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Frequently Asked Questions

Our frequently asked questions are designed to provide clear information about our services, enabling you to feel more informed and comfortable about taking the first step towards accessing support. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, our team is always here to help.

Questions about Psychotherapy

You will be offered a brief initial telephone call, a chance to tell us about the situation so that we can decide whether or not our approach is the right one for you or your child. If we don’t feel we’re the right people to help at this time, we will do our best to signpost you to an alternative provider.
We usually ask parents to join their child in the first appointment at least, especially if separation can be an issue. In some instances, it is beneficial to have a number of joint sessions. For older children, teenagers and young adults, it can be important to have a space to think without parents, in which case we will mutually decide the most appropriate way to feed back on progress while respecting their right to confidentiality.
Your initial consultation may last up to an hour. Subsequent appointments will be for fifty minutes, or forty-five minutes for very young children.
Yes, we are always clear with children of any age that we seek their agreement to attend and commit to therapy.
If a child or young person is not willing or able to attend an initial appointment or assessment, you may wish to consider therapeutic parenting support as a way of gaining understanding and support for yourself in relation to your child. Sometimes this can work well in helping things change between you.
We only charge for late cancellations (within 24 hours of the appointment time). There is no charge for cancellations at least 24 hours in advance.
This depends on the complexity of the situation and the presentation of your child. For issues that have recently appeared – and therefore not very entrenched – and for very young children, we are usually able to treat within a matter of weeks or months. However, for difficulties which are more profound or established, we can offer longer term treatment strategies. A short assessment usually gives us a good indication of the length of treatment which may be needed.
Fees are between £110 and £135 per appointment, but if this is beyond your means, you may be able to access therapy at a reduced fee through our charity, The Sea Change Trust.
Yes, we ask for up to date GP details, so that we can inform them of our involvement if this would be helpful, with your consent. It also allows us to seek medical advice should there be a possible physical health aspect of a child’s difficulties.
The Sea Change Trust offers a subsidised psychotherapy service (The Rose Fund) for families who cannot access this support elsewhere. The process begins with the completion of a means testing application form, then an initial consultation which may lead to further assessment or referral to other services. To apply, interested parties should download and submit the application form to begin the process. NB As this is a fund with limited resources, subsidised psychotherapy may not always be available.
All appointments are confidential, which means we are not allowed to share anything you tell us without your permission - unless you indicate that someone is at risk of harm. In this case, we would seek consent from you to share our concerns before notifying the appropriate safeguarding agency.
If you would like us to write a letter to your GP or child’s school outlining our findings or views of your child, we are able to arrange this for a small fee.

Questions about Community Drop-Ins

No prior booking is necessary for our drop-in sessions. Families are welcome to come along during the scheduled times.
During group sessions, you can expect a relaxed environment where parents can share their experiences and feelings with one another and with our experienced therapists.. While Shrewsbury Bell-Tent sessions are unstructured, sessions at Pontesbury Community Hub typically include structured activities such as crafts or playtime for children, allowing them to engage creatively while parents connect with one another.
Yes, all our drop-in and group sessions are provided free of charge. We are grateful for the generous support of donors, fundraisers, and grant-makers that allow us to offer these vital services without any financial barriers.

Questions about Listening Space

If you have a pre-school child, and would like the chance to talk with someone individually, you can either go to one of the drop-in sessions and speak with one of the therapists, or contact us directly and ask for Becky.
You would be offered an initial consultation, followed by five sessions, then if needed, a further six, making twelve in total.
Your meetings would be either at our Shrewsbury centre, or online if this is easier for you.
No, sessions are free thanks to our funders, but any contributions are very welcome in helping us keep this service going.