The Information Service
At the core of The Whole Works is the 'Information Service'. Over 5,000 people have used this informal service since we opened in 1991 and we continue to see approximately 5 or 6 new clients a week in this service. The Info service has proved itself very useful, if not invaluable, for clients needing to address some issues but wanting to put their ‘toe in the water’ first before deciding on the next step.
There is no obligation on the clients who have come for the session to take it any further if they don’t wish to. The decision to follow though with a therapy is left entirely with the client to think about before any appointment is made.The short sessions can have several outcomes, but they are essentially for the benefit of you, the client, to find out what you want before making a decision to begin therapy.
The info session can be seen as an initial consultation where the therapist will ask you about yourself and get a sense of what is happening with you and make some assessment of what could be most beneficial to help you. The sessions can also simply be a opportunity for you to have some of your questions about the therapeutic process answered, so you , as a new client, can get clarity as to what choices are available to you. Often the sessions can throw some light on what issues to prioritise if you feel overwhelmed with many feelings and concerns all going on at once. An experienced therapist can help you see a way a clear.
The sessions are allocated about 25 minutes and we ask for a £5 donation for this service.
They are offered by several therapists who have the most experience and the widest knowledge of the different therapeutic approaches.
For those clients requiring a longer time to discuss themselves - and where possibly there are more complicating factors - it is suggested to book for a full hour where there is more time available to focus fully.
If clients are financially able to, we request a £30 fee for this.
Where clients are unable to afford the services of a Whole Works counsellor, we maintain an up to date list of all counselling services in Edinburgh that may be accessed for reduced fees. Please ask your information session therapist for the Counselling Agencies List.
Please , initially, feel free to discuss which length of session is best for you with the receptionist at The Whole Works.