Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live in Pembrokeshire to benefit from your services?

While our free service is only available to those living in Pembrokeshire, our low-cost and general services can be available, remotely, nationwide.

What can I expect in the first counselling session?

Initial sessions typically involve an introduction to the counsellor, discussing confidentiality, and exploring your concerns and goals for counselling.

How long does counselling typically last?

Our free service is short term, for a period of 6 weeks, while our low-cost and general services are open to the client's individual needs and can provide more long term support.

Is everything discussed in counselling confidential?

Yes. Our counsellors are bound by a code of ethics. Confidentiality is crucial in counselling. But there are legal and ethical exceptions, such as concerns for your safety or that of others'.

What happens if I don't feel comfortable with my counsellor?

If you don't feel that you connect with your counsellor, you can confidentially contact the service manager, Julie Ashley-Jones to discuss alternative arrangements.  Her email address is: julie.ashley-jones@pembrokeshirecaresociety.org.uk

How much does counselling cost?

Our counselling service has a new structure offering 6 sessions of free counselling for mild mental health issues, low-cost counselling at £20 per session, or general counselling at £45 per session.

Is counselling only for people with serious mental health issues?

No, counselling is for anyone whether you're seeking personal growth, experiencing emotional distress, relationship difficulties, life transitions, stress, anxiety, depression, or grief.

What happens if I miss a session?

Counselling is a collaborative process, and life happens. If you need to miss a session, inform your counsellor in advance, and you can work together to reschedule. Consistency is valuable, but flexibility is also recognised.

What if i don't know what to talk about but I just feel sad or anxious?

Your counsellor will guide the conversation if you want them to, asking questions to help explore your feelings, thoughts, and experiences. Sometimes, simply acknowledging your emotions is a significant first step toward understanding and addressing them.

A message from us to you ...

We understand that starting a counselling relationship can be a new and perhaps challenging experience. Our counsellors are professionally trained, empathetic, and fully aware of the normal concerns people might feel when confiding in a stranger. They will provide you with support, create a safe caring environment, and encourage you every step of the way.

  • Counselling is a professional and supportive process.
  • It involves talking to a trained counsellor.
  • Your counsellor will provide a safe and confidential environment.
  • You can openly discuss your feelings, thoughts, and challenges without fear of judgment.
  • Your counsellor will listen carefully, offering empathy and understanding.
  • They will help you explore any long-standing coping mechanisms that may no longer be helpful to you and process feelings related to past experiences that may be keeping you stuck.
  • It's important for the client to be committed to the process, as personal growth often requires effort and dedication.
  • Together you'll work on finding solutions and strategies to improve your wellbeing and help you move towards creating a happier and more fulfilling life.
  • You don't have to continue with sessions if you're not finding them helpful.

Counselling has been proven to help with a wide range of emotional, psychological, and behavioural challenges, including:
Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Relationship Issues, Grief and Loss, Trauma and PTSD, Addiction, Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence, Life Transitions, Emotional overwhelm, Eating Disorders, Phobias and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, Parenting Challenges, Workplace Stress, Worry, Loneliness.

Advocacy:
Working with a counsellor to create change requires focus and action. This can be really difficult when we're facing lots of day-to-day challenges, so a good first step might be to have some support from a trained advocate. An advocate can help with contacting relevant people and services, going with you and supporting you at meetings and appointments, and finding information to help you make the best decisions for you. Having received this support you may well feel better able to make full use of your counselling sessions.

We look forward to working with you in the future,
From the Pathway Counselling team.