Who are we?
The HFP provides a FREE psychotherapy and counselling service to the community of Nottingham. The therapy we offer is provided by both qualified and trainee therapists. All therapists receive supervision in accordance with BACP requirements. We offer a high quality training environment for postgraduate psychotherapy students from The University of Nottingham.
The therapy service offers you access to blocks of up to twenty sessions of person-centred experiential therapy. Sessions are offered to individual clients; each session lasts for 50-minutes and will typically be offered one session per week. We provide comfortable, safe surroundings, where privacy will be assured.
We are committed to providing high quality services and therefore routinely evaluate the work that we do. We will ask you to participate in our evaluations and we also have a close working relationship with researchers from The University Nottingham who help to inform and develop our approach to therapy through research and development.
How Can I Request an Appointment?
Due to the current pandemic we are now starting a telephone counselling service for our clients until we are able to operate face to face sessions once more.
Unfortunately due to high demand we have had to temporarily close our waiting list. We plan to re-open for new referrals in early November 2020. Please check this website for any updates – we will keep it up to date with any changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Person-Centred Experiential Therapy?
Person-centred experiential therapy aims to promote personal growth and development. It is a talking therapy that enables client to develop their understanding of their problems. This is achieved by providing a non-judgemental, safe environment that is centred on trust and respect for our clients.
Who is the Clinic For?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept clients who are staff or students at the University of Nottingham. If this doesn’t apply to you we encourage you to contact us to arrange an intake appointment where we can discuss any potential barriers to the HFP being the best service for you and we can support you to find the best service for your needs.
I Am Not Sure if I Should Disclose Big Issues in the First Session…
You are not required to share all of your personal issues at your first session, nor should you. Very often, the beginning phase of therapy is about building a trusting therapeutic relationship in which you are free to share things at your own rate that feels comfortable for you. The therapist will do their best to help you to look at your issues and address those experiences. Talking about these things may take time, and will not necessarily all be included in one session.
I Am Not Sure If I Will ‘Click’ With My Therapist…
We understand that not everyone is going to be a match for us and that this “therapist shopping” is often a normal part of the process. See who makes you feel the most safe and comfortable, as well as who seems to best understand and be equipped to help you move forward. The therapists should also provide a good standard of care for you, which includes being aware of their own training, experience and limitations and referring you on to other therapists when appropriate if you feel the therapist unable to assist you. Please feel free to empower yourself to ask your therapist questions and voice any concerns that you have about your treatment.
Will My Personal Information Be Kept Confidential?
Confidentiality is an essential component to psychotherapy as part of building trust, and all of our client information is confidential. Client data are kept in password protected files on the computer, and in locked file cabinets in locked rooms. All data are stored by code number without personally identifying information. Data cannot be traced back to individual participants. However, confidentiality is not absolute, and there are exceptions. Sometimes, in the public interest, counsellors may need to make a referral to an agency or organisation (for example GP, police or social services) when there is a serious risk of imminent harm to their clients or to others, for example where a client is seriously mentally ill and needs hospitalisation, or in cases of child or elder abuse. These referrals are usually (but not always) made with the client’s knowledge and consent. This decision will depend on the particular circumstances of each client. You and your therapist should talk together in their first session and reach agreement about the limits of confidentiality for your work together. However, after discussion with your therapist, you should be clear about what information may need to be shared and with whom it may be shared.