Counselling Services 

The Therapeutic Philosophy

The counselling we offer within our homes is humanistic and person centered in its philosophy, and based on Carl Rogers belief that given time and appropriate support, individuals have the capacity to grow and heal in a way that is right for them (self actualisation).

Person centered counselling is holistic, allowing for consideration of all aspects of a young persons life in order to assist them to gain insight and find their own healthy way out of their distress.
Counselling takes place at a pace and depth appropriate to the young person given their age and understanding.

It is important for our therapists to differentiate between counselling and advice and support work.

Advice is not part of the counselling process, although as the counsellor they may act as a resource to suggest other appropriate services, and of course support goes hand in hand with the counselling process and if needed, additional support may be accessed through staff at the homes or other relevant professionals, such as social workers etc.



The Aims

To provide a responsive yet flexible counselling / therapy service for the young people that live at the homes, where sessions can take place in a confidential space within the unit, or as is often preferred by the young people, out in the countryside offering literal space and freedom to discuss issues without constructional boundaries

The Objectives

To provide a high quality counselling / therapy service for young people living at any of the homes who may be experiencing distress, feelings of loss, bereavement, isolation, abuse, disruption to their lives and problems coping or coming to terms with their situation.
  • To offer an easily accessible service which offers safety, confidentiality, unconditional positive regard, empathy, congruence and respect.
  • To provide a flexible and helpful response to the young people and outside agencies.
  • To account in service provision for the needs of young people from diverse backgrounds.
  • To offer a non-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice with equality of access to all.
  • To offer support to the families of young people placed with us, whilst the young people are with us and during the process of their rehabilitation home, which is a difficult time for both the young people and their families after a period of often forced separation.

The Service Parameters

Our service parameters cover young people between the ages of six and eighteen on admission that are resident at any of the homes we operate, and where appropriate outreach work with young people who have moved onto independent living but require further counselling and support.


At the request of the young persons Social Worker, we can facilitate contacts that require very close supervision.


We work closely with the young people and their families both while the young people are placed at the homes and during and after their rehabilitation home, this part of the service can be invaluable in the successful return of young people to their families.


Work with the young peoples families whilst they are placed with us is so important, (if it is possible) to enable the building of a trusting, working relationship between the family the young person and therapist in the hope that difficulties can be tackled together without the breaching of confidentiality, and in the process of rehabilitation this joint initiative has played a massive part in the successful rehabilitation home for many of our young people.

Confidentiality

Our counsellor adhere's to the B.A.C.P. code of ethics and practice. This document includes guidelines on confidentiality.
Confidentiality, and any limitations are discussed during the agreement of the counselling contract.

It is made clear that consent is required for any disclosure of information to take place except in the following circumstances.

It is made clear that consent is required for any disclosure of information to take place except in the following circumstances.

  • Where information is given indicating risk of abuse.
  • Where there is a serious perceived risk of harm to the client or to others.
  • Where the client gives consent to breach confidentiality.
  • Where there are definite plans in place to harm themselves, and a clear likelihood of these plans being acted upon
  • When the counsellor is in need of support or guidance from their supervisor.
  • If records are demanded by the courts.