Single session therapy is a new counselling service launched by Family Welfare this year. It’s designed especially for young people, to help you get access to a trained counsellor quickly.
NHS England waiting lists for counselling currently stand at 18 weeks. For some problems, the wait is simply too long. Single session therapy means you don’t have to join a waiting list. You can contact Family Welfare and get the help you need so you can tackle your challenges head on and move forward in your life.
What is single session therapy?
Single session counselling is a face-to-face talking therapy session with a qualified counsellor that lasts one hour. If you’re stuck, we can help you find solutions. If you’re struggling to cope, we can help you find ways to manage the situation. If you just need someone to offload to, we will be your listening ear.
80% of young people find that a single counselling session is enough to help tackle a specific challenge or problem. Your counsellor can also point you to further support if you, or your counsellor, thinks it would be beneficial.
Who can access single session counselling?
The service is available to young people aged 7 to 18 who live in the Borough of Wigan. No matter how big or small your problem, know that there’s someone here who wants to help. You might be living with problems at home, worried about friends, family, school or college, or don’t feel like you can move forward from something that happened in your life.
If you have been keeping a worry inside for so long and want to set it free, single session counselling might be right for you. It’s a safe, confidential space to share your problem with someone you can trust.
How to prepare for single session therapy
1. To make the most of your time with your counsellor, think about what you want to get out of the session in advance. Most people have a specific problem or issue they want to talk about.
2. At the session, be prepared to talk and answer lots of questions. Your counsellor will make sure you focus on the problem and leave with a plan of action and some tools, techniques and actions to make it happen. For example, your counsellor might ask you to try acting out a conversation you need to have to give you the confidence to have that conversation.
3. Because sessions are short and focused, you might be able to manage your problem without the need for further counselling support. If you feel you need more talking therapy just tell your counsellor – we are here to help.
What happens after the counselling session?
After your session, take some time to think about what you talked about. If you take away just one action or step you can take towards solving your problem, this is a positive outcome.
Think about the action plan you made with your counsellor and what you need to do next. Maybe you agreed to contact another organisation, read about a subject, practise a technique, or have that talk with a friend or family member that you’ve been putting off.
Book a single session appointment
You can book an appointment with a trained counsellor on 01942 867888. Sessions are available from Monday to Wednesday 3pm-7pm and on Thursdays from 1pm-5pm.