What is counselling?
Counselling is a form of therapy that gives you the chance to talk about your problems in a safe, trusting and comfortable environment. Counselling is all about you, its about finding the best ways for you to get the most out the session, whether that’s by drawing, playing games or going for a ‘walk and talk’ where we can go out somewhere to get a bit of fresh air whilst we have a chat. The counsellors are professionals, trained to listen and try to understand how you feel. What’s good is that our counsellors are trained in many different methods of therapy, that means we can find the best possible therapy for you.
How can YoutherapY help me?
We offer counselling for young people from the age of 11-25. We can offer support in many different areas such as:
• Feeling anxious
• Feeling depressed
• If you are being bullied (at school or work)
• If you have suffered a loss in the family (bereavement)
• Family situations
• Pregnancy
• Sexuality and gender identity
• Self-harm
We are not here to judge; we are here to provide a safe, confidential environment for you to discuss those issues you may struggle with.
But what’s confidentiality?
That’s a good question. Confidentiality is the thing that keeps the conversation with you and your counsellor private, meaning that if you don’t want people to know, then they won’t. This gives you the chance to talk openly and get everything you need to off your chest. Sometimes we may have to share information, not to gossip, but to make sure that you are safe and not a danger to yourself or anybody else. Don’t worry, your counsellor will always tell you when this may need to happen.
At their first session, some people may want to bring somebody along with them for a little bit of support, that’s absolutely fine, what ever makes you feel comfortable, but you can attend alone, its your choice.
How do I make an appointment?
You don’t need to be referred by someone else, you can refer yourself, If you feel like counselling would help you in anyway, get in touch!
• Phone us on 0800 121 7762, Option 3
• Attend a drop-in session at 26 Talbot Road, Blackpool on Wednesdays, 3pm-5pm
After I make a referral:
You will be asked to come along for an initial assessment. This may sound strange, but it is the chance for you to come along, tell us what the problem is so we can get an idea of the best support we can offer. It also gives you the chance to come and meet some of the team at YoutherapY and ask any further questions that may be on your mind.
If you feel like you could benefit from our support, you can give it a try by coming to our drop-in service on a Wednesday, this is not a full session, it’s a 20-minute chat with one of our counsellors, to help you understand and decide whether you think you could use the help we offer.
What’s it like going to a counselling appointment?
When you attend our centre for an appointment, our receptionist will greet you and let your counsellor know that you have arrived.
You will wait in our waiting area and your counsellor will come and collect you. If family or friends come with you to the appointment, they will be able to wait for you in the waiting area. Sometimes, if the waiting area is busy, we ask family and friends if they can come back for you after your appointment.
Your counselling appointments will be one to one and not in a group. They usually last for between 50 minutes and an hour.
You may feel you just want to come to one or two appointments but you will decide how often and for how long you will meet as you begin your sessions.
Your counsellor will help you to talk about yourself. It may feel strange at first but a lot of children and young people tell us they soon get used to it and the time goes by quickly. Talking is one of the things that can really help when you’re worried and stressed.
Further information
What we can not offer? We are not an urgent service and cannot offer ongoing support. If you are really struggling to keep yourself safe or you feel that you might be a risk to someone else you must contact your GP to discuss an urgent referral. We are unable to prescribe medication or produce reports for benefit claims, if you require assistance with any of these please contact your GP.
