
How do I know when its time to stop?
Answer
PPC offers open-ended counselling sessions, allowing us to provide as many sessions as needed without limitations, unlike other low-cost or free counselling services. However, this can make it challenging to determine when to end or pause counselling.
There are various reasons why you may want to stop or take a break from counselling, and you can discuss these with your counsellor as you progress. Regular reviews of your progress will ensure that the counselling is still beneficial to you.
Some individuals may only require a few weeks of counselling, while others may benefit from long-term support. There is no right or wrong answer, as it is based on what works best for you.