FAQs
FAQs
If you’ve never spoken to a therapist before, or even if you have, you will have some questions about what is involved. We have tried to answer some of these here.
![Two ladies talking to each other](/sites/default/files/2022-05/516850990_sidebar_faqs_bedford_360px.png)
No, we do not provide home visits but we can provide support via the telephone or Skype. It may also be important for you to attend one of our venues for treatment within a group setting.
The confidentiality policy is the same as it is with your GP, unless we are concerned that you or someone else is at risk of harm. We also work directly with a number of partner agencies who also provide a range of psychological therapies eg. Counselling. Following your telephone triage or assessment with your therapist , you will be involved in a discussion on the best treatment option for your needs. If this involves your referral being passed onto a partner organisation, then the information from your consultation will be passed onto the partner agency, who also will be bound by professional confidentiality policies.
We also keep your GP informed to ensure those who provide your care are working together.
No, we do not contact anyone apart from you and your GP about your care.
Yes, as long as you either have a GP or live in Bedfordshire (excluding Luton) we can see you for therapy.
We have a number of therapists who speak languages other than English, who we can sometimes match you with. If we cannot do this, we will arrange to use an interpreter.
We also have a range of materials in a number of different languages.
No, at the beginning of each session there is a short questionnaire to fill out. This covers a range of topics which might be affecting how you are feeling. These help us to keep track of how you are feeling and mean that our therapy sessions can be more focused on what you bring to the session. If you find filling in forms difficult you can either have a copy of the questionnaire to fill in during your own time or your therapist can help you on the day.
If you are unable to make your appointment, it is important that you contact the service as soon as possible, to cancel the appointment. A new appointment can then be made for you. Please note we do have a DNA (Did Not Attend) and cancellation policy that will be discussed with you.
We can use phone, text, email and letter to contact you and will ask you which your preferred methods are when we first speak with you.
We will also make a note on the system if we are allowed to leave messages for you on your phone. This is to ensure confidentiality.
We are a flexible service and are able to offer appointments on a Monday and Thursday evening up till 8.00pm. We are also able to offer early morning appointments at 8.00am during the week.
We cannot take referrals from relatives due to confidentiality. We also find therapy works best if the individual feels ready to seek help themselves. We suggest you direct your relative to this website so they can see what is available.