Our response to COVID-19
June 2021
We are committed to providing high quality accessible counselling to people in Sheffield and beyond. We’d like to update all our current and prospective clients on how we are continuing to do this during the coronavirus pandemic.
Remote counselling
Our counsellors have successfully adapted to delivering counselling via telephone or video call. Research shows that these methods of counselling are just as effective as face to face counselling. Meeting remotely eliminates the risk of infection being passed between counsellor and client so are the safest form of counselling at present.
All of our counsellors are happy to use either telephone or video call for counselling sessions so you can choose which feels best for you. Video allows you to see each other which makes it feel more similar to face to face sessions and you may feel this helps you to build a relationship with the counsellor more quickly. Telephone sessions have the benefit of needing no new technology and it may be easier to find a private place to speak over the phone.
Remote sessions may feel quite different from speaking face to face. You may feel more relaxed and safer speaking to the counsellor from your own home. You may find it easier to share at a deep level more quickly. Your counsellor will discuss with you ways to approach the sessions carefully and at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Face to face counselling
We also value working with clients face to face and recognise that some people prefer to meet their counsellor in person. Perhaps you don’t feel comfortable speaking about personal issues online or may not have a private space at home to do so. Therefore we are beginning to gradually resume face to face sessions for those counsellors and clients who feel comfortable doing so. As there is limited availability for these sessions, if you can't find a slot on the website please contact us on 0114 326 0043 and we will add you to our waiting list.
Our safety measures
In preparing these guidelines for our business we have conducted a risk assessment and considered government guidelines as well guidance from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) on resuming face to face sessions.
Please be assured that frequent cleaning and hygiene practices are in place at Courtwood House and in our counselling rooms. Hand sanitiser is available in reception and should be used on entering and leaving the building. Face masks should be worn in the corridor where it may be difficult to fully maintain a 2m distance. These can be removed during the counselling session as long as both client and counsellor are comfortable doing so. In the counselling room chairs will be positioned at least 2m apart and a window will be left open for ventilation. A longer gap than usual will be left between sessions to allow surfaces to be cleaned and the room to be fully ventilated.
To avoid close contact our waiting area is not in use at the moment. Your counsellor will come and collect you from outside the building once you arrive. We are also asking clients to bring their own drinks, if required.
We are emphasising to all counsellors and clients not to come to the building if you have symptoms of COVID19 (persistent cough, temperature, loss of taste or smell). Sessions can continue remotely during periods of illness or self isolation. In addition we are encouraging our counsellors to undertake twice weekly lateral flow tests at home and we invite (though do not require) our clients to do the same. The testing kits are now available free to anyone and give a positive or negative Covid result within 30 mins.
If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us on
0114 326 0043 or info@sheffieldcentralcounselling.co.uk
