FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I choose a counsellor?
Finding a counsellor who feels right for you is very important. Before you commit to a counselling relationship, we recommend you meet with several counsellors. Then trust your gut. Who feels right for you? Who do you feel most comfortable talking to?
All of our counsellors offer a free initial 50-minute session, in order to help you make this decision. And many other counsellors will offer this or something similar.
How do I know if my counsellor is qualified?
A qualified counsellor will be registered with a reputable professional governing body, the two largest of which are BACP and UKCP. You should be able to find your counsellor listed on that organisation’s website. All our counsellors are registered with the British Association of Counselling Psychotherapy (BACP), and can be found in their register.
How long will I need counselling for?
This is different for everyone. We do recommend an initial 6 sessions. However, there is no fixed number of sessions you need to commit to, and you can stop at any time. Some people find that their issues are resolved with a few sessions, whereas for others this may take months or sometimes even longer. Also some people find open-ended, ongoing counselling useful, and may stay in counselling for years. Our counsellors will review your counselling with you regularly, to check that it is still useful for you, and that you are getting what you want from it, and if there is anything you would like to be done differently.
Do I have to talk about my childhood?
No, unless you want to. It’s up to you what you want to talk about. As Person Centred counsellors we are entirely led by you. We consider you the expert on your own experience. You will decide what’s relevant.
What is Person Centre counselling?
As Person Centred counsellors, we will not try to analyse you, fix you or tell you what to do. Instead we try to provide you with the conditions for growth by offering warmth, acceptance and honesty. We believe that our role in your journey is to be present and alongside you, offering a safe and open-hearted space where you feel free to explore whatever brings you to therapy.
How confidential are my sessions?
We take confidentiality very seriously. The content of your sessions is between yourself and your therapist. However we may need to break confidentially if there is a significant risk of serious harm to yourself and others, including issues relating to child protection and vulnerable adults, but we will discuss this with you first if at all possible. We may also be legally required to share information relating to serious crime, such as terrorism, drug-trafficking, and money laundering.
What happens if I can’t attend an appointment?
We realise that people have busy lives and things can come up. We do ask for at least 24 hours’ notice of a cancellation. If you cancel with less notice, we will generally expect you to pay for the session.
How did you come up with your name?
Poplar trees have a symbolism which we find very resonant with Person Centred counselling. They are known for their ability to regenerate making them a symbol of growth and new beginnings. They are resilient and can thrive in a wide variety conditions, demonstrating a capacity to adapt to life’s challenges and to embrace change.
