At Hope-Borland Associates we support our clients through a variety of life’s challenges, some major and life changing. Through our own personal challenges and those of our clients we realise the importance in being adaptive to even the smallest challenges that face us. 

We realise that people are resourceful and sometimes to cope with challenges we can odopt strategies to reduce are worries and anxieties in the short term. Unfortunately, some of the strategies we adopt can cause longer term problems. These are called maladaptive behaviours. Examples of maladaptive coping strategies include avoidance behaviours like drinking, emotional numbing, gambling, and social withdrawal. We can often apply the same coping strategies to similar situations. 

At Hope-Borland Associates we believe that whoever you are, whatever the problem, no matter how seemingly ‘small’ or ‘minor’, our experienced Counsellors and Therapists are here to support you in enhancing your quality of life, whatever the starting point.

At Hope-Borland Associates we believe that the therapeutic process should be unique and individualised to your needs and situation.  It helps identify problems or concerns you have and how they affect your life in a safe environment. Many clients not only feel better about why they came, but also learn useful skills for dealing with future challenges. Counselling and therapy offers support in times of crisis and beyond:  providing a safe place to express or realise emotions. Counselling can provide an opportunity to change patterns of thinking and behaviour and help to nurture a more positive and healthier outlook.

We will endeavour to support you on your journey and create the right circumstances for you to develop a deeper understanding of your circumstances and the skills needed to cope with life’s challenges. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees and positive outcomes depend on many factors including commitment, which of course we will support you with. Our philosophy is that therapy is a collaborative process, and can require action and commitment by all parties, without this it can be like pushing a car with the handbrake on. Time to take the handbrake off!?

You can email or phone with an enquiry. We can then informally and confidentially discuss what’s on your mind. If we think we can offer you support, we can agree on a date and time to come together for an initial consultation. This is usually within a week or when it is convenient for you to do so. During this meeting we will discuss things like confidentiality and get a better understanding what brings you here. 

From this initial consultation, we will be more able to get a better understanding of what may help and how many sessions it may take for you to start feeling a little better about things. Obviously, we are all human and progress depends on many things. 

Usually, we will meet on a weekly basis for 50-60 minutes, but to help progress in between sessions we may agree for you to do some simple ‘homework’ exercises to help move things on.

Hope-Borland Associates are currently negotiating with various insurance companies to become a registered provider of Therapy and Counselling services. Our philosophy means we will not enter any corporate contract which is based purely on financial considerations and not dictated by clients’ needs. Most insurers will usually only pay for short-term time-limited treatment for acute issues.

Insurers all have slightly different rules of cover, and it is important to contact your insurer directly to check what your policy covers.  In our experience you will need to get written proof of authorisation or an authorisation code before proceeding. We are happy to provide a covering letter should it be required. 

Our service is provided in the strictest of confidence. We provide a safe, non-judgmental and private place for you to talk openly with dignity and respect. Confidentiality will be fully discussed in the initial consultation as will data protection and complaints policy.

We have a team of qualified and experienced Counsellors, Therapists and Psychologists. Following our initial phone conversation, the team will discuss your enquiry and decide who is best suited to support you during the initial consultation. We have a team of male and female staff so let us know if you have a preference or if a particular person has been recommended to you. We always work in a collaboratively with our clients so you will be fully involved in any agreed treatment plan.

Our Counsellors and Therapists generally work in an integrative manner and are experienced in a range of different models of therapy and techniques. At Hope-Borland Associates we often bring a unique blend of experience, rather than one method alone.

Generally, we believe ‘face to face’ sessions are more supportive and productive however, depending on what we are working on will happily consider your request.

If at any time you wish to stop the sessions early or end them altogether your decision will always be respected. The initial consultation allows us to discuss many questions like this and you will be able to take a copy of the contract home with you to consider before the next session.