Frequently asked questions

It's completely normal to feel nervous. Most of us rarely get a space where the focus is purely on us. Your first session will simply be a conversation, an opportunity for you and your counsellor to determine if you're a right fit for each other. There's no pressure to dive into anything you're not ready for. We'll take time to understand what's brought you here and what you're hoping to get from counselling. You're in control of the pace throughout.

Have a look at our team and see who you feel drawn to. Sometimes it's a specialism, sometimes it's just a feeling. If you're not sure, that's fine too. Book a free first session and we'll help you find the right fit, because the relationship between you and your counsellor is really important to the process.

It's a no-obligation conversation, usually around 20 minutes, to briefly talk about what's brought you to counselling and what you're looking to get out of it. It gives you a chance to get a feel for the counsellor, and for us to understand how we can best support you. There's no commitment and no penalty if you decide not to proceed.

There's no fixed answer. It depends entirely on you and what you're working through. Some people find a handful of sessions helpful; others prefer longer-term support. We'll regularly check in with you to make sure you feel you are benefiting from the sessions.

No. There's no minimum commitment and no contract to sign. You decide how often you come and when you feel ready to stop. Some people prefer to book a block of sessions for structure; others prefer to go week by week. We'll work with whatever suits you.

That's a reasonable concern, and an honest one. The fit between you and your counsellor matters more than any particular approach or technique. If after a session or two it doesn't feel right, that's useful information. You can try a different counsellor within our team, or we can help you think through what might work better for you. You're never locked in.

Sessions are typically 50 minutes. This is the standard counselling hour and gives enough time to explore things meaningfully without feeling rushed.

There's no such thing as a typical session, but most follow a similar shape: a warm welcome and time to settle in, working through what you want to bring that day, and a gentle close with space to arrange the next session if you want one. Nothing is forced, and you set the agenda.

Weekly or fortnightly sessions are most common, particularly at the start. Regular contact helps build momentum and lets you carry what you're working on between sessions. That said, your counsellor can adapt the frequency to fit your life and what you need.

Yes. All of our counsellors offer secure video sessions, and some offer telephone sessions too. Online counselling works just as well as in-person work for most people, and it means you can access support from wherever feels comfortable and safe.

Life happens. We ask that you give as much notice as possible, ideally 48 hours, if you need to cancel or move a session. Your counsellor will let you know their cancellation policy when you begin.

Yes, in most cases. Many of our counsellors offer both formats and are happy for you to mix them depending on your week. Just let your counsellor know in advance so they can make sure the right setup is ready for you.

Session fees vary by counsellor and are set by each individual practitioner. You'll find fee information on each counsellor's profile page. The free first session gives you a chance to ask about fees before making any commitment.

Some of our counsellors offer concessionary rates for people on low incomes, students, or those facing financial hardship. It's always worth asking. The worst anyone can say is no, and most counsellors would rather find a way to work with you than have cost be the reason you don't get support.

Some private health insurance policies cover counselling. Whether that applies to sessions with Counselling Camp counsellors depends on your policy and which counsellor you work with. Check with your insurer first, then raise it with your counsellor.

Each counsellor sets their own cancellation policy, which they'll share with you before you begin. Late cancellations and missed sessions may be charged. Giving as much notice as possible is always appreciated and avoids any awkwardness.

All qualified counsellors should be registered with a professional body, such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), or the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). You can check their official directories to confirm your counsellor is qualified and has committed to the standards and ethical code of that body. All Counselling Camp counsellors are registered with the NCPS.

Integrative means the counsellor has trained across a range of counselling theories, such as CBT, psychodynamic approaches, and transactional analysis. Rather than sticking rigidly to one model, they draw on different tools and ideas depending on what is most helpful for each person. All of our counsellors are integratively trained.

Yes. You'll work consistently with one counsellor throughout your time with us. Continuity matters in counselling. The relationship you build with your counsellor is part of what makes the work effective, and chopping and changing would undermine that.

It's more common than people think, and there's no shame in it at all. If you feel the relationship isn't working, just get in touch and we'll help you find a better fit within our team. We'd much rather you keep going with someone else than stop altogether.

Yes. Everything you share in your sessions is confidential. The only exceptions are where there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, in which case your counsellor would always aim to speak with you about this first before taking any action. Our practice follows the NCPS ethical framework and GDPR.

Counsellors may keep brief session notes to help them support you effectively. These are stored securely and are not shared with anyone outside the counselling relationship. You can ask your counsellor about their notes policy at any time.

Yes. All of our counsellors receive regular clinical supervision, which is a professional requirement. Supervision ensures you receive the best possible care, and it is itself confidential. Your counsellor will only ever discuss anonymised details, and your identity is never revealed.

No. Counselling with us is completely private. We do not contact your GP, employer, or anyone else. What you share stays between you and your counsellor, subject only to the confidentiality exceptions mentioned above.

No. We work with people who are formally diagnosed, currently being assessed, or who self-identify as neurodivergent. What matters is your experience, not a piece of paper.

Yes, and you're not alone in feeling that way. Many men find it hard to ask for help, and we understand why. Our counsellors offer a straightforward, non-judgemental space where you don't have to perform emotions or use language that doesn't feel natural to you. You can show up exactly as you are.

Yes. Work-related stress, burnout, and the feeling of always being behind are some of the most common reasons people come to counselling. You don't need a diagnosis or a dramatic reason to seek support. Feeling ground down by your working life is enough.

Absolutely. Individual counselling can be hugely valuable for relationship difficulties, even without your partner. It gives you space to understand your own patterns, process what you're feeling, and think through what you actually want. You can only change what's yours to change, and that's often more than people realise.

Our counsellors are based in Northeast England. In-person sessions are available depending on your counsellor. All counsellors offer online sessions, which means you can access support from anywhere in the UK.

All of our counsellors are members of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and work in accordance with their ethical framework. Individual counsellors hold NCPS registered or accredited status, and you can find details on each counsellor's profile page.

The simplest way is to book a free first session using the form on our website. Pick the counsellor you feel drawn to, fill in a few details, and we'll be in touch to arrange a time. If you're not sure who to choose, just get in touch and we'll help you work it out.

Counselling Camp is not a crisis service. If you need urgent support, please contact the Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24 hours), your GP, or 999 in an emergency. Our crisis support page has a full list of organisations who can help right now.