FAQs About Therapy and Counselling in Stirling
Starting therapy can bring up lots of questions, especially if you’ve never spoken to a therapist before. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about therapy, counselling, appointments, confidentiality, and working with The Wee Therapy Rooms.
Location & Access
Where are you based?
The Wee Therapy Rooms are based in Bannockburn, Stirling. For confidentiality reasons, the exact address will be disclosed once your booking is confirmed.
Is there any parking on-site?
There is no on-site parking. However, there are nearby residential streets where clients should be able to find parking spaces. Further details on how to get to TWTR will be shared once your booking is confirmed.
Do you provide toilet facilities?
Unfortunately, TWTR does not have toilet facilities on the premises. We recommend being mindful of this before attending your session.
About Therapy and our Referral Process
What issues can therapy and counselling help with?
Therapy can support you with a wide range of difficulties, as well as help you improve or enhance areas of your life you wish to develop.
Examples include (but are not limited to): Anxiety, depression or low mood, emotional regulation, trauma, attachment, relationships, communication, boundaries, loss and grief, confidence, trust, and other mental health or personal concerns.
How do I book a session?
At TWTR, you will be asked to complete a referral form to capture important information and help facilitate clear communication between us.
Once we receive your referral, we will invite you to speak with one of our practitioners (depending on your preference) to explore your concerns and assess whether we are the right fit for your needs.
If this feels appropriate for both parties, we will then arrange your first session.
What should I expect during my first therapy session?
The first session is an opportunity for you and your practitioner to get to know each other and begin building a professional working relationship. You will have space to talk about what brings you to therapy and what you are looking for, while your counsellor will explain how they work, what to expect from the service, and answer any questions you may have.
Appointments & Availability
What hours are available?
Availability varies depending on the practitioner’s current schedule at the time of booking. Appointments may be adjusted based on individual circumstances and subject to availability. Practitioners will always try to accommodate flexibility where possible.
How long are therapy sessions?
Each session lasts 50 minutes.
Fees, Payments & Cancellations
What is the cost of a therapy session?
Individual therapy: £50 per session
Couples therapy: £75 per session
The fees are reviewed annually, and any changes will be notified to the client in advance.
How can I pay for my sessions?
New clients are required to pay via bank transfer 48 hours in advance of the session. Once you are a regular client, payment can be made by bank transfer before the session or in cash on the day. Unfortunately, we do not have a card machine.
What happens if I need to cancel a session?
We understand that life can be unpredictable. However, as we rely on bookings, we require at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel a session to avoid a charge.
Length of Therapy & Commitment
How long is the process? Do I need to commit to a specific number of sessions?
The length of therapy varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the issues you wish to explore, your personal circumstances, and the stage of the therapeutic process. This will be discussed with you beforehand and reviewed regularly. There is no fixed number of sessions you must commit to. Some clients prefer to begin with a set number, while others take things session by session.
How do I decide if I need short-term or long-term therapy?
This depends entirely on your needs and what you would like to work on. There is no right or wrong answer, and your counsellor can support you in reflecting on this during therapy. It is also common for therapy to be shortened or extended as your needs evolve.
At TWTR:
Short-term therapy typically involves 1–12 sessions
Long-term therapy usually lasts a year or more
Anything in between may be considered medium-term therapy.
Support, Fit & Reassurance
What if I feel nervous or unsure about starting?
Feeling nervous or unsure is completely normal. One of the therapists can arrange a brief, informal chat free of charge to answer any questions and help clarify any concerns. Most clients find that they feel more relaxed after attending their first session.
What if I don’t feel we’re the right fit?
If you feel therapy is not working for you, it can be helpful to discuss this openly with your therapist. They will try to address any difficulties, and if things do not improve, they can offer alternative options, such as signposting you to other services or practitioners.
Confidentiality & Professional Standards
Is everything I disclose confidential?
Yes, sessions are strictly confidential. However, there are legal and ethical exceptions that may require a breach of confidentiality, which will be explained in your first session.
In a nutshell, should you disclose any risk of harm to yourself or others, as well as any involvement with illegal and/or criminal activities, therapists are legally required to share this information with the appropriate services/authorities.
How can I be sure that the practitioner is qualified?
You can review each practitioner’s qualifications and relevant experience in their profile, and you are welcome to ask any questions about their training or approach. Upon request, practitioners can also provide evidence of their professional qualifications.