Crossroads Counselling Service

Who are Crossroads?

We are part of a charity and all our counsellors are voluntary. We are Christians and operate according to Christian principles but we will not impose our beliefs onto you. We believe that everyone is unique and of equal value. Of course, it you have any questions about God or our faith in Him, we will be delighted to try to answer them.

All our main counsellors have either a Diploma in Counselling or the Certificate in Counselling Skills. Some are also accredited with the Association of Christian Counsellors.

Where will we meet?

Normally counselling sessions take place at The King's Centre, Raglan Road, Sale. There may be occasions when we need to make other arrangements.

Who will know that I am seeing you?

We place a high emphasis on providing a confidential service.

Each counsellor receives supervision on a regular basis and the supervisor would, therefore, need to have some information in order to support and advise. But you would not be specifically identified.

There might be occasions when, because of what you tell us, we feel that either you or someone else is at a risk of serious harm. In such circumstances, we might need to share our concern with your doctor, the social services department or the police, but we would tell you beforehand if that was the case and also what we proposed saying to them.

Will you keep records of the sessions and if so will they be kept safely?

Yes, we keep written notes but they are kept locked away. The notes are coded and cannot be identified as yours.

What is expected of me?

Obviously we can only offer help to people who are wanting to receive it - even if they are nervous about doing so. How a session progresses is up to you but we would be exploring problems, looking at how you want things to be in the future and discovering ways of achieving that.

What about my medication?

If you are on medication you should remain on it. If you are seeing a doctor, psychiatrist or any other professional you should remain with them until you are discharged.

How long is a session?

Normally a session lasts for one hour, but occasionally there may be times when a shorter time is enough or we need a few minutes extra.

Supposing I can't make a session?

Do, please, give us as much notice as possible if you're unable to keep an appointment. This may enable us to offer time to somebody else on the waiting list. Please note that sessions missed without 24 hour's notice being given are subject to a £5 fee.

Supposing I need to speak to you before my next counselling session?

Telephone us on (0161) 747 7880 between 9 am and 4.45 pm, Monday to Friday. If you reach the answerphone, leave your name and a contact number and someone will return your call.

What if we don't get on?

It will be helpful if we are honest with each other. Maybe one of us has misunderstood something and it can be sorted out quite easily. There may be times when a counsellor and client don't get along and then it might be that we would agree to make alternative arrangements.

And if I decide I don't want to see you anymore?

You are free to stop coming at any time. However, do give us as much warning as you can of your intentions. If you feel able to discuss your feelings with your counsellor, so much the better. It is much better if you and your counsellor can plan towards a time when you both feel ready to say goodbye.

Do I have to pay to see you?

We don't charge fees, but if you are able to give something we will gratefully receive your donations! We do have ongoing costs of rent, further training, etc. to be met.

We hope that this page has been helpful in answering some of your questions. If you want to discuss these or any other worries with your counsellor, please feel free to do so. We are here to help if we can!