We can help you to make better sense
of what’s happening in your life
About our counselling
Who can come for counselling?
We offer:
We also do:
How will I have my sessions?
Counselling is available:
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In person / face-to-face
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Over internet video
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Using the telephone
Video counselling is offered via Microsoft Teams. Please see the following for help getting started with this:
In telephone counselling your counsellor will telephone you each session. Their number is withheld, client cannot telephone counsellors.
How much does counselling cost?
Unless you are coming to us through an organisation, counselling charges are based on your annual household income*. In some cases we can offer a limited number of fully funded or subsidised counselling sessions. Please contact us for details.
* Required proof of income / means-tested benefits (MTBs) >
Payment in advance at one of our centres or online >
What if I cancel or miss an appointment?
We charge for missed appointments and appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice. Our automated reminders are sent from a no-reply email. You must call or email CFC to cancel or change an appointment:
CFC Altrincham
Telephone: 0161 941 7754
Email: altrincham@thecfc.org.uk
CFC Bury
Telephone: 0161 764 4113
Email: bury@thecfc.org.uk
Please note: if you do not attend your assessment appointment, and have not let us know in advance, you will be charged a £5 administration fee. This is payable before your next appointment.
How do I start?
Your first meeting be an assessment with a qualified counsellor. We use this to make sure we are the right service for you, and just as importantly, this gives you the opportunity to decide whether you would like to continue into ongoing counselling. The questionnaire you fill out and the information you give in assessment allows us to match you with a suitable ongoing counsellor. In some services, the assessment counsellor will become your ongoing counsellor.
How long do sessions last?
Assessments and counselling sessions usually last for 50 minutes (Families service sessions are usually longer). There is no typical counselling session. Your counsellor will be highly trained in listening and reflecting, and will help you to explore your issues and find a way forward. We offer an integrative style of working tailored always to meet your specific needs which may include elements of a number of ways of working, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Person Centred, Psychodynamic or Transactional Analysis (TA).
How often are sessions?
It’s best to keep the momentum going so meeting once weekly at the same time and day will help you and your counsellor make progress. It really helps if you have your diary to hand at the beginning to allow you and your counsellor to arrange a series of sessions. At this stage you can factor in things like holidays.
How many sessions will I have?
From the very beginning of your time with your counsellor we ask you to think about what you would like to achieve before leaving us, and to talk about how long you may need to attend. Endings are a very important part of your counselling, and can offer a real sense of achievement, insight and clarity. We do ask you not to just disappear! Where financial considerations could limit the number of sessions you are able to attend, please let the counsellor know at the beginning and the work will be tailored to what is achievable in the time.
Can I have counselling in different languages?
As well as English, we can provide counselling in:
Click here for details about making an appointment.
Can a friend or relative come into the sessions with me?
Counselling sessions are confidential and only people booked for the session to be present. If you are attending as an individual then only you and your counsellor will be in the session. Carers can help settle clients in where appropriate, but must leave before counselling starts. In couples / family / young people counselling, only registered clients can be present.
Children (including babies) will not be able to accompany you into your appointment unless this has been pre-booked as part of the Families service. Please note we do not have childcare facilities.
Clients having video or phone counselling must be in a quiet, confidential space where nobody can overhear what is being said, and where they are free from other commitments to focus on themselves.