COMMUNITY COUNSELLING SERVICE

Ever thought of talking to a Counsellor and want to know what to expect? Some questions and answers on the Mind in Waltham Forest Community Counselling Service.

WHAT IS COUNSELLING?
It is the opportunity to share your difficulties with a counsellor and to look at and work towards resolving your problem situation.

IS COUNSELLING FOR ME?
Many people experience difficulties in everyday life, in relationships, at home or at work. Sometimes these can get on top of you and no matter how hard you try, you seem unable to resolve them. They interfere with your life and make you unhappy. It is at this point that it may be helpful to see a counsellor.

WHAT WILL THE COUNSELLOR THINK OF ME?
Counsellors are trained to listen to you, accept and understand your feelings. They will not judge you or be critical of whatever you tell them.

IS IT CONFIDENTIAL?
Counselling sessions are confidential. In your first session your counsellor will go through MIND in Waltham Forest's policy on confidentiality and tell you about any exceptions to the policy.

WHAT HAPPENS AT COUNSELLING SESSIONS?
During counselling you can talk about whatever it is that is troubling you and the thoughts and feelings causing you worry. You can then explore, with your counsellor, the changes that you could make which would work for you.

WILL THE COUNSELLOR TELL ME WHAT TO DO?
Counsellors aim to see your difficulties as you see them and not impose any advice or treatment. In this way you make your own choices and decide what you can do to resolve your difficulties.

WHAT DO I DO TO GET A COUNSELLING APPOINTMENT?
You may either phone or call in at MIND's offices in Leyton. You will then be offered your first counselling session as soon as a Counsellor becomes available. You can also fill in a referral form online and email it to Mind. [Click here to link to the Referral Form]

HOW LONG ARE SESSIONS AND HOW MANY WILL I NEED?
The Community Counselling Service offers one hour sessions once a week. Usually you will meet for 6 sessions after which your needs will be reviewed.

DO YOU SEE EVERYONE WHO NEEDS COUNSELLING?
We see all those who contact us. However, after the first session we may feel that it would be more appropriate to refer someone to another organisation that is better equipped to deal with certain problems.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS AN APPOINTMENT?
If you are unable to keep an appointment, please give us at least 24 hours notice during office hours. You do not have to give any reason.

DO YOU HAVE BLACK/ASIAN COUNSELLORS?
Yes we do. Please ask if you wish to have a Black or Asian counsellor. The same applies if you wish to see a man, a woman, a lesbian woman or a gay man.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The Community Counselling Service is free.

WHERE DOES COUNSELLING TAKE PLACE?
Counselling takes place in counselling rooms in a private and comfortable environment.

WHAT HOURS ARE YOU OPEN?
The Community Counselling Service operates between on Monday to Friday starting at 10:15am and finishing at 9:15pm.
On Saturday it starts at 10:15am and finishes at 1:45pm.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT TO MAKE A COMPLAINT?
We believe that everyone has the right to27-Jun-2008age people to come forward and complain in order that we can make sure we provide the service that people want. Please ring and talk to our Complaints Officer if you need to.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
MIND actively opposes oppression and discrimination against people because of their sex, race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age, religious beliefs, class, relationship status, HIV status, because they are responsible for dependants or because they are or have been in contact with mental health services.

If you would like Counselling or just need further information - you can either write, phone or Email -

MIND IN WALTHAM FOREST
388-392 High Road
Leyton, London
E10 6QE
020 8556 9621

We welcome any suggestions you have about the Service.

HOW TO GET TO MIND IN WALTHAM FOREST
There is parking in nearby Sedgwick and Buckland Rds and buses 58, 69, 97 and 158 stop outside. Leyton Underground Station is about a ten minute walk away.

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