Is therapy confidential?

Therapy sessions are completely confidential except in certain circumstances, for instance, if the therapist believes there is a danger to yourself or others, trafficking, and terrorism. Every therapist has a supervisor to ensure they are working as ethically as possible within their governing bodies’ guidelines, which in this case is the BACP ethical guidelines.

What to expect of the first session

The first session will be an assessment session where the therapist will assess your needs and decide if this type of therapy is right for you. Here you will discuss what length of therapy you would like; short-term/long-term. If this type of therapy is not suitable for you, you may be referred to a more suitable therapy to match with your presenting issues by the therapist. This will be discussed within the first session. The first session is finding out about you, what brought you to therapy, your goals for therapy and any potential risk factors. The assessment session will also be used to find out a bit more about your history and anything we can put in place to make therapy more accessible to you. 

If you or someone else is in crisis

If someone is in crisis and in need of counselling in Sheffield, or if you yourself are in crisis, it’s essential to seek help immediately. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Emergency Services: If the crisis is life-threatening or involves immediate danger, call emergency services in the UK by dialling 999 or 112.
2. NHS Mental Health Services: The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK provides mental health services. You can contact your GP (General Practitioner) for an urgent appointment or call NHS 111 for advice on accessing emergency mental health services.
3. Samaritans: Samaritans is a 24/7 helpline that offers emotional support to anyone in distress. You can reach them at 116 123. They provide a listening ear and can offer guidance on seeking further help.
4. Local Crisis Lines: Sheffield may have local crisis hotlines or mental health crisis teams. Check for local resources and crisis lines specific to your area in Sheffield. These are often available 24/7.
5. Mental Health Charities: Organizations like Mind and Rethink Mental Illness may provide support and information. They can help connect you to local services or crisis intervention teams.
6. Emergency Room: If it’s an acute mental health crisis and you’re unsure where to turn, consider going to the nearest hospital emergency room. They can provide immediate assessment and support.
7. Reach out to a Trusted Person: If you or someone you know is in crisis, talk to a trusted friend, family member, or colleague. Sometimes, opening up to someone you trust can be a crucial first step.
8. Online Resources: There are online resources and crisis chat services that can provide support. In the UK, services like Shout offer 24/7 crisis text support.
9. Therapist or Counsellor: If the crisis is less acute, but you believe that counselling is necessary, you can search for qualified therapists or counsellors in Sheffield. You can do this through the NHS or private practitioners.
10. Self-Care: In the immediate moment, practice self-care techniques like deep breathing, grounding exercises, or mindfulness to help manage the crisis until professional help arrives.

Remember that it’s essential to prioritise safety in a crisis. Don’t hesitate to seek immediate help from professionals or emergency services if there is any risk to life or safety. Additionally, encourage the person in crisis to seek help, and offer your support in finding and accessing appropriate resources.