Frequently asked questions

• Do I have to pay a charge at the Counselling Centre?

  No, the counselling sessions are free of charge.

  Open the question on its own page

• What is family therapy and systemic practice?

  Family therapy consists of sessions where we receive help to solve problems that we encounter with those who are closest to us: our family or others who are near and dear. Its essence is that problems are understood as being of a relational nature, and that problems affect all members of a family or a network. In the sessions, it is thus crucial to listen to many of those who are involved to be able to undertake the necessary changes. As a form of therapy, family therapy has grown in scope and importance since its introduction in Norway in the mid-1960s. The procedure is based on systemic thinking, theories of communication and theories of change in clinical work with interpersonal relationships.

  Those who are trained in family therapy possess extra knowledge about the importance of relationships for human mental and physical well-being and social functioning. Family therapists may work with individuals, couples, entire families, groups or other networks. Family therapists may vary in their basic training, academic background and basis for their way of working. However, they all seek to elicit different voices and emotions, and help people talk with and listen to each other in new ways. The approaches and methods are selected according to what will provide most benefit to the family or individual in question and help them bring about change.

  Open the question on its own page

• What is registered about me and the content of the sessions?

  On your first visit to the Counselling Centre we ask you to fill in a short request form. We use it to register your name in a secure computer system, where we also store short memos from the sessions. You may read these whenever you wish.

  When you and your therapists have agreed to conclude the series of sessions, you can request a copy of the memos. All memos and your personal information are then deleted. You will be provided with complete information about this when you first come to the Counselling Centre, and you must sign a consent form that states this in writing.

  The Counselling Centre anonymises all other information.

  Open the question on its own page

• Does the Counselling Centre use interpreters?

  Yes, we can book an interpreter when this is necessary for good communication. If you feel that this is useful for you or for someone who will come with you, just let us know. You will be informed about the identity of the interpreter who will participate in the session, so if you are acquainted with this particular interpreter or for various reasons want another, you can tell us about it. We will try to have the same interpreter participate in all your sessions.

  Open the question on its own page

• How long does a session last, and how many times can I come to the Counselling Centre?

  A session will normally last for 60 minutes. On your first visit, the session may last longer because of the registration and to become acquainted.

  Open the question on its own page

• Who are the students and the supervisor whom I will meet at the Counselling Centre?

  At the Counselling Centre you will meet a team consisting of two students under the supervision of a teacher. The students whom you meet may have different backgrounds in social or health studies. All of them have a bachelor’s degree and two years of work experience. Many students also have many years of professional experience from counselling and will be engaged in further education or a master’s degree in family therapy. All students at the Counselling Centre go through a basic introduction and have training in family therapy and different ways to encounter people and their challenges.

  The supervisors are teachers on the training programme in family therapy and have many years of training and relevant work experience.

  Open the question on its own page