Face 2 Face is a confidential counselling service for young people in Hitchin and North Herts. This service is offered to any young person between the age of 13 and 21 who feels in need of support. We have counselling rooms in Hitchin and in Stevenage. For those in employment we ask for an affordable contribution to our costs. Counselling is free for the unwaged.

When is counselling useful?
Young people come for counselling for all kinds of reasons. There is no problem that is too big or too small to bring to counselling. The kinds of things you might want to talk through are:

• if you are having difficulties in a relationship
• if you are feeling unhappy, stressed or depressed
• if you need someone to listen to what you have to say
• if you are lacking in confidence in yourself or about your future
• if you are having problems at home, school or work
• if you are being bullied or abused
• if you have undergone a major change in your life, such as your parents splitting up or moving house, school or job
• if you have lost someone close to you
• if you are having difficulty in coping with life

These are just some of the reasons people need support – there are many others too. In fact anything at all that you feel is causing you difficulties is something worth talking through with a counsellor.

Is counselling private?
What you tell your counsellor is between you and her, and will not be passed on without talking it through with you first. The only circumstances in which information might be passed on are:

• If your counsellor becomes concerned that either you or someone you know is seriously at risk of being harmed
• If your situation involves a case of physical, sexual or emotional abuse

The reason for these exceptions is that it is important that you and the people close to you are safe - sometimes further support will help.

When and how often does counselling take place?
You would usually meet with your counsellor for up to ten sessions, at the same time and on the same day of each week. If you would like to continue after this you can discuss this with your counsellor who will arrange further support for you.