Need To Talk?

Counselling, often known as 'talking therapy' provides skilled listening in a safe and confidential environment. This will enable discussion of sensitive issues which can emerge over time in an atmosphere of trust.

The purpose of the counselling process is to allow us to explore emotional difficulties in a way that opens up opportunities for a more resourceful and satisfying way of life.

We work within the ethical framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. We offer 'short term' or 'open ended' counselling depending on what is appropriate for you. If you suffer from:

• Anxiety Disorder
• Depression
• Confidence and Self Esteem
• Bereavement
• Post-natal depression
• Anger issues
• Phobias
• Relationship problems
• Chronic Fatigue
• Work-related Stress
• Transgender issues
• Issues around sexuality

Our Fee Based Counselling Service is open to anyone who can travel to either our Southend or Chelmsford offices.

Our Counsellors

Our counsellors work in a variety of ways, for example, using integrative psychotherapy. If you think a particular counselling model would be best for you, please discuss this during your assessment. When you meet your counsellor you will have the opportunity to ask them how they work. Many of our counsellors are in the final years of their training as counsellors or psychotherapists. They donate their time as part of their training and this allows us to offer counselling at a reduced fee in some circumstances.

All our counsellors undergo a DBS check and receive regular supervision. 

The first counselling appointment

Your first appointment is an assessment interview during which the counsellor will consider your needs and the appropriate counselling method which will best suit you.

Once a counsellor has been allocated to you, you will be offered 6 sessions of 50 minutes after which the effectiveness of the counselling will be evaluated by your counsellor and their supervisor. An extension of the counselling period may be agreed but still subject to regular reviews. On rare occasions such as illness, a new counsellor may be offered.

Ending the counselling sessions

It is usual for counselling to have a planned ending but the client has the right at any time to terminate the counselling and in this event as much notice as possible should be given. South East and Central Essex Mind may terminate counselling if, after discussion with you, it is felt that further counselling would either be inappropriate or without benefit to the client.

Confidentiality during counselling

High standards of care and confidentiality will be maintained about information concerning clients. Information about clients will usually only be communicated to others if the client has given consent. In exceptional circumstances, a counsellor may disclose confidential information to others without consent in order to protect you or others from serious harm, or when legally required to do so.

South East and Central Essex Mind does not and cannot provide assessments or reports to anyone outside of the session; in particular, no information can be used in any legal proceedings.

Fees

Our Fee Based Counselling Service is open to anyone who can travel to our Southend office. The assessment fee is £40, the fee for sessions will be negotiated in assessment and based upon your income and ability to pay. We work on a sliding scale of between £20 and £50 per session.

Evening appointments cost more than daytime appointments and are almost always charged at full price. You woul normally be expected to pay for every session, however if you cannot make your appointment and no notice is given then the full fee will be charged. If 48 hours notice is given, a fee of £10 is charged. 

If you wish to contact us then please visit our 'Contact Us' page.