Frequently Asked Questions
People using the Hospice’s Counselling & Support Service for the first time may have worries or concerns, below are some frequently asked questions that may relieve these concerns.
How can I contact the service?
You can contact the service directly by phoning 01429 855550 to make enquiries. Alternatively, referrals can be made by a GP or other health or social care professional involved with a particular individual. For children or young people this could be someone involved in their education. You may also refer yourself to our service.
What is Bereavement Counselling?
Sometimes when you have worries or problems it can be helpful to talk about them – but these worries or problems might be things that you feel you cannot or do not want to discuss with family or friends. Counselling is a place where you will be listened to and respected while having the time to explore your thoughts and feelings.
How can it help?
Counselling can help by offering you a safe place to be listened to, understood and accepted at a difficult time of your life in order to help make sense of how you feel.
What will I talk about?
As our service is a Bereavement Service, we would encourage you to talk about your grief, however, you will only be expected to talk about what you feel comfortable disclosing.
How often will I see my Counsellor?
Initially, you will be invited for an assessment session. If you decide you would like to access further sessions, once you start working with your Counsellor or Supporter it will usually be weekly for up to 50 minutes, but we try to be flexible to meet your individual needs. Sometimes when you are working towards an ending you will meet less frequently.
Where will the sessions take place?
The sessions take place at Alice House Hospice’s Holistic Wellbeing Centre. We have three specially appointed private counselling rooms with full disabled access.
We also have limited availability at Peterlee Cancer Information and Support Centre.
Will our sessions be confidential?
The limits of confidentiality will be explained to you at your assessment session.
Who are the Counsellors and Supporters?
The Counsellors are trained and experienced practitioners who are members or accredited members of a professional body, for example, The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. The Supporters are Volunteers who have undergone accredited training to enable them to support bereaved people. All Counsellors and Volunteers receive monthly clinical supervision in line with their professional requirements.
