Counselling
Counselling gives you the chance to talk about issues and concerns that you can’t with others. Your counsellor will listen to you and help you develop an insight into your problems. They will help you to draw on your skills and strengths, even those you didn’t know you had.
One-to-one support for our members
Counselling gives you the chance to talk about issues and concerns that you can’t with others. Your counsellor will listen to you and help you develop an insight into your problems. They will help you to draw on your skills and strengths, even those you didn’t know you had.
Our counselling service manager Cathy explains what you can expect
Members who are engaged with our groups and activities can access free, one-to-one counselling for up to a year. Your counsellor will meet with you once a week. What you talk about is up to you. Your counsellor may offer information, but they won’t tell you what you should think or do.
Join our membership for free
Lifecraft membership gives you access to our counselling service alongside our groups and activities. Our membership is also a welcoming community. We recognise everyone’s uniqueness and encourage a sense of belonging. Our members influence and are involved in running our activities. As a member, you will become part of this community.
Counselling FAQs
I don’t want to go to any groups or activities, can I still have counselling?
Priority for counselling is given to members who regularly attend our groups and activities. We ask members to be actively attending groups and activities for three months before joining the waiting list. If you do not attend any groups or activities it is unlikely that you will reach the top of the waiting list and be offered counselling. If you can’t attend, please discuss this with our Counselling Service Manager.
How long is your waiting list?
Members who regularly attend our groups and activities wait approximately 6 months to a year to access counselling. Other factors affect how long you can wait including your location, your availability, and if you want a counsellor of a specific gender.
What types of counselling do you provide?
Our counsellors use a variety of approaches, depending on their training and your needs. In addition to traditional talking therapies, we can sometimes offer art therapy, drama therapy or music therapy.
When and where does counselling take place?
Our counselling takes place in Cambridge and Ely. Each session lasts 50 minutes and sessions are available Monday to Friday from 11am – 5pm. Most sessions are in-person, but online or telephone therapy may be possible in certain circumstances.
Can I choose the gender of my counsellor?
Yes, you can specify the gender of your counsellor. Please be aware that this may extend how long you wait for counselling.
Can you tell me more about the confidentiality of my counselling?
Counselling provided at Lifecraft is confidential within certain limits. The limits of confidentiality primarily concern whether there is a risk of serious harm to the person themselves or to another person(s), information regarding terrorist activity or money laundering relating to drug trafficking. More information is available in our Privacy Notice and these conditions will be fully explained at your counselling assessment and during the initial counselling session.
What training or qualifications do Lifecraft’s counsellors have?
Our counsellors are either fully qualified or in the final stages of their professional training. They have all also completed Lifecraft’s additional mental health training. Our counsellors follow the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, as well as our policies and procedures. They also have regular professional supervision to make sure they have a high standard of professional and ethical practice.
How do you make sure that anyone eligible can access the service?
We know there can be barriers to accessing our counselling service and we try to reduce these. Our accessibility action plan includes: (a) ensuring a consistent number of counsellors to be able to support the maximum number of people we can with the funding we receive, (b) engaging with young people’s services so that younger adults know we are available to them, and (c) sharing details of our services with under-represented groups. Our action plan is reviewed in April every year.
Our previous accessibility actions have included: ensuring venues are wheelchair accessible, introducing online and telephone sessions where barriers to in-person sessions cannot be overcome, writing documents in plain English and providing alternative types of therapies.
“I’ve never ever been a group person… However, it turned out to be a lifeline for me – I’ve actually made friends who I look forward to seeing every week.”
