Frequently Asked Questions
Guidance to help you feel informed and comfortable before your first session. (Recreate Therapy, Barton)
About Recreate Therapy in Barton Upon Humber
What is Counselling?
Counselling is a talking therapy where you meet with a trained professional to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space. Its purpose isn’t to tell you what to do or to “fix” you, but to help you:
- Understand yourself better
- Make sense of difficult emotions or situations
- Develop coping strategies
- Feel supported while finding your own answers
What does CBT mean?
CBT stands for cognitive behavioural therapy. This is a talking therapy that helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected.
It teaches you to spot unhelpful or negative thinking patterns and challenge them.
You then learn practical ways to change your behaviour and respond differently to situations.
It’s usually structured, short-term, and focused on solving current problems rather than exploring the past.
If therapy has not worked for me before 'should' I try again?
Each therapist is different, which offers a new experience each time you try again.
Readiness is the biggest part of your decision; are you more ready than you were before?
Some counsellors may remind you of someone you know, or you may not feel comfortable and not know the reason why. I believe that there is somebody for everybody.
Is returning to therapy negative?
Returning to therapy can be a way of checking in with your mental well-being; how could this possibly be a negative choice?
Our minds are so complex, our lives are always changing; taking time for your own well-being is a positive choice.
Is therapy right for me if I don't know why I feel the way I do?
If you're unsure why you feel the way that you do, therapy is absolutely the right choice. Let's work through this together.
Am I too old or too young?
I work with children, teenagers, adults, couples and older people. You're never too old to reflect and understand/improve your understanding of yourself; this is simply maintaining mental well-being.
What does person-centred counselling mean?
Person-centred counselling focuses on helping individuals explore their own thoughts and feelings. A counsellor provides empathy, honesty, and non-judgmental support, so that they can understand themselves and grow when given the right environment.
How will I know therapy is helping me?
After six sessions (or before) we review how helpful therapy is for you and whether continuing is helpful.
Reviews offer time for reflection and to notice growth!
We may decide together that your therapy could benefit from changing direction, which could be more meaningful.
Helpfulness - you may notice that:
-You begin to understand your thoughts and feelings more clearly.
-You cope better with stress and everyday challenges.
-You feel more comfortable opening up during sessions.
-You notice gradual positive changes in your confidence or relationships.
Starting Therapy & Feeling Nervous
What if I don't know what to say?
There is no script. I have worked with adults and children who feel anxious, unable to make eye contact and others who appear confident. We find a way to work together; some clients prefer to bring something with them to distract them or a comforter of some kind. (Knitting, sensory toys, a person for the first half an hour, a teddy, whatever feels comfortable for you).
What if I don't like talking because I feel awkward?
I believe that we all have ways we communicate: talking, joking, being creative, expression through music, play or reading diary entries. I am confident that together we will find a way.
What if I decide that I do not want to continue therapy?
There is no obligation to enter into or continue therapy if you choose not to.
I am worried I may uncontrollably cry
Allowing yourself to process emotion is part of therapy; some people feel sad, angry, frustrated, numb, confused or even laugh at situations where humour feels awkward. There is no set way to feel, and we are all uniquely different and will be fully accepted for who we are.
I am afraid of coming into the building because of my anxiety.
I can send a video of the building and share pictures of the room we will sit in together.
I can send video introductions of myself.
We can agree where we will meet - some people like to meet outside of the building and walk in together.
I will always wait in the reception to greet you.
What is the 15-minute call/video? And is it free?
Every potential client has the offer of a free 15-minute informal contact by phone or video link. There is no obligation to continue therapy thereafter.
This free time is for us to get to know one another and ask any queries we may have. Some clients use the full 15 minutes, and others are happy to book after 5 minutes; this time is yours.
What if I don't have anything traumatising to share and I merely want someone to talk?
Many people come to counselling with no agenda other than they want a free thinking/sharing space to reflect and grow within themselves. Some clients are open to see where their journey goes with no agenda. Whereas others come with an agenda and idea of what they hope to achieve. The time is yours to use how you feel works best for you.
Sessions & How Therapy Works
How many sessions will I need?
This depends entirely on your involvement, willingness for change and individual wanta. Some clients attend for a set amount of time, some long term and some monthly check ins. Some clients attend weekly, biweekly and monthly. Some check in as and when after they feel therapy has finished for them.
Do we have a contract or agreement?
If you decide I am the right therapist for you I send across a therapy agreement which can be altered to meet needs with discussions.
What if I find that therapy doesn't work for me?
Sometimes people simply do not match one another and that's okay. There is no pressure to pursue any further sessions unless you want to.
Can we meet if I have other agency involvement
We can discuss what support you have in place and this all depends what agency it is.
It is not advisable to overlap therapists or techniques. It is not advisable to overlap CAMHS support, another therapy or crisis support unless advised otherwise.
Confidentiality, Records & Safeguarding
Do I have to share everything with you?
You are in control of what you choose to and not too share with me.
Do you share what we talk about with anybody?
I have monthly supervisions with my supervisor this is an ethical requirement - I do not share identifying information.
Do you write about me and can I see these notes?
Every client has a unique 10 letter and digit reference to annonoymise your identity. Only myself and you know this.
How long do you keep records for?
I follow the advise of the NCPS and keep client records:
Adults - 7 years after the end of therapy.
Children - up to the age of 25 years or for 7 years after therapy whichever comes first.
Where are my details stored
Data is stored on the secure, encrypted cloud server - Microsoft OneDrive that only i have access to.
What are the conditions for sharing information without my consent first?
I am bound by ethical framework NCPS, I can only share content that is of harm to yourself or others, acts of terrorism, money laundering or criminal involvement. I always aim to discuss this with you first.
Signing in and privacy
When entering the building there is a safety requirement to sign in - as I am already signed into the building and I am responsible for your safety whilst we are together. So I add a 'X1' to my name on the signing in sheet -no client names are used.
Do you have to tell my GP or anyone else I am doing therapy?
I do not need to tell anybody you are in private therapy. I am bound by the data protection 2018. If you want to inform your GP that is your choice.
Children, Teenagers & Families
Do you offer child care? Can my children come in the therapy room.
Non-mobile babies and breast feeding are welcome into the room. We will review how this is working as baby grows.
I am not in the position to offer free childcare support this will be for you to organise.
Practical Information
How do I pay?
Payment details are outlined in our client and counsellor agreement.
Financial difficulty and reductions
If you are experiencing financial difficulty and wish to continue therapy, I do offer a reduced fee for pensioners, students and low-income families (£21,000 or less). Some charities will pay for sessions for you; this is for you to research as charities are always changing.
Contact
Our client and counsellor agreement outlines the terms of contact outside of sessions and the limitations of this.
Is there a dress code?
No, please dress however you feel comfortable.
Will you call me my preferred name?
Yes, I am happy to address you by your preferred name throughout our sessions together.
Cancellations
There is a cancellation section outlined in our agreement, which you will be sent to read and jointly agree to alongside myself. Paper copies and reading support is also offered.
Location & Accessibility
Toilet access, baby changing, lifts, wheelchair friendly
Waters Edge offers disability parking spaces at the front of the building close to the entrance (see below); the building is wheelchair/disability friendly.
Our therapy room is on the second floor; however, there is lift access.
Male, female and disabled toilets are available as well as baby changing facilities.
Parking and cost
Parking is free at Watersedge visitor centre and is not time-limited.
Communication & Language
Can you offer counselling in any other language?
I only speak English. I cannot offer alternative language support; however, I am happy to discuss you bringing your own interpreter.
Professional Standards
Do you have a police check?
Yes, I have an enhanced disclosure check carried out by the Digital Barring System (DBS), I am on the yearly update service. A copy of this can be seen upon request.
Are you insured?
Yes, I am insured and covered by Everwhen Insurance for professional risks. This can be seen upon request.
How do I complain?
Before our initial paid session together, complaint details and contacts are outlined on our client and counsellor agreement. You keep a copy of this and can access these details at any time.
Who Comes to Therapy
Do males attend?
Absolutely yes. For example my cases are approximately 60% female and 40% male most of the time.