0131 447 0876
What does the 'PF' stand for?
What is Counselling?
Who or What is a Counsellor?
When can I receive counselling?
Who can come to PF Counselling?
Do I need to be referred?
How much does it cost?
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What does 'PF' stand for? | ||
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The Pastoral Foundation is the original registered name of the charity. In 1986 a group of people associated with the local churches felt that there was a need to offer a listening service in the area. The name Pastoral Foundation was given to the service at that time because they considered that the term "Pastoral" was appropriate to the caring nature of the service offered. The original listening service developed into a professional counselling service offering generic counselling to individuals and couples from all over Edinburgh and the Lothians and Borders. Over the years we found that members of the public thought that the name Pastoral Foundation indicated that it was a religious or church based service. To avoid this misconception the name was shortened to the PF. |
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| • | What is Counselling? | ||
| Sometimes we can feel unable to cope, depressed, anxious, alone or facing some difficulty we cannot see our way out of. Counselling offers time dedicated to you, with someone who has the skills and commitment to help you work though the issues that are affecting you. Counselling can also be beneficial for people who want to explore their own potential for personal change or growth. | |||
| • | Who or What is a Counsellor? | ||
| A counsellor is someone who is professionally trained to listen to your problems sensitively and with an open mind. To understand as fully as possible what is concerning you and how it is affecting your life. Without "judging" or offering "advice" a counsellor can help you to become more aware of your own inner resources and how you can use these to help you cope and discover new ways of dealing with difficult feelings, people or situations. A counsellor will work with you within an environment of absolute respect and confidentiality. All PF Counsellors work within strict professional/ethical guidelines. | |||
| • | When can I receive counselling? | ||
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work an appointments system and there is always a waiting list of people
who would like counselling. We aim to see you for an assessment
appointment within three weeks of receiving you appointment request
form, but after that it can be up to three months before a regular space
is available. The more flexible you can be with your availability and preferences, the more quickly we are likely to find you a space. Evening sessions are in high demand. We also have a Fast Track service designed for clients without financial restrictions who would like to be seen immediately by a qualified counsellor. |
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| • | Who can come to PF Counselling? | ||
| The PF offers counselling based on a mind, body, spirit approach to life and life's difficulties. The service is available to individuals and couples over the age of 18. | |||
| • | Do I need to be referred? | ||
| No. You can self-refer to the PF by completing the appointment request form. | |||
| • | How much does it cost? | ||
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Although our counsellors are volunteers and do not receive any payment
for their work at the PF, the counselling service has considerable costs
such as rent, administrative staff, supervision and training costs. We
do not receive any regular or recurring funding from central or local
government and we rely solely on our own fundraising efforts together
with donations and contributions from our users in order to keep the
counselling service open. The true cost to the PF of each counselling
appointment is currently around £40.
As part of the commitment to counselling we encourage clients to make a financial contribution based on their income and 'ability to pay'. This would be discussed during the first appointment and reviewed throughout the counselling work. If client fees are paid by an employer or another organisation £40 per session is charged. |
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