What happens in counselling?
Is counselling confidential?
How many sessions will I need?
Can I bring my partner or someone with me to counselling?
Is Open Doors connected with 'right-to-life' groups or abortion providers?
Who are the counsellors?

What happens in counselling?

A session lasts for 50 minutes and is held in a private face-to-face setting. The first session is usually spent talking about why you have come for counselling, what's been happening in your life, your present situation and what you would like to achieve through the counselling.
A counsellor will not give specific advice but is there to listen, give support and help you explore your options.
Your counsellor will help you to explore pregnancy related problems and the options of a) continuing the pregnancy b) adoption and c) abortion
We do not judge or push any particular viewpoint. We will support you in whatever you decide.

Is counselling confidential?

Counselling at Open Doors is confidential. The counsellor will write notes after each session to assure a thorough understanding and comprehension of the issues but these notes are kept in a locked cabinet.
Counsellors are bound to ethical principles that mean only breaking confidentiality if there is evidence that clients may harm themselves or other people. This would be done with the client's knowledge and consent if possible.

How many sessions will I need?

Sessions are usually once a week for a period of time that is suited to your needs. Usually more than one session is needed as it takes a bit of time and discussion to explore feelings and thoughts around problems in order to make an informed decision.
Your counsellor will continue to support you with ongoing counselling for as long as you like no matter what your decision.

Can I bring my partner or someone with me to counselling?

Yes. You are encouraged to bring your partner, friend and/or parents if that is what you would like. This could be very helpful and beneficial to your counselling. It is also important that your counsellor spends time just with you, and your counsellor will encourage this.

Is Open Doors connected with the right-to-life group or abortion providers?

No. We have no connection with any other organisation, no links to abortion providers, and no connection to any political activity about abortion.
Our counselling is non-directive. Our focus is you and your needs. We aim to empower you to make the decision that's right for you. We also want you to feel completely free to return to us at any time. Some people do have problems after abortion and will not go back to a service that is at all connected with the abortion.
For these reasons abortion referral is not part of our counselling process.

Who are the counsellors?

We have professional counsellors and volunteer counsellors. Our volunteer counsellors have undertaken extensive training in non-directive counselling and are provided with ongoing training and professional supervision.
All counsellors are committed to meeting the ethical and service delivery standards of the organisation.

For more information see 'Mission, Rationale, Services' link below.

Updated February 2008