FAQ’s
Is the first session free?
The first appointment is not free. This is a 50 minute assessment session to get to know new clients and to begin to assess goals and needs.
How long does each appointment last?
Each appointment will last approximately 50 mins – this is a 60 minute slot allowing 50 minutes of face to face time and 10 mins for any necessary notes, if applicable.
How much does a Therapy Session Cost?
How do I pay?
We request you pay for your first assessment session by bank transfer (alternative options can be given upon request). For follow-on sessions, your therapist will let you know their preferred payment method at assessment session.
Do you take insurance?
Why do Therapists have different fees?
Therapist fees are based on level of qualifications, years in practice and specialist fields. All our therapist are fully qualified practitioners and are accredited with a professional body within their field of work.
Is the Therapist with the higher fee better?
This is not an indicator of one therapist being better than the other. It is true that less experienced therapists may charge less, but some therapists choose to keep their fees lower to make therapy more accessible.
Can I pick which Therapist I want?
Yes of course, let us know on your referral form and we will check their availability.
What happens if I don't feel the fit with my therapist?
If it doesn’t work out with one therapist, then of course we encourage you to come back to us at intake so we can help you find one that feels right. We support our clients in finding the best match.
What is the difference between Psychotherapy and Counselling?
The key difference between the two courses of therapeutic communication treatment lies in the recommended time required to see benefits. Counselling usually refers to a brief treatment that centres around behaviour patterns. Psychotherapy focuses on working with clients for a longer-term and draws from insight into emotional problems and difficulties.
How can therapy help me?
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?
People have many different motivations for coming to Counselling and Psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks.
In short, people seeking counselling /psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes.
What is therapy like?
I’m not really sure what my problem is – does that matter?
My problem is embarrassing or of a sexual nature – is that okay?
If I start therapy can I just quit any time I want to?
What if I need to cancel my initial assessment session, after I have made payment?
Cancellations – more than 24 hours notice: If you have confirmed your assessment session by payment and then need to cancel, giving more than 24 hours’ notice (Monday-Friday); we can refund your full fee or reschedule your appointment to best suit. If an assessment fee is carried over this can only be facilitated once.
Cancellations – Less than 24 hours: If you have confirmed your assessment session by payment, and then need to cancel giving us less than 24 hours notice (Monday-Friday); no refund will be issued. You are welcome to reschedule with your therapist for another suitable time. This will require a further assessment fee to be paid directly to your therapist.
To read our full policy on “Assessment First Session Policy” please click here.
What if I need to cancel a therapy session?
If you want to change or cancel an appointment, we require two working days, or 48 hours notice to give us a reasonable chance to fill that appointment time.
If you don’t give 48 hours notice, we will ask you to cover the full session fee, as it could have been given to another client in need.
What if I have another question?
You can contact us by filling in the online contact form on the contact page you can also telephone or send us a text message on 07548080806. We also provide a free telephone consultation if required, this is prior to the first session. On this call one of our Intake Coordinators can answer any questions you may have and support you with therapy options.
NI Counselling offers therapeutic treatment for adults with a vast range of emotional and behavioural issues and concerns.
Telephone
Office locations
Belfast, Newtownabbey, Magherafelt & Antrim
By appointment only
Each of our therapist are accredited and have different specialist fields and backgrounds, we can help you find the right fit for you!
We have appointments available online and by telephone, we also have face-to-face appointments available at our various office locations across Northern Ireland.
NI Counselling & Associates Ltd is a registered company – Limited Company Registration NI694550
Counselling Northern Ireland