Our response to COVID-19

September 2020

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 using remote methods.  Over the next few months, we expect the majority of our counselling sessions will continue to be delivered remotely 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. 

Face to face counselling

We also value working with clients face to face and recognise that some people don’t feel comfortable speaking about personal issues online or may not have a private space at home to do so.  Therefore we have decided from August 2020 to resume face to face sessions for those counsellors and clients who feel comfortable doing so.  Please view our team page to check which of our counsellors are currently offering face to face sessions.

If you are not sure whether to choose remote or face to face counselling read our blog post about the benefits and challenges of each.

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  – instead let your counsellor know and they will be able to conduct the session remotely via telephone or video call (if you feel well enough). 

If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us on 07504492224 or info@sheffieldcentralcounselling.co.uk