Counselling is available Mondays to Fridays

Sessions are by appointment and last for approximately 50 minutes

This free service is available for Women 16 years and over who are or have experienced or witnessed the effects of domestic violence

Why counselling?

During our lives many people, at sometime experience periods of change, which can result in intense feelings of confusion, stress, anxiety, anger, despair, grief, isolation and fear. Sometimes the combination of these changes and feelings can become difficult to come to terms with and may create dissatisfaction with life, leaving us with feelings that we have lost our sense of direction or purpose. These situations can often result in confusion and pressure making day to day situations more stressful. It is quite normal to go through difficult times. During these times we may be able to turn to relatives or friends for support but sometimes we may find it difficult to express how we really feel to people close to us. It is at times that counselling may be a useful tool.

What is counselling at My Sisters Place?

Counselling is when two individuals namely a counsellor and a client meet in a private and confidential setting in which together they explore a difficulty a client may be experiencing which is resulting in a degree of distress and dissatisfaction.

At My Sisters Place our counsellors will endeavour to create an environment in which you are respected and excepted as an individual and are able to talk freely and openly in a way that is rarely possible with friends and family. To explore and understand bottled up feelings in a safe and confidential environment with a person who neither judges, nor offers advice but works with you to find ways of coping with life’s problems. Helping you develop the inner resources needed to make changes that are right for you.

How do I arrange to see a Counsellor?

This can be done by phone, in-person or referral by any other agencies you may be in contact with. Some details will be taken regarding ways to contact you when a session becomes available and you will be placed on our counselling list. When a session becomes available you will be contacted by phone, letter or both with an appointment time and date togther with the name of the counsellor you will be seeing.

What will happen the first time I see a Counsellor?

The first appointment is an initial introductory session. This is an opportunity for you to discuss your expectations with the counsellor or ask any questions which you might have relating to the counselling. The counsellor will explain matters regarding confidentiality, duration of the sessions, availability and models of counselling used at My Sisters Place. At the end of the session you will be able to decide whether or not counselling feels right for you at that time and if it is how you wish to proceed. There is no obligation to continue after this session.

What happens if I don't feel comfortable with the Counsellor?

You have the right to request to see another My Sisters Place counsellor without explanation.

How long will I need counselling?

This depends on you, the counsellor and the issue or issues presented. While deep-rooted problems may need weekly sessions over several months, short term counselling for a specific problem may only take a few weekly sessions. In some cases one visit will be all that is needed. This will be discussed and negotiated with your counsellor and reviewed on an on-going basis.

Can I stop the counselling at anytime?

You are able to terminate or suspend your counselling at anytime. Even if sessions have been agreed we understand that situations and feelings change and the needs of counselling may change. The choice always remains at your own discretion. If you have arranged a session and are not able to attend you can call to re-arrange or inform us of your intention to terminate or suspend counselling.

In the event of termination or suspension of counselling you may choose to stay or be removed from the waiting list. If you choose to stay on the list you will be contacted when the next session becomes available. If however, you have arranged an appointment and do not attend without informing us, it will be assumed that you no longer wish to continue at that time and the session will be re-allocated. In any event this in no way stops you from accessing the service at any time in the future.

Will the counsellor tell me what to do?

At My Sisters Place our counsellors are qualified and highley experienced in dealing with a wide range of issue's. Our counsellors are professional and ethical in their work and adhere to and operate within the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy Ethical Framework for Good Practice and within My Sisters Place counselling policies and procedures.They are committed to their own on-going development and training and recieve regular supervision in order to maintain professional standards throughout their practice.

My Sister's Place Counselling Service Philosophy

We respect the autonomy and self-governance of the individual and believe in the encouragement and support of self directed change through choice, decision and action.

We believe in the ability of the individual to understand and overcome adversity and to find within the necessary tools to affect positive change within their own lives.

The My Sisters Place Counselling Service will endeavour to provide an enviroment in which the individual feels safe to explore their difficulties and express their true thoughts and feelings within an atmoshpers of safety, mutual respect, acceptance and belief in order to realise their own potential for personal change.

My Sister's Place

Counselling Team