Question 1

What is Eastleigh Youth Counselling Service?

Accepted Answer

Eastleigh Youth Counselling Service provides you with a Counsellor who can give you the time and space to talk about the things you want to. We are trained to listen. We are offer counselling to those aged 11 - 19 years old living in the Eastleigh District and Southern Parishes (Post codes: SO50, SO53, SO30, SO31, SO18-West End). We offer a free, confidential and non-judgemental service, so it won’t cost you anything. We will keep what you say private unless you or someone else is in danger.    Counselling is about helping you make sense of your thoughts and feelings. Helping you to look at difficulties and problems you may be experiencing and helping you to work through concerns.  We are able to help you feel better about your life and to help you cope with possible future problems.

Question 2

What can I expect?

Accepted Answer

All of our young people will have an initial assessment lasting up to 30 minutes with a trained Counsellor.    If counselling is the way forward then a plan will be made for future sessions and you will be put on our Counselling waiting list for ongoing counselling sessions.   If it is felt that counselling is not appropriate, then we will attempt to signpost you to alternative services.   On your first counselling session you will meet your Counsellor for the first time.  Your Counsellor will want to get a well rounded idea of what issues you are facing. They may ask you why you have decided to come to counselling or why someone may have referred you to counselling. They will likely ask you about your family life, school or college experiences or childhood to get an idea of who you are.    The sessions will be at your own pace, there is no rush and no expectation on you to say or do anything you don’t want to.  You Counsellor will also be able to answer any questions you have about counselling.

Question 3

How long do I have to wait to be seen?

Accepted Answer

Our wait times can vary depending on a few things, so we cannot give you an exact time. However, it can be anywhere between 10 - 20 weeks.  Please see our FAQ on ‘What help can I get whilst I am waiting to be seen?'

Question 4

How many sessions can I have?

Accepted Answer

We can offer you up to 6 appointments, each session lasts 50 minutes.

Question 5

Can my parent(s) come into the sessions with me?

Accepted Answer

We will allow your parent(s) or caregiver(s) to come into the intial assessment for the first 5 minutes, if requested by you, and in your presence, to discuss confidentiality and for you to feel at ease.   We will not disclose details of any sessions, we will explain what to expect and how it will work.   We will then ask for them to wait outside. We ask for this as this is a Counselling session for you to discuss openly anything that is bothering you without limits.

Question 6

What can I talk about when in the sessions?

Accepted Answer

You can talk about anything that is worrying you like exams, relationships, family, drugs, sexuality and sex, pregnancy, stress, bullying, feeling low, depression or anything else.

Question 7

What help can I get whilst I am waiting to be seen?

Accepted Answer

There are a number of things that you can do yourself whilst waiting to be seen, which may help. These include downloading a number of really useful Apps, dedicated to your mental and emotional wellbeing. Please see 'Resources'.  Self care is a term used to take time out of your day at least every week to care for yourself.   This can be taking a bath, going for a walk, talking to friend or relative who is good at listening, reading a book or spending time with pets or animals.

Question 8

Do I have to come to the sessions?

Accepted Answer

Your Counsellor will not make you come to the sessions.  We would suggest at least giving it a try as you may find that it actually helps.  From our experience, sometimes young people have not been given the opportunity to sit and openly discuss what they are going through so this is an opportunity for them to feel listened too and heard.

Question 9

What if I don’t like my Counsellor?

Accepted Answer

If you do not ‘gel’ well with your Counsellor you are able to raise this with our team.   Someone from our Leadership Team will be in touch to discuss this with you and your parent(s), to see the next best course of action.    If necessary, another Counsellor will be assigned to you, to see through the rest of your sessions.

Question 10

What happens if I don’t show up for a session?

Accepted Answer

If you are not able to attend a session please do let us know as soon as possible, as we can schedule that time to another young person.   If you do not show up and have not informed us, we will contact you to find out the reasons why and look to reschedule another appointment with you. We will not be able to reschedule if you continue to not show up, as we will have to assume that you no longer want to come to counselling.

Question 11

What if I want or need more than 6 sessions?

Accepted Answer

There are times when progress is being made and more than 6 sessions are required. We assess on a case by case basis and will extend from 6 sessions where possible.    Once your counselling programme has come to an end, there is a 6-month break before being able to be re-referred – you would then go back on the waiting list.

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