Frequently asked questions

How do I get started?

To get started, you will need to fill out an application form. The purpose of the form is to gather contact information and to find out more about you.

After the completed form has been submitted, a member of the team will email you to arrange a one-off payment for the initial consultation.

What is the initial consultation?

The initial consultation is a conversation between you and one of our counsellors. The appointment lasts for one-hour and can take place either in person or online.

The appointment is a chance for us to get to know you and understand your reasons for seeking counselling. After the appointment, if we believe that our service is right for you, you will be allocated to a suitable counsellor.

What does the initial consultation cost?

The cost for a one-hour initial consultation is £40. Once the fee is paid, one of our counsellors will get in contact to agree a suitable date for the appointment.

How long will I have to wait for an initial consultation?

We try to see people as soon as possible. After the fee is paid, a member of the team will contact you within 48-hours to arrange the appointment. Typically, we meet with people within 1-2 weeks of payment being received.

How long does it take from application to starting with my counsellor?

It usually takes between 4-6 weeks from application to starting counselling. At SBC, we aim to turn applications around as soon as possible.

What type of counselling does SBC offer?
SBC offers weekly talking therapy sessions for 24-weeks. Our counsellors have backgrounds in psychodynamic and integrative counselling; forms of talking therapy that offer a supportive space to reflect on your experiences. Your counsellor will be interested in your current and past experiences, and how they might have shaped your beliefs and relationships today.
Who will be my counsellor?

Following the initial consultation, the SBC team will review your application and you will be allocated to a suitable counsellor. Your counsellor will then contact you to arrange the initial counselling appointment.

How much experience will my counsellor have?
At SBC, we have a range of experience within our team. The team is made up of supervisors, experienced counsellors, and counsellors at the end of their training. We only recruit counsellors from accredited trainings and all our counsellors receive weekly supervision. All counsellors abide by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Ethical Framework.
How much will each session cost?

Our standard fee is £45 for a 50-minute weekly appointment. You will be invoiced weekly by your counsellor and prompt payment is requested.

SBC is a registered charity, and our aim is to offer affordable counselling to the local community. For this reason, we will work with you to ascertain what is a manageable fee given your circumstances and income band.

How many sessions will I have?

SBC offers 24-weeks of consecutive counselling. Your appointment will take place on the same day and time each week.

Where will my counselling take place?

At SBC we offer in-person and online counselling sessions. Face-to-face appointments take place at our premises in High Wycombe. We have several counselling rooms which we use for in-person appointments.

In addition, we offer online counselling sessions. These usually take place via zoom and a zoom link will be sent to you shortly before the start time of the session.

What time should I arrive for my appointment?

We ask that you arrive as close to your appointment time as possible as there is no waiting room facility on the premises.

Can I apply on behalf of a friend/relative?

People often come to our website looking for information for friends and family. Whilst we will try to answer any questions that you may have, we ask that it is the individual seeking counselling that makes the application.