FAQ’s about Counselling and Therapy Services

Covent Garden Counselling FAQ’s

The following section provides responses to the most frequent FAQ’s about counselling and therapy services at Covent Garden Counselling:

  • When are you open?
    • From 8.0 a.m. to 8.0 p.m. during the week.
    • Saturday appointments on request
  • How quickly can you see me?
    • Every effort is made to offer an initial appointment within two days.
  • Can I just turn up?
    • No, sessions are by appointment only.
  • How long is each session?
    • One session is 50 minutes, but this can be extended to one and a half sessions (75 minutes) or two sessions (100 minutes), subject to availability.
    • Couples and families may prefer longer sessions.
  • How long is my commitment?
    • There is none beyond the current session. We do, however, consider that it is often useful for clients to agree to an initial series of six sessions to enable the development of a therapeutic plan.
  • How many sessions will I need?
    • This is difficult to assess prior to the initial consultation as individuals’ circumstances vary so much. On average, clients attend approximately twelve sessions.
  • Are appointments set at fixed weekly intervals?
    • Not necessarily. Subject to availability sessions can be booked to suit your own preference.
  • Are the counsellors registered/qualified?
    • Yes, each therapist is a fully qualified psychotherapist and is registered with UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy), a national standards body, and a member of COSRT (College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists)
  • Is the service confidential?
    • Yes, the content of sessions is wholly confidential according to ethical guidelines of UKCP. Only in extreme cases, such as if human life or children’s safety was at risk, would any contact be made with third parties.
  • Can I bring someone with me?
    • Yes, partners, friends and family members are welcome. Their presence is often useful.
  • What happens at the initial consultation?
    • The focus is on contracting the counselling relationship; explaining/experiencing the process; gathering relevant background information; identifying aims/goals.
    • An opportunity for the therapist to assess whether we can help. Some clients are referred on to other agencies.
    • A chance for clients to ask questions and to discover if they feel that they are “in the right place”.
  • What theoretical approach is used?
    • Within the practice there is broadly based theoretical expertise drawing on ideas from a variety of approaches, particularly “Systemic Family Therapy”.
  • Will the counsellor say anything?
    • Yes, the therapists actively participate in the conversation, both through questioning and by offering ideas, views, suggestions and comments.
  • Does the practice specialise in any particular area?
    • Relationships are the most frequently talked about subjects, both those that exist and those that don’t.
    • Issues related to sexual problems and difficulties
  • What do you offer for couples?
    • Couples come here for relationship counselling, often with the aim of staying together, but sometimes to decide whether to part. Divorce mediation is also available.
    • We offer services for those of all sexual orientations
  • Can families attend?
    • Yes, we offer family therapy.
  • Are there any issues that are not dealt with?
    • Chronic substance abuse and severe mental illness would be generally referred to specialist agencies.
  • Can I talk to the counsellor before they see me?
    • Therapists are available for brief telephone consultations until 9.00 p.m. each evening.
  • How successful is the process?
    • Most clients successfully meet their aims and achieve the changes they hoped for.
  • Is there a difference between counselling / psychotherapy?
    • There are many definitions. One view is that counselling deals with specific issues, often related to short term crisis. Psychotherapy addresses broader, longer-term issues.
    • For instance, relationship counselling would help a client overcome the effects of a particular relationship; psychotherapy would help the client to change relationship patterns in the future. Both are available.
  • What are the local public transport facilities?
    • Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Charing Cross and Embankment underground stations are all within five minutes walk.
    • Bus routes include: 6, 11, 13, 14, 15, 22, 23, 24, 87, 88, 139, 168, 189.
  • Can I park nearby?
    • There are public car parks in Bedfordbury and Upper St. Martins Lane.
    • Meters exist but vacant ones can be hard to find.
    • Note that Resident Bays are controlled 24 hours each day.
  • How do I find you?
    • The practice in the heart of Covent Garden, just a couple of minutes from both the Coliseum Theatre and Tesco Metro. 
    • The entrance is in Goodwin’s Court, a passageway opposite the Fast Copy shop on Bedfordbury.
    • A detailed local map is available.
  • How much does it cost and how do I pay?
    • Fees are based on a sliding scale according to income in order to make the service accessible to as many people as possible. 
    • Fees for couples are based upon their joint income.
    • Fees can be paid by cheque, in cash or online banking.