Covid poses "greatest threat to mental health since the second world war." Learn more about how we're supporting people during this challenging time.

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Covid poses "greatest threat to mental health since the second world war." Learn more about how we're supporting people during this challenging time.

Call us on 01922 922083 
COVID-19 InformationWorkplace Counselling
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How does therapy work?

Nobody should have to experience the challenges many of us have faced. We go through life facing one “bump” after another but oftentimes.
live in the present

Why should you speak with a counsellor?

Non-judgemental
We're trained to be non-judgemental, and we go into every counselling session with an open mind. Your life and your experiences are yours.
Confidential
What you share will never be used as water-cooler conversation. We won't share your story with our friends. Have confidence that we're discrete.
Commitment
We'll make a commitment to see you every week at an agreed time. We're reliable and the time allocated to you is yours.
Focus on you
We're not here to talk about us. The focus in every session is you and your wellbeing. You've got someone who's solely focussed on supporting your mental health.
Professional
We're trained to understand how to work effectively with people. We're also a member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) who ensures standards are kept high.
Less alone
Often, people feel unable to share their feelings and challenges with the people in their life. Having someone who is a complete stranger, who doesn't know you and won't judge you, can give you the freedom to talk about anything.
Living for the future

Benefits of therapy

  • Improved interpersonal relationships
  • Decreased depressive symptoms
  • Decreased anxiety symptoms
  • Improved quality of life
  • Improvement in emotional self-regulation
  • Reduction in substance misuse
a personalised approach for every client

How does therapy work?

Schedule your first appointment
For most people, this first step is the hardest. You're not crazy. You're not falling apart. You haven't failed. Seeking therapy is not an admission that you're weak.
Learn what to expect
We want you to know what to expect from the therapy. It's nothing to be worried about but definitely worth learning more.
Attend your first session
The initial consultation is a "finding out" pre-therapy meeting where you can tell us a little bit about your situation and what you would like to address. We'll also ask you to complete some paperwork.
Make Enquiry
or learn more of what to expect from therapy

Whilst face-to-face sessions are available upon request, most are currently taking place online through our video portal. You won't be required to install any software, and it's straightforward to use. Learn more about our online therapy option.

What to expect

What happens in your first session?

It's normal to wonder what you are about to get yourself into. Making that first step to go for counselling is a courageous step. Nerves, anxiety, fear, excitement, hope and many other feelings might be floating around. What will my counsellor be like? Will they understand how I'm feeling? So what should you expect in your first therapy session?

Your first session with the therapist will be different from future visits. The initial visit is an opportunity for you and your therapist to get to know each other and plan ahead.
Listen to your story and perhaps learn about what has brought you to counselling
Outline your goals and what you'd like to get from therapy
It may sound boring, but there will be some paperwork to fill out. Don't worry, you're not signing away your life
Strategise and plan ahead for the next couple of sessions
Arrange date and time for the next appointment
clients only

Check-in sessions

Between sessions – whether weekly, biweekly or monthly – you may want to get in touch with your therapist. Not for a full session, but to connect with them about something; you've had a breakthrough, a trigger has caused a spiral, or you'd like to bounce an idea off someone.

Our "Check-In Sessions" allow you to meet with your therapist for a short, potent 20-minute consultation. Diving straight into the issue at hand, your therapist will listen, unpack and provide support until your next planned session. These sessions are only available for current clients, and we offer one free "Check-In Session" to every client who makes the 3-session commitment.

Due to their conciseness, these sessions take place through our online video portal. Here's a summary of what you'll get:

Supportive appointment between sessions
First "Check-In Session" is free
Flexible session tailored to your needs
For clients only
HELPING YOU TO BE THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF

Frequently asked questions

What kind of problems can counselling help you with?

People find counselling helpful for different reasons including, but not limited to,

  • Abuse
  • Addiction
  • Anger
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Bereavement and loss
  • Carer responsibilities
  • Depression
  • Divorce
  • Eating disorders
  • Family issues
  • Health issues
  • Identity issue
  • Major life changes
  • OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)
  • Phobias and fears
  • Redundancy and work issues
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Sexuality
  • Trauma
  • Violence
  • Worry
Will the counsellor give you advice?
Your counsellor is not there to give you advice, tell you what to do or judge you in any way. The aim of counselling is to help you come to your own decision(s) because only you know how you feel in any given situation.
What if I miss a scheduled appointment?
We appreciate life can throw unexpected curveballs. If you're unable to attend, please let us know at the earliest opportunity. However, if you don't provide a minimum of 48 hours notice, you'll be charged at the session's full rate.
What happens at the initial assessment?

It will usually start with quite boring admin, like filling in the necessary forms with your personal details. We'll also ask you to talk a bit about why you're coming to counselling and what you hope to get out of it.

Additionally, initial assessments are a chance for you to check if we're the right fit for you. You might want to ask:

  • What's the waiting time?
  • What type of counselling do you offer?
  • What will a typical session be like?
  • Can you offer evening/weekend appointments?
  • Can I see a male/female counsellor?

It may be worth writing your questions down and bringing them with you; it's easy to forget them once you're actually in there.

What is CBT?

Defined by the NHS, "Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave."

It is one of the most effective treatments for conditions where anxiety or depression is the main problem. It is the most effective psychological treatment for moderate and severe depression and can be as effective as antidepressants.

However, it can also be used to treat several other mental health challenges. For more information about how CBT works, click here to visit NHS online.

What's the difference between talking to a friend and talking to a counsellor?

Sometimes talking to a friend can be helpful, and counsellors often encourage clients to speak with their family and friends. However, there are some disadvantages to using friends as your only confidants and support. Learn more about the differences between talking with your counsellor and a friend.

How soon will I start to notice things getting better?
Although it will probably take a little while for you to experience recovery from the problems that led you to seek out treatment, you'll likely notice some improvements early on.

Many clients will notice some gains in their general sense of wellbeing after just a few sessions. These early improvements may include increased hope and optimism, the relief that comes from sharing your challenges, and knowing that there is a way to overcome them.

Although these early gains are a good sign, they do not always signify lasting change. It typically takes continued sessions and effort to notice a more enduring reduction in your symptoms and for things to get back to normal in your life (i.e., at work or school, with family and friends).
Is everything I say confidential?
All information disclosed in therapy sessions is treated as confidential. However, there are specific instances in which it may be necessary to breach confidentiality. These are very rare, and we will discuss them in your first session. We will, wherever possible, inform you before taking this action.
Be the best version of you
Our mission is to enable this
Online & COVID-19 friendly
Book your first appointment
Fast and secure payments
We help individuals who are struggling to manage life’s challenges by providing therapeutic support to be the best version of themselves.
Copyright © 2020 Restoration Therapy. All rights reserved.
Be the best version of you
Our mission is to enable this
Online & COVID-19 friendly
Book your first appointment
Fast and secure payments
We help individuals who are struggling to manage life’s challenges by providing therapeutic support to be the best version of themselves.
Developed and managed by Ark Digital Agency.
Copyright © 2020 Restoration Therapy. All rights reserved.
Developed and managed by Ark Digital Agency.
Copyright © 2021 Restoration Therapy. All rights reserved.
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