Counselling, Supervision and Training FAQs
Counselling FAQs
There is still an idea that exists within our society that people seeking counselling is a sign of weakness. It can be hard to ask for help, but doing exactly this is the first step in addressing and resolving whatever is troubling you. Here are some of the questions you may have if you’re thinking about seeing a counsellor.
What is counselling?
Counselling is an opportunity to explore your feelings and discover what lies behind anything that is troubling you. Or it can be an opportunity to explore and discover better ways of living that increase your well-being. Counselling is not about giving advice and a counsellor will not judge you in any way. Rather, a counsellor works with you to help you make decisions and changes that are right for you.
What is the difference between counselling and Wild Therapy?
Wild therapy encompasses viewing ourselves as part of a wider ecosystem, connected to and dependent on all other elements in our world, and how all these elements mutually respond to each other.
There is an emphasis on working with how things are rather than pushing against or controlling our world and working outdoors in and with the natural environment. Spending time outdoors and slowing down to the pace of the land with a therapist trained and experienced in this approach allows space for reflection, restoration and connection, to ourselves as well as our surroundings and between client and therapist.
Who are the counsellors?
Headstrong is staffed by a team of professionally trained and widely experienced counsellors. We work to the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy Ethical Framework, a copy of which can be downloaded here:
Is counselling just one to one?
Group therapy is an effective way of working with differences and learning from others but at Headstrong our primary offer is counselling on an individual basis. This can be in person or online.
How can I see a counsellor?
Our counsellors operate in a number of areas across Kent. You can request to see a counsellor over the telephone, or by email
How long is each session?
Each session is 50 minutes.
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 relationship with the counsellor and a clearer idea of what you would like help with.
How many sessions will I need?
This is difficult to assess prior to the initial consultation as individuals’ circumstances vary so much. Most commonly, people will work with a counsellor, therapist for 12-20 session and in most cases will achieve their goals. But longer term therapy is preferred or needed by some.
Are appointments set at fixed weekly intervals?
Not necessarily. Subject to availability sessions can be booked to suit your own preference but our experience is that most prefer a regular time and day.
Are the counsellors registered/qualified?
Yes, each therapist is a fully qualified counsellor and is registered/ accredited with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Is the Counselling confidential?
Yes, the content of sessions is wholly confidential according to ethical framework of the BACP. There are legal and ethical exceptions but these will be clearly explained to you during the initial session and will comprise part of the contract between you and your counsellor. But nothing would ever be shared outside of the counselling sessions without talking to you first.
What happens at the initial session?
The focus will be on contracting the counselling relationship, experiencing how the counsellor works, gathering relevant background information and identifying any goals that you have. It is also an opportunity for clients to ask questions.
Are there any issues that your counsellors can’t work with?
Our counsellors are experience and well trained in many areas but if we believe that we don’t have the skillset to help you, we will help you find a counsellor or service that can.
Can I talk to the counsellor before they see me?
This can be arranged.
Supervision FAQs
What is counselling supervision and clinical supervision?
Supervision is a mandatory professional requirement for all practising counsellors and therapists, with different professional bodies specifying the frequency and duration of this. A supervisor will be another more experienced counsellor who may hold specific qualifications in supervision. The role of the supervisor is to help the counsellor monitor the work with their clients to ensure that it meets professional, ethical and moral requirements. All of this is undertaken within a formal, confidential relationship and a professional working agreement. It is also an environment in which the counsellor can reflect on their practice and receive education and support with the development of their skills.
Clinical supervision is also widely recommended, if not essential, for anyone in helping professions for example, support workers, mental health nurses, social workers, substance misuse workers, probation officers (this list is not exhaustive).
Although not mandatory for those involved in pastoral and helping work but this type of regular support is recommended to ensure safe and effective practice. Work of this kind can be lonely and demanding, but the nature of it means that confidentiality and accountability are very important. Pastoral support can be invaluable in assisting the worker to manage and address the difficult issues that arise from the work, enabling them to care for themselves and their clients.
Are your supervisors qualified?
It is not compulsory for supervisors to hold a specific qualification in supervision but they will have a number of years of counselling experience. But at Headstrong we do require our supervisors to hold a supervision qualification, either to diploma level or equivalent (or to be working towards that qualification). This provides you with an assurance that they have met specific professional and practice related expectations and can offer their supervisees the best experience in supervision. Our supervisors all receive regular supervision for their own supervision from an appropriately qualified professional.
What kind of supervision and support do your offer?
We are able to work with supervisees of different therapeutic modalities including Person Centred, Humanistic and Integrative. They each work with a specific model of supervision, such as Page and Wosket’s ‘Cyclical Model’ or Hawkins and Shoet’s Seven Eyed Model’. Our supervisors can offer one to one or group supervision for counsellors and the same for any of the helping professions.
What if I don’t like working with my supervisor or I feel that the work isn’t helpful?
If you have any issues with your supervision, we suggest that you discuss these with your supervisor initially. However, if you find this difficult we would invite you to speak with Sarah or Terry, if this feels more appropriate. But you have the right to end your supervisory relationship at any-time, and we are happy to help you to explore other options and the best way forward for you.
How confidential is the supervision and support you offer?
All the information that you share with your supervisor and at the initial appointment will be treated as confidential. Confidentiality will only be broken in certain circumstances and these exceptions will be discussed with you at your initial appointment.
Training FAQs
What sort of training can you offer?
Our primary training offer is listed on our training page, but we can provide a wide variety of training related to counselling and the helping professions.
What if I’m not sure what training I/we need?
At Headstrong we can work with you, starting from scratch and establishing the requirements for the individual or organisation, creating a clear set of training objectives. What we would call a Training Needs Assessment (which we would provide free of charge). From group training to one to ones we can ensure that your needs are met and all training courses can be tailored to your requirements and budget.
Who have you provided training for in the past?
Our trainers have provided training for nurses, social workers, youth workers, local authority staff, occupational therapists, GPs, teachers and school pastoral staff, parent groups, university staff and students.