SOUTH DEVON
Counselling
Counselling provides the opportunity for people to explore their thoughts in a safe, confidential, non-judgemental and supportive environment.
The counselling relationship aims to assist the client to resolve conscious conflicts with the focus on setting goals and problem solving. Counselling ensures that each appointment is centred around the client and their needs.
- Some reasons for seeking Counselling
- Feeling lonely, anxious or depressed.
- In need of understanding and support.
- Feeling stuck with no way forward.
- Looking for purpose, meaning and/or a new direction in life.
- Having difficulties or problems with relationships.
- Dissatisfied and fed up with life at home or work.
- Experiencing a loss or bereavement.
Setting up an appointment to see a counsellor
Appointments can be made over the phone, by letter or calling into the office. We are also happy to accept third party referrals.
Your first appointment will be an informal chat with the counselling manager to talk through the issues that you may bring to counselling as well as to answer any questions or concerns that you may have.
Your first counselling appointment will then be arranged at a date and time that best suits you.
Individual sessions last for fifty minutes although this time may be lowered to suit your needs.
We will usually offer six sessions before carrying out a review and then sessions will continue if required with reviews after every two or three sessions.
The service is free of charge although donations are welcome.
Email: counselling@cdpsd.org.uk
Befriending
This free service introduced in 2009 has been put together as a result of client feedback.
It is a worthwhile service which aims to offer individuals a safe space to simply talk about whatever they wish.
Our friendly volunteers have excellent listening skills and are able to provide the service in a confidential way.
- What does befriending involve ?
- Creating a safe environment
- Becoming a friend to a client
- Listening
- Being Non-Judgemental
- Non Advice Giving
- Understanding that the client is the expert in their own life
- Trust
- Equal Relationship
- What befriending is not
- Counselling
- Therapy
- Advice
- What skills are involved ?
- Listening Skills
- Good Communication
- Empathy (Stepping into your clients shoes)
- Congruence (Honesty)
- Unconditional Positive Regard (Non-judgemental)
Confidentiality
Anything talked about during befriending remains confidential between you and your client.
The exceptions are if the client indicates harm to themselves or indicates harm to another client or talks about a criminal act with intent.