Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re considering counselling, you probably have questions. We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about counselling like how it works, how to book, and how much it costs below.

What happens in a counselling session?

The first counselling session is an opportunity for you to talk about all the issues that have been distressing you. If you are attending with a partner or family member the neutral space allows you both to share your worries respectfully. Where there has been considerable conflict in a relationship counselling can assist in developing a mutual understanding.

A counsellor will never judge or criticise. What you say will be held in the strictest of confidence and not disclosed. Counselling is about creating a space where you feel comfortable and safe to discuss issues openly.

How can counselling help me?

Counselling involves working with your counsellor to understand where issues come from and why they are upsetting you. While for many individuals, couples and families there are familiar problems – like affairs, depression, stress or anxiety – we all have our own unique challenges and counselling can help us work through them.

For instance, in a difficult relationship, we may express our distress by arguing all the time. Typical issues might range from the important – how to reconnect as a couple – to the relatively trivial – who does the washing up. Counselling can help you to understand why these arguments occur and pinpoint patterns of repetition.

Is counselling confidential?

At The Spark, we understand that confidentiality is vitally important. We do not disclose anything you discuss with us to a third party unless your safety, the safety of another person or the safety of a child is at risk. In these instances, we are legally and ethically bound to break confidentiality, but will always endeavour to discuss this with you first.

For more information, please review our confidentiality and privacy policy.

How many counselling sessions do I need to come for?

Your counsellor will work collaboratively with you to establish your goals for therapy and regularly check in to see if progress is being made and if counselling is still meeting your needs.

Our counsellors use an integrative approach, which means they can draw on different therapeutic techniques to best suit your individual situation. This versatility allows them to address a wide range of issues, whether you are looking for short-term support or longer-term exploration.

When do the counselling sessions take place?

How long do counselling sessions last?

What languages do you offer counselling sessions in?

How long will I need to wait for counselling?

How long you need to wait before being offered your first appointment will depend on various factors such as the type of counselling and how many other people are on the waiting list. However, you probably won’t need to wait for as long as you might imagine. On average people are offered their first appointment just five days after being added to the waiting list.

When you are added to the waiting list you will be asked when you are available to attend counselling. The greater your availability the sooner we will be able to offer you an appointment.

If you feel you need some support quickly you may want to consider Fast Access Single-Session Therapy.

What is the cost of counselling with The Spark?

The cost of counselling with The Spark varies depending on the type of counselling and your circumstances.

The Spark offers both standard rate and subsidised counselling sessions. Weekly or fortnightly appointments are available to help spread the cost.

Subsidised Counselling

We believe everyone should have access to counselling if needed. Thanks to our donors and funders subsidised counselling sessions are available.

Free Counselling

Fast Access Single-Session Therapy is free for everyone over 18 and can be booked online.

Contact our appointments team by completing the counselling enquiry form or call us on 0808 802 2088.

There is a £10 non-refundable registration fee to secure your place on the waiting list.

How do I book counselling sessions?

Standard rate counselling appointments for adults can be booked online. If you cannot find an appointment at a suitable time please contact us to be added to the waiting list and we will notify you of any suitable appointments.

Subsidised counselling sessions and counselling for children and young people can be booked via our friendly appointments team.

Complete the counselling enquiry form and we’ll give you a call back to talk things through or you can call our team on 0808 802 2088.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

Yes, in common with many counselling organisations we have a 48-hour cancellation policy.

When you start counselling a regular commitment is established between you and your counsellor. That means that if you miss a session your counsellor cannot be available to anyone else.

We do, however, understand things happen in life and there will be occasions when people will need to cancel their appointments. We ask that you give as much notice as possible and any appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice are chargeable.

For more information, please read our full Cancellation and Refund Policy.

Still have questions?

If you have any other questions about counselling or The Spark our friendly appointments team will be happy to answer them. Just phone us on 0808 802 2088 during our opening hours or complete our online form.