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FAQs about our Counselling Service

Find answers to some commonly-asked questions about our Counselling Service.

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Read more about our counselling service

Find answers to some commonly asked questions about our Counselling Service.

Signing up & Eligibility

How do I know if I’m ready for counselling?
  • Starting counselling is a big step towards healing from the impact of HBA, and we encourage you to consider the decision carefully.
  • As you ponder whether now is the right time to seek counselling, it is important to acknowledge your own readiness for this journey.
  • For example, are you open to exploring new perspectives and making positive changes in your life? Are you willing to invest time and effort into self-discovery and personal development? These are crucial factors to consider before embarking on the path of counselling.
  • Our referral form takes your level of risk into consideration, but it is also worth you taking a moment to think about if counselling is the right decision. If you are still living with a perpetrator, you may want to consider if now is the right time to start counselling.

 

Do I qualify for the counselling service?
  • We know that there are many people seeking therapy, however safeguarding is a key component of all our work at Karma Nirvana. Our eligibility and suitability criteria is designed to protect individuals from further harm or risk.
  • While this service may not be suitable for you at this time, we always act in your best interests.
  • The criteria we consider for this service is:
    • The individual has experience of HBA or be at risk of HBA.
    • The individual is over 18 years old.
    • The individual must not be in immediate or ongoing danger, and must not be living with a perpetrator
    • The individual is mentally and emotionally able to engage in the counselling process.
    • The individual does not face increased risk or harm by engaging in counselling.
    • The individual’s needs align with the services provided, and the service is deemed appropriate for their current situation.
How do I sign up for the counselling service?
  • The first step is to fill out our confidential referral form. This form helps us understand your needs and determine if our service is the right fit for you. All information shared remains confidential and will only be used for assessment purposes. You can access the referral form here.
  • If you are a professional referring an individual, we will also need your details. If you are filling out the form for yourself, these questions will be skipped.
  • Fill out the rest of the form on behalf of the individual applying for counselling.
  • Please be honest with your answers and try to answer questions as fully as possible
Do I need to be referred by a professional to access the service?
  • No. Our service is open to both individuals who wish to self-refer, as well as safeguarding professionals referring individuals to this service.
I’ve been told I’m not eligible for this service. What should I do?
  • We know that there are many people seeking therapy, however safeguarding is a key component of all our work at Karma Nirvana. Our eligibility and suitability criteria is designed to protect individuals from further harm or risk.
  • While this service may not be suitable for you at this time, we always act in your best interests.
  • If your referral does not meet the criteria, you will be notified via email, and we will signpost you to alternative support services
Do I need to have contacted the helpline before applying?
  • No. Our helpline is a separate service and you don’t need to have received helpline support to qualify for the service.
  • If you have contacted the helpline before, your counsellor won’t be able to access notes about your previous support.

 

Service Details and Structure

Is this service confidential?
  • Yes. Strict protocols are in place to maintain client confidentiality, while safeguarding measures ensure that any risk of harm is appropriately addressed.
I’ve received a request for an initial counselling call. What should I expect?
  • Your counsellor will contact you at the date and time provided in your referral form. Please make sure you take the call in a comfortable, quiet place and somewhere you feel comfortable to talk freely.
  • The counsellor will discuss your referral details, readiness for counselling, confidentiality, safeguarding, and expectations, as well as answer any questions you may have about the counselling process.
  • This call is to get to know you, and make sure we have all the right details to proceed with counselling. While this may feel nerve-wracking, the counsellor will guide you through the entire process.
  • If this service is determined to not the right fit, we will guide you to alternative support services.
Do I have to pay for counselling?
  • No. This is a free service, which has been made possible by our generous funders and donators.
What can I expect from your service?
  • Our service offers:
    • One-to-one sessions with a counsellor
    • 50 Minutes Sessions
    • Counselling will last for 6 sessions, with short-term flexible options available on a case-by-case basis
    • Free Service for victims of HBA, or those at risk of HBA
    • Sessions are delivered remotely using secure video or phone platforms.
    • Delivered using a person-centred approach, and grounded in trauma-informed practices, focusing on recovery from trauma and emotional well-being

 

Is this service in-person?
  • No. Sessions are delivered remotely using secure video or phone platforms.

 

What can the service not be used for?
  • This service is not a crisis intervention and does not provide legal or casework support, nor does it offer specialist mental health treatment.
  • Clients needing these services will be referred to appropriate providers.

Screening and Waiting List

I’ve been placed on a waiting list. What does this mean?
  • You may be placed on a waiting list depending on our capacity.
  • If so, we will provide an estimated wait time and check in periodically to confirm your interest.
  • During this time, please ensure you respond to our requests to confirm your interest to maintain your place on the waiting list
What is your screening process, and how long will I need to wait?
  • Your application will be reviewed within 7 working days of receiving your form.
  • Our screening team will assess your referral against our eligibility and suitability criteria.
  • If eligible, the counsellor will get in touch to offer an initial consultation.
  • You may be placed on a waiting list depending on capacity. If so, we will provide an estimated wait time and check in periodically to confirm your interest.
  • If your referral does not meet the criteria, you will be notified via email, and we will signpost you to alternative support services

 

The counselling page says you’re no longer accepting applications. What do I do?
  • We may close our applications to manage our capacity for this service.
  • If our applications are closed, please review alternative services that may be suitable, or check our website at a later date.

 

I’ve not heard from you within the expected timeframe. What should I do?
  • Your application will be reviewed within 7 working days of receiving your form.
  • Please check to make sure you have received a notification email from us confirming you have submitted the form.
  • Please make sure to check your spam and junk folders for any emails from the team.
  • If you have confirmed you’ve not heard from us, please contact our helpline, which is open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm.

Counselling Process

How long is a session?
  • Each session will last for 50 minutes
  • Please ensure you are on time for your appointments
  • Please make sure you take the call in a comfortable, quiet place and somewhere you feel comfortable to talk freely.
I think I need more than 6 sessions. What can I do?
  • During the process, your counsellor will determine if more sessions are needed and if additional support can be accommodated to allow for additional sessions.
  • This is done on a case-by-case basis, so please discuss this with your counsellor if you think you need more support.

 

I’m at the end of my counselling. What should I expect?
  • Your counsellor will support you through the process, and please ask your counsellor if you have any particular concerns about this.
  • When your counselling comes to an end, you will receive a post-counselling outcome assessment where you can give feedback about the service, as well as details for further support services you may find useful.

Counsellor Training and Quality Assurance

How are your counsellors trained?
  • All counsellors are trained and accredited by a professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists practising in the United Kingdom, ensuring they meet the high standards expected in the provision of therapeutic support.
  • We are a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
    • Membership number: 00276810
  • Furthermore, our counsellors are trained by Karma Nirvana to ensure they understand HBA, and the unique challenges faced by survivors and victims.
  • At Karma Nirvana, we understand that leaving HBA is not just about physical safety – it’s also about healing from the emotional and psychological impact of these experiences.
  • This service aims to provide a safe and supportive space where survivors of HBA can access trauma-informed therapy, allowing for individuals to process the impact of their experiences, rebuild their emotional and mental well-being and gain the tools they need to move forward.
  • Our counselling service offers confidential, trauma-informed support tailored to the unique challenges faced by those impacted by HBA