Question 1

Who will I speak to when I call?

Accepted Answer

You will first speak to a specially trained operator who will take some information and will direct you to the service most appropriate for you.

Question 2

What sort of things can I ask about?

Accepted Answer

Any issues that might be affecting your work or personal life, such as work/personal relationships, stress and work concerns.

Question 3

What information will be asked for when I call?

Accepted Answer

Whilst the service is entirely confidential, you will be asked for your name, contact details and you will need to quote ''WPA'' and your WPA Product Name. You may be asked some standard questions for your own safety.

Question 4

What is Brief Therapy?

Accepted Answer

The Brief Therapy model means that there are a maximum number of sessions available when you engage in counselling. It will start with an assessment, an important step in the counselling process. The assessment will establish whether Brief Therapy is appropriate and agree the aim of the counselling.

Question 5

What is an assessment?

Accepted Answer

The assessment is an extremely important step in the counselling process and is conducted with each person that wishes to be referred. The purpose of the assessment is to establish if Brief Therapy is the most appropriate intervention and to work out with you what the aim of the counselling will be.

Question 6

How long will an assessment take?

Accepted Answer

An assessment call may take between 30 and 45 minutes. On completion of the assessment the counsellor might refer you for sessions. Sessions usually take place on a weekly basis and it can be helpful to have an idea of your availability.

Question 7

Will I have the same counsellor for each session?

Accepted Answer

In counselling, the relationship between client and counsellor is of paramount importance. For this reason, sessions will take place at the same time each week to allow continuity of the same counsellor throughout your sessions.

Question 8

How long will the session last?

Accepted Answer

Counselling sessions will usually last approximately 50 minutes in total.

Question 9

Is there a limit to the number of sessions?

Accepted Answer

This benefit provides access to telephone counselling, information and guidance as well as up to six sessions of face to face counselling with a professionally qualified and experienced counsellor (this may be virtual or by telephone if face to face is not possible). You will only start therapy if a resolution is expected within six sessions.

Question 10

Are all conditions suitable for Brief Therapy?

Accepted Answer

No, conditions often suitable for this type of therapy include: relationship issues; workplace conflicts; family matters; general mental health concerns and emotional wellbeing.

Question 11

What conditions are not suitable for Brief Therapy?

Accepted Answer

More complex issues, longer term mental health issues and any issues that are receiving support from another practitioner, such as family-therapy; gender issues; abuse; gambling and alcohol/drug problems.

Question 12

Can my children have sessions?

Accepted Answer

Family members are eligible to use the Structured Counselling advice line but it is not available to anyone under 16 years of age.

Question 13

How are data and records stored and can my own doctor access it?

Accepted Answer

All patient data and records are stored on the provider's secure patient management system, in a secure data centre which is only accessible with dual-factor authentication by authorised personnel. It is important to have all medical records in one place, therefore, when appropriate and with permission, the provider sends any relevant consultation notes, including notes for any prescriptions or referrals issued, to the NHS GP.

Question 14

What about confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Patient confidentiality is very important. Any records remain confidential unless consent is given to share it with a third party such as an NHS GP or a Specialist.

Question 15

Who is the WPA Health and Wellbeing Helpline provider?

Accepted Answer

This service is provided by The Validium Group, a professional, independent organisation that runs employee assistance services for many organisations.

Question 16

How long will my personal data be held on the WPA Health and Wellbeing Helpline Provider''s systems?

Accepted Answer

At least 10 years and in the case of someone under the age of 18, it is held for 10 years after they reach this age. The provider''s IT systems have been accredited by Cyber Essentials.

Structured Counselling FAQs

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