Our Counsellors

We have a vibrant, mixed team of counsellors who bring a wealth of experience.   Many of our counsellors volunteer their expertise, other members of the team are based in schools, local hostels and community centres and work with diverse communities.  We have a specialist service working with victims of crime and youth at risk.  We have a small, dedicated team of volunteers working with young unaccompanied asylum seekers.

Our experienced counsellors are at varying stages of qualification. All our counsellors are registered members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), or an equivalent professional body, and follow the ethical framework for good practice www.bacp.co.uk

The type of counsellor you will be allocated to will depend on which type of counselling would best suit you, and whether you will be in face to face, online or telephone counselling.

Is counselling confidential?

Yes, counselling is confidential however in some circumstances there are times where we need to share information in order to safeguard you or someone else from significant harm. By ‘significant harm’ we mean serious harm like abuse, suicide, and illegal activity like terrorism, money laundering and fraud for example. In circumstances like these it is our legal responsibility to contact other professionals. Wherever possible we will try to let you know first.

It may also be that you and your counsellor decide together that working with other services, professionals, parents/carers would be of further benefit/support to you. In these circumstances your counsellor will always ask you for your permission first.

Regardless of qualification and experience, all counsellors require clinical supervision as part of their professional practice. This is a professional working relationship where the counsellor discusses their counselling practice with a qualified clinical supervisor. 

Bedfordshire Open Door counsellors receive regular clinical supervision as required by the British Association for the Counselling Professions (BACP).

Why is confidentiality important

Confidentiality is important because it allows you to feel safe to talk about how you feel, what you think, and what is worrying you without the fear of your counsellor telling anyone else without your knowledge and permission. It is important for you to feel safe in the knowledge that your counsellor respects your trust but will also take steps to keep you and/or others safe if needed.