About The Bounds

To enhance the wellbeing of people in our community by providing a counselling service which promotes the practice of respectful ways of relating to others, self and the world around us. We aim to build upon the tradition of the person-centred approach by expanding evidence-based practice through ethical and quality research. We strive to create an environment that adheres to the highest standards concerning inclusivity, accessibility and diversity, and which is free from discrimination and harassment and where everyone is treated with dignity, courtesy and respect (guided by the legal principles of equality in the “Equality Act 2010¹” and the ethical principles of both BACP² and COSCA³).

[1] Legislation.gov.uk (2010) Equality Act 2010 (Online) Available from: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents (Accessed 15 October 2020)

[2] BACP (2018) Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions (Online) Lutterworth: BACP Available from: https://www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/ethics-and-standards/ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions/ (Accessed 15 October 2020)

[2] COSCA (2018) COSCA Statement of Ethics and Code of Practice (Online) COSCA Available from: http://www.cosca.org.uk/guidance-policies/ethics (Accessed on 15 October 2020)

The counsellors at The Bounds are mainly students on the MSc/PGDip in Person-Centred Counselling, some are recently qualified counsellors completing their MSc studies and others are fully qualified counsellors who are members of the staff team (the “Counsellors”). To be accepted on the programme the student has to have successfully completed a Counselling Skills course and the majority of students will have been using these skills in their workplace, or as volunteer in the third sector.

The students go through a rigorous fitness-to-practise process before entering into placement. All counsellors are current members of the PVG scheme and suitable to undertake counselling work.

The counsellors are supervised by professionally qualified staff and counselling supervisors.

At times, your counsellor may ask to record the session; this is to monitor standards and supervise their work. Your signed consent must be obtained, the recording will be stored securely and then erased after it has been used for its purpose. The supervisor/tutor is listening to the counsellor, not really listening to you, the aim is quality assurance and maintaining standards.

Person or client-centred therapy is based on the view that everyone has the capacity and desire for personal growth and change, given the right conditions. Rather than being seen as the expert and directing the therapy, the counsellor offers unconditional positive regard, empathy and congruence to help you come to terms with any negative feelings and to change and develop in your own way.

Person-centred therapy focuses on an individual's self-worth and values. Being valued as a person, without being judged, can help an individual to accept who they are and reconnect with themselves.

Generally, person-centred counselling can help individuals of all ages with a range of personal issues. Many people find it an appealing type of therapy because it allows them to keep control over the content and pace of sessions, and there is no worry that they are being evaluated or assessed in any way.

You can expect your person-centred counsellor to listen carefully and non-judgementally to your concerns, to show empathy (the ability to put themselves in your shoes), and to create an atmosphere in which you feel safe to talk openly about your thoughts and feelings. Counsellors do not normally give advice, though they may have ideas for you to explore. Sessions are strictly confidential, however there are some limits to confidentiality which will be discussed with you in the first session. Your counsellor will give you ample notice of holidays or other absences and will only cancel at short notice in exceptional circumstances beyond their control.

Counsellors cannot offer support or friendship outside of the agreed sessions and will not have contact with you except in connection with the scheduling of sessions.

Counselling is a shared endeavour that works best when sessions take place regularly and consistently. We ask that you give at least 24 hours' notice if you are unable to attend a session. If you fail to attend- without advance notice - two consecutive sessions we will assume you no longer want counselling. We understand that sometimes situations arise that lead to the cancellation of sessions, however if sessions are frequently cancelled then counselling cannot be effective and we will therefore have to end your counselling.

Sessions begin and end on time. Counselling cannot take place if you arrive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

If you wish to end counselling, you will be invited to attend one further session. The nature and quality of endings are important in counselling, as many people have experienced difficult or traumatic endings. If after ending you wish to return, contact us and a new assessment appointment will be made.