Your questions answered

Yes — you will see the same counsellor at the same time every week for your sessions.

Counselling is offered in person at our Walton-on-Thames premises or online.

Sessions are available Monday to Friday, during the daytime and evenings. The earliest sessions begin at 9 am and the latest finish at 8 pm.

You should give as much notice as possible. You can arrange to miss two sessions during your counselling year without having to make your weekly contribution.

If you’re unhappy with any aspect of the service, you can email complaints@thecounsellingpartnership.org with details. Complaints are handled in line with their policy and the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy’s procedures.

If the counsellor cancels due to illness, holiday, etc., you’ll be notified as soon as possible and won’t be asked to make your weekly contribution for that missed session.

They support adults with issues including depression, anxiety, bereavement, anger, stress, abuse, loss, phobias, relationships, self-esteem, trauma and work or career-related issues, or food-related issues. They do not offer couples counselling or therapy for under-18s.

Yes — all counselling is confidential, in accordance with BACP guidelines.

Safeguarding and terrorist or illegal activity must be shared so full confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

After an initial consultation, you’ll be matched with a counsellor based on your needs and availability. Weekly sessions last 50 minutes and take place in person or online.

You begin with a block of six sessions and can extend up to a year if you wish. You are not tied in and can finish at any time (closing sessions are recommended).

Your journey starts with a safe, supportive, therapeutic Initial Consultation with a Senior Counsellor, where you can talk through your challenges, explore whether counselling is right for you and, if it is, arrange your ongoing, affordable 1-2-1 weekly sessions.

As a charity we kindly ask for donations to help cover our costs.

• Initial consultation: Minimum contribution of £35

• Ongoing counselling sessions: Where possible, we ask clients to contribute a minimum of £35 per session.

ou’re asked to make your weekly donation ahead of your session, usually via bank transfer or by bringing cash. Bank details are provided when booking your consultation.

We want our counselling services to be accessible to everyone.

Whilst private therapy typically costs £60–£110 per session, as a charity we simply ask for donations to help cover our costs.

Where possible, we ask clients to contribute a minimum of £35 per session.

If you are on low income or receiving benefits, you can chat to us about about making donations based on what you can afford.

No — GPs may suggest the service, but you don’t need a formal referral. You can contact the organisation directly via their enquiry form, email, or phone.

Yes — you can stop at any time during your counselling, though it’s recommended to arrange a closing session with your counsellor.

Yes — counsellors are fully qualified or at least two years into training, all hold a Certificate to Practise, are members of BACP or UKCP, and have DBS checks. Their work is supervised to ensure professional and ethical practice.