Frequently Asked Questions

How much does counselling/play therapy cost?

For one to one therapy: the first initial appointment (see below) costs £35. After that, the fee is £50 per session.

For couples counselling, the initial assessment session costs £45. After that, the fee is £60 per session.

Restore operates a small bursary fund so if £50/£60 is genuinely too much to pay, please enquire as to whether any concessionary rates are available.

Are evening appointments available?

Restore has evening appointments available Monday-Friday and daytime appointments available weekdays only.

Does counselling work for everyone?

As everybody is different and come to counselling with different issues and goals, the results from people’s experience of counselling can be different too. However, The International Centre for Clinical Excellence held a study recently which revealed that 80% of people who received counselling and therapy ended up in a better place than those who did not seek help from a counsellor.

Is everything I say confidential?

What you share during counselling will not be divulged to anybody else, apart from certain exceptions: if you are at risk of seriously harming yourself or others, information is given about a child being abused or at risk of abuse, if your counsellor is required to share information as part of a police investigation or court case or if your counsellor didn’t share information, it would be a criminal offence for them (Drug Trafficking Act 1986 & Terrorism Act 2000). These can be explained in further detail during the initial appointment. All counsellors must take their work to supervision. This is to make sure that they are taking care of you professionally. The supervisor will not know who you are because a code will be used.

What does it mean that all your therapists are Christians?

Restore upholds a Christian ethos and demonstrates Christian values. We believe this partners well with the services that we offer as we believe it is a Christian principle to offer help to those who are hurting and to see hope, healing, wholeness and ultimately, restoration (hence our name 'Restore'), in people's lives. For those who wish to, issues of faith can be discussed and explored in sessions. Those who have a faith may find it difficult not to talk about this aspect of their lives. However, it is the individual client's choice as to whether they want to bring issues of faith into their therapy session. Restore therapists will not impose their individual beliefs and will not seek to promote or advance Christianity. They will respect everyone they see, no matter what religious beliefs (if any) the client holds.

What happens in the initial appointment?

The initial counselling appointment usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes (please note that Parent-Infant Psychotherapy is different and the initial appointment can last up to 80 minutes). It is an opportunity for you to meet the counsellor face-to-face, for you to ask any questions and for the counsellor to gain a little background information. Questions will be asked, such as why you are seeking counselling and what you hope to get out of your counselling time. This enables the counsellor to ensure that they are the best person to work with you and for you to gain a sense of what counselling through Restore may be like. Attending the initial appointment does not obligate you to continue. If it is felt that another counsellor may be more suitable for you, details of other therapists will be given to you for you to consider.

How many sessions will I have and how often will they take place?

As everybody is unique, the reasons for coming to counselling will all be different. That means that the amount of time somebody spends in counselling will depend on their situation and needs. By nature Restore tends to view all counselling as medium to long term therapy but that by no means excludes those who are able to benefit from shorter term therapy if there is a limited time scale in play. Sessions normally take place at the same time each week; lasting for one hour.

What happens if I have to cancel a session?

Once you have signed a counselling agreement with your counsellor, you are agreeing to a space held exclusively for you. As such, you are required to pay for this space in line with the terms set out below, if you would like your counsellor to keep the space open for you. This applies even if you are unwell.

If you can’t make a session, please let your counsellor know. If you only give 2 days’ notice or less of a session needing to be cancelled, the full fee will be charged and if 3-7 days’ notice is given, 50% of the session fee will be charged. Any cancellation with 7 or more days’ notice will not be charged. If 2 appointments are missed without any notice, this contract will end. You will be welcome to contact your counsellor again to make a new contract though if you want to.

Where are you located?

Restore operates its counselling, play therapy and supervision services from 57 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1XU and, for those who need disabled access, Christ Church, High Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1UT. Both premises have free parking.