Brighter Futures
The Millfields Trust 'HQ'
Unit 29
237 Union Street
Plymouth
Devon
PL1 3HQ
Tel: 01752 294044
Mob: 07779 349557

Personal Counselling and Therapy

Why Counselling?

Some people see themselves as ‘failures’ if they choose to receive counselling. Some people think that counselling is for people that have ‘lost their marbles’, as one client put it. Neither is true! Those people that choose to explore themselves with the use of counselling are actually taking a very important, positive and worthwhile step forward in their lives toward a ‘Brighter Future’. They are taking responsibility for their current circumstances and acknowledging that something needs to change.

Another misconception is that counsellors tell people how to change their life or what to do. This is not true either. YOU, the client are in control. Our skilled counsellors are highly experienced in helping you to explore ‘alternatives’ and YOU then choose what’s best for you, your life and your circumstances. People can also think ‘what will they think of me’ or ‘I’m too ashamed to talk about it, airing my dirty laundry in public’. Our counsellors are not here to judge anyone and there’s not much we haven’t discussed already with our many clients over the years. Being honest is the most productive and positive element in speeding up the process of change.

There’s no doubt about it, counselling can be challenging for clients at times and emotions and feelings are aroused. But this is when you are making the greatest progress and moving forward to a more positive, brighter and optimistic future.

Our counsellors will help to develop a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship with you and create an environment of trust and confidentiality which will enable you to explore your issues and move forward with your life and relationships.

Who do we work with?

We work with:

• Individuals
• Couples
• Families
• Children and Young People
• Groups
• Victim and Offender Situations

What issues do we work with?

We work with most issues. We specialise in the following:

• Relationships
• Separation and Divorce
• Mediation
• Parenting
• Children
• Stress and Anxiety
• Low Self Esteem
• Traumatic Experiences
• Bereavement
• Anger and Aggression
• Violence
• Domestic Violence & Abuse
• Conflict Resolution
• Difficult Situations
• Work & Employment Issues 
• Bullying
• Diversity and Tolerance
• Physical and Sexual Abuse
• Unresolved past Issues and Experiences

Our guarantee to you – We work collaboratively to ensure that safety is our highest priority. Also, we will not work with issues in which we have no experience. We work professionally, ethically and safely for your benefit. In the unlikely event where we are not able to meet your requirements, we can signpost you to alternative service providers who specialise in meeting your requirements where we are unable to do so. You will not be charged for signposting.


Where do we work from?

We can meet for personal counselling sessions at our offices and counselling rooms in Plymouth. In certain circumstances, we can come to you for your counselling sessions. Due to demand, we also offer a Telephone and Web Based Counselling Service for people who live in other areas of the County and Country and cannot personally attend counselling sessions.


How long is a Counselling Session and how many will I need?

A counselling session usually lasts for one hour. We are all individuals and the amount of sessions you will need will be dependent on the issues that we are working with together. We will be clear from the start with you, about what you can expect from your counsellor and what will be required from you. This is called an agreement or contract and will form the basis of how we will work together and for how long and can include any of your own specific requirements.

We also provide optional materials for you to work through at home. The cost of most of the materials is included in the session fees.

Counselling is generally a short term intervention which helps people to move forward from their present circumstances. It is not intended as a long term service and our professional counsellors will review your progress with you and when it would be appropriate for you to continue your counselling or look toward bringing the sessions to a close. Generally, we advise a minimum of between six sessions and ten sessions, depending on the issue. However, people with special needs may require more sessions.


Telephone and Web Based Counselling

Why Telephone or Web Based Counselling?

Although open to everyone, we set up the telephone and web based counselling services for those people who do not live in the locality of our service. We have found that people living elsewhere in the UK as well as in other countries wanted to access our specialist services as these services were not available to them from anywhere else. We encourage those who live within the locality to have face to face counselling sessions.


How does Telephone or Web Based counselling work?

Once you have made contact with us and decided to use our telephone or web based counselling service, you can choose from our tariff how many sessions you would like to pre-book and pay for and then forward your payment to us. Once the payment has been received and the funds cleared, you will be able to discuss your preferred appointment times with your counsellor and book the sessions according to availability. The further ahead you book, the greater the availability of preferred times. You will then be given a telephone number to call or web details for your agreed time of the session. Please contact us for a pre-pay tariff. We give discounts for pre-payment.


What are our opening hours?

Our Telephone and Web Based Counselling Service as well as our personal face to face service is very flexible and we offer hours to suit most individuals, including evenings and weekends. The more sessions you book and pre-pay in advance, the greater the availability of appointments.


How can I pay?

If you are visiting our office, you can pay in person. Cheques and postal orders can be sent to us by post. Some clients have preferred to send cash but do so at their own risk. Payment may also be made through internet banking. Please contact us for further details.


What does Counselling cost?

Whether you use our face to face counselling service or use our telephone or web based service, a session usually costs £40. However, if you pre-pay for sessions, or you are an agency or organisation commisioning our service on a regular basis (such as Schools or Social Services for example) we can agree a discount. Please contact us for an up to date discount tariff.


Questions?

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time. We are here to help you or your clients to achieve a ‘Brighter Future’.