Frequently Asked Questions.

Where is Phoenix Counselling Located

Phoenix Counselling is located at 129 Pottery Road, Oldbury B68 9HE.

A map with bus and train information can be found (here).

How do I choose a qualified therapist in the West Midlands?

Choosing a qualified therapist in the West Midlands involves several key steps. More info can be found (here); however, key things to consider are:

  • Checking Qualifications

  • Registered with a membership body

  • Considering Therapeutic Approach

Why choose private counselling & psychotherapy? 

You can benefit from a variety of things by seeking counselling in a private setting. These include:

  • Choice of therapist

  • The ability to choose the number and length of therapy sessions

  • More accommodating and flexible appointment times 

  • The possibility of longer-term therapy, which is not easily available on the NHS

  • Can feel more private as therapy won’t appear on your medical records

How do I book an appointment at Phoenix Counselling

​To book an appointment with Phoenix Counselling, you can:

Our admin office varies and is dependent on our team’s availability. If you call and we don’t answer or it is outside of our opening hours, you can leave a message, and your call will be returned within 24 hours, Monday to Friday.

Once we have your details, one of the therapists will reach out directly to you for an initial chat and to arrange an initial appointment.

What are the operating hours of Phoenix Counselling?

Counselling and psychotherapy appointments are held between:

Monday - 8am - 8pm

Tuesday - 8am - 8pm

Wednesday - 8am - 8pm

Thursday - 8am - 8pm

Friday - 8am - 6pm

Saturday - 8am - 2pm

However, each therapist works different days and hours. Our admin hours differ from our advertised operating hours, varying accross the week, depending on availability of the team.

Why do individuals seek therapy? 

There are many different reasons why people seek therapy, and our therapists are aware that it can be challenging to initiate contact. Here are a few topics for which a client might contact our service:

  • Abortion

  • Addictions

  • Anger

  • Anxiety

  • Bereavement

  • Depression

  • Eating Disorders

  • Relationship Difficulties or Breakdown

  • Self Esteem

  • Stress

  • Trauma

Instead of offering you guidance, counselling aims to increase your awareness of your internal and external experiences. You may feel more in control of your life and more aware of your options as a result of this.

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

Counselling is an opportunity to work through your problems and issues with someone who is professionally trained and who is impartial to the situation you find yourself in. Psychotherapy tends to work at a deeper emotional or relational level. It works to heal inner unresolved conflicts or deeper emotional or psychological issues within yourself.

What takes place during therapy sessions? 

Every session is unique and will depend on what you want to discuss. The initial session gives therapists and clients a chance to get to know one another, talk about needs and goals, and determine whether if you can collaborate. If both parties believe they can cooperate, a preliminary working arrangement is agreed upon. Therapists will check in with you frequently throughout the sessions to make sure we are progressing according to your needs.

How many appointments will I require? 

It really is up to you how many sessions you want to have. In one or two sessions, some problems and issues can feel resolved. Some, however, require deeper work and may take weeks, months, or even years to complete.

​How much does therapy cost?

Individual fees are negotiated between the individual therapist and their clients and range from £55 - £75, depending on individual or couples counselling, day and time required.  Some therapists may offer concessionary rates for appointments held Monday - Friday daytime, or if they are working on a research project and you meet their research criteria. Family counselling and employment-assisted programs are priced on the application, as they are dependent on the level of service required.

Where can I find affordable counselling services in Oldbury?

Concessions are at the discretion of individual therapists, and we are unable to guarantee reduced rates. Information about the cost of therapy and a few recommendations for places that offer subsidised therapy can be found (here).

How often are sessions held? 

The ideal option for most people at the beginning of therapy is weekly sessions; each therapist can discuss this in more detail during your initial appointments, taking into account individual circumstances such as shift work. Additionally, after you begin working together, your therapist can revise your working agreement and adjust the frequency to better suit your requirements.

Can I find local counselling services that provide both in-person and online sessions?

At Phoenix Counselling, some but not all of our therapists offer a mix of online and in-person (face-to-face) appointments. If this is something that you are interested in please let us know when you contact us.

Can placement therapists work at your centre?

No, all our therapists need to hold a recognised qualification, hold membership of UKCP, BACP or NCPS, and have their own indemnity insurance and an enhanced DBS.  All therapists work on a self-employed basis. If you would like information regards room rental, please follow this link

What membership organisations are therapists members of?

Our therapists all hold a membership with one or several of the following organisations:

  • British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) -https://www.bacp.co.uk/

  • National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) - https://ncps.com

  • UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) - https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/