Frequently Asked Questions about Rainbow Counselling Services

About the Counselling/Coaching

How much does a session cost?

A session of counselling or coaching costs £50 for individuals and £60 for couples. We are open and accessible. We want to reach people who otherwise would not be able to afford counselling. If this applies to you please indicate on the contact form when you apply for counselling.

How many sessions do you offer?

Different therapists work in different ways. This is something that you can decide together with your therapist at the first assessment appointment. Typically, six sessions can be offered as an initial starting point.

How long is each session?

Each session is usually 50 minutes long.

How long will I have to wait?

We usually try to match you with an available therapist straight away. If you are wanting to see a particular therapist there may be a wait depending on their availability. On occasions if we are exceptionally busy there may be a wait for a therapist but we will try to minimise this as much as possible.

What if I want to stop my sessions?

You are welcome to end the sessions at any time however we would recommend discussing this with your therapist wherever possible as it could be that talking about the reasons may help.

Choice of Appointments

Can I choose who I want to see?

Yes, please look at the individual profiles and the differences between counselling and coaching. Alternatively, if you have no preference you will be matched with the first available therapist who will meet your requirements.

Can I choose the location of the sessions?

Yes, please look at the individual profiles or ask on the initial enquiry if you prefer being seen in a particular area. Please note we are limited in the areas we can offer but try to accommodate any requests where possible.

Can I see a female therapist?

Yes, you can request this on your initial enquiry.

Do you do evening appointments?

Yes, some of our therapists are able to offer evening appointments or ones on particular days. Please refer to the individual profiles or ask when you book an appointment.

Confidentiality

Are the sessions confidential?

Yes, the sessions are confidential. There are some exceptions which will be explained to you on the initial assessment. Information is usually only shared where required by law, for example if there is a risk of harm to yourself or to another person or child. Additionally, all therapist’s work must be supervised by another therapist which may involve sharing non-identifiable information in a confidential manner in order to aid the therapy by offering support and guidance to the therapist. Your therapist would try to talk with you first and their supervisor before sharing any information.

Do you keep records?

Each therapist works in different ways but in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This will be explained further on initial assessment. Records of your demographic data will be kept securely by the therapist in order to be able to contact you and work safely. Brief records may also be kept of individual sessions for the therapist to refer to, these are usually anonymous and kept locked away. These notes can be seen upon request.

How will my data be stored?

Each therapist works in different ways but in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Information to contact you including phone numbers and email addresses may be stored on password protected devices such as phones and computers during the counselling. Written information is kept locked away and stored usually for a number of years, typically 7, after which it is confidentially disposed of. More information will be provided on initial assessment and on our Privacy Policy available on this website.

The Therapists

Are all therapists adequately trained?

All therapists are adequately trained in counselling or coaching. Please refer to the individual profiles for further information. All therapists are also either registered members or accredited with recognised UK governing bodies for counselling or coaching and abide by their code of ethics.

What approach do therapists use?

Different therapists work in different ways. Some information is provided on the individual profiles. The website also details the difference between counselling and coaching. Alternatively, please ask upon initial enquiry or assessment if you would be interested in seeing a therapist who works in a particular way or using a particular model of therapy.