Frequently Asked Questions

Our Professional Standards and Qualifications

We are proud members of The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), both as individuals and as an organisation. Our commitment to excellence includes:

• Qualifications: All counsellors are qualified to Level 4 or above
• Ethical Practice: We adhere to strict ethical standards set by NCPS
• Ongoing Development: Regular training and supervision to stay current in our field
• Safety: All counsellors have enhanced DBS checks
• Insurance: Fully insured for your peace of mind

Our membership with NCPS and our rigorous standards ensure that you receive high-quality, ethical, and professional counselling services.

How do I access counselling?

We offer three convenient ways to access our counselling services:

1. Telephone Counselling • Available to clients anywhere in the UK • Accessible even when you're abroad for a short time
2. Video-Call Counselling • Available to clients anywhere in the UK • Accessible even when you're abroad for a short time
3. Face-to-Face Counselling • Available in Sheffield, UK • Limited appointments

Our flexible options ensure you can receive support in the way that suits you best, whether you're at home, at work, or travelling.

To book an appointment or discuss which option might be best for you, please contact us or schedule a consultation.

We offer flexible scheduling to best suit your needs:

• Weekly sessions
• Fortnightly sessions (recommended for most clients)
• Monthly sessions
• Occasional sessions as needed

We'll work with you to find the frequency that supports your progress and fits your lifestyle. Our goal is to provide a schedule that works best for you.

How long are counselling sessions?

• Standard sessions: 50 minutes
• Short sessions: 25 minutes available
• Extended sessions: Longer durations possible upon request

We understand that everyone's needs are different:

• If you need a 5-minute break during a standard session, we can extend the time to accommodate this.
• For those who prefer shorter interactions, we offer 25-minute sessions.
• Longer sessions can be arranged if you feel you need more time.

Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements. We're here to ensure you get the most out of your counselling experience.

Our fees are structured as follows:

• Video-call or Telephone Counselling: £60 per session
• Face-to-Face Appointments: £65 per session (Higher rate due to additional costs associated with in-person sessions)

Low-Cost Therapy Options: We sometimes have funding available for low-cost therapy. Please enquire about this service for more information.

Training Courses: For information about our training course fees, please contact us directly.

Our availability varies depending on the type of counselling service you choose:

1. Video-call and Telephone Counselling: • Most flexible option • Available 7 days a week, including bank holidays • Hours: 8am to 9pm
2. Face-to-Face Counselling: • Available Monday to Friday • Hours: 10am to 3pm

We strive to offer appointment times that fit your schedule. Our video-call and telephone options provide the most flexibility, allowing you to access support at times that best suit your needs.

Please note that specific availability may depend on individual counsellor schedules. When you book an appointment, we'll work with you to find a time that's convenient for you.

We've made booking your appointment or free introductory consultation quick and easy. You have three convenient options:

1. Email: info@the-cath.org.uk
2. Phone: 0114 303 6202
3. Online: Fill in our booking form

Whether you're scheduling a counselling session or booking a free introductory consultation, we're here to make the process as simple and convenient as possible for you.

Our team is dedicated to responding promptly to all inquiries. We'll work with you to find an appointment time that best fits your schedule.

Yes, we take confidentiality very seriously. You can trust that your personal information and conversations with our counsellors will be kept safe, secure, and confidential.

However, there are rare circumstances where confidentiality may need to be broken:

1. If you disclose information about an act of terrorism or money laundering.
2. If we are required to do so by a court of law or other legal mandate.
3. If the therapist believes you or others may be at risk of significant harm.
4. If there's reason to believe a child or vulnerable adult may be at risk of harm or neglect.

These exceptions to confidentiality are in place to ensure your safety and the safety of others. They are only invoked in serious situations and after careful consideration.

If you have any concerns or questions about confidentiality, we encourage you to discuss them with your counsellor.

How do video-call appointments work?

Our video-call appointments are designed to provide a face-to-face counselling experience that's simple, secure, and effective:

1. Accessing Your Session: • We'll email you a link for your scheduled appointment • Click the link from your phone, tablet, or laptop at the agreed time • No downloads or installations required
2. Visual Communication: • Cameras must remain on during counselling sessions • This allows for important non-verbal communication and body language cues • Essential for building rapport and ensuring effective therapy, especially for neurodivergent clients
3. Security and Privacy: • The video-call is secure and not recorded • Only you and your counsellor can access the session • Your counsellor has received extensive training in online therapy
4. Session Flexibility: • If needed, you can take a 5-minute break during the session • Feel free to have sensory items with you for comfort
5. Technical Requirements: • A device with a working camera, microphone, and internet access • A quiet, private space for your session

Our counsellors are specially trained in online therapy and neurodiversity-affirming practices to ensure you receive high-quality support. If you have any questions or concerns about video-call appointments, please don't hesitate to ask.

Power Diary is a secure digital platform we use to enhance your counselling experience:

Key Features:

1. Data Security: • Safely stores all your information • Fully compliant with GDPR regulations • Ensures your personal data is protected
2. Appointment Management: • Allows us to book and manage your appointments efficiently • Sends you automated appointment reminders
3. Administrative Tasks: • Generates and sends invoices • Handles other administrative communications

Benefits for You:

• Streamlined booking process
• Timely reminders to help you keep track of your appointments
• Secure storage of your personal information
• Easier management of invoices and payments

Our use of Power Diary is part of our commitment to providing you with a seamless, secure, and professional counselling experience. It helps us focus more on your care by efficiently managing administrative tasks.

If you have any questions about how we use Power Diary or about the security of your information, please don't hesitate to ask.