This FAQ page includes questions you might have about face-to-face counselling with OTR. If your question isn’t answered here, then call or email us.

• What is Off the Record / OTR?

Off the Record (OTR) is a young people’s charity supporting young people in South London for over 20 years. Over 1,000 young people use our free counselling services in Croydon, Sutton and Merton each year.

• What is counselling?

Counselling is a chance to talk regularly (usually 50 minutes weekly) with the same counsellor who can support you and help you talk about your feelings and experiences.

• What type of counselling do you offer?

The counselling offered by Off the Record adheres to a Humanistic model, and includes Person Centred, Cognitive Behavioural, Psychodynamic, Existential and other humanistic approaches. This is explained in detail here.

• What age do I need to be to start counselling?

Young people between the ages 11-25 can access our free online counselling service. 

Our services in Sutton and Merton provide face-to-face counselling to ages 11-25 and our Croydon service offers face-to-face counselling to ages 14-25.

• Do you have a referral form and how do I go about referring myself?

Our Croydon face-to-face counselling service is self-referral which means if you are aged between 14-25, you can sign yourself up for counselling. Our counselling services in Merton and Sutton also accepts self-referrals. If you’re aged 11-13, we will need your parent/carer to consent to your referral. All self-referrals can be made through our website: www.talkofftherecord.org/sign-up

• What happens when I'm referred or first make contact?

If you are referred through CAMHS, we will make contact within a few days to check that you would like counselling with us and when you can meet with a counsellor. If you refer yourself, then we will contact you to attend an initial assessment (this is likely to be with someone different from the person who will be your regular counsellor). There may be a wait for a regular counselling space, to check waiting times or ask anything, please call or email us.

• What is an initial assessment?

An initial assessment is your first meeting with a counsellor (or mental health practitioner) where you get to discuss your feelings and the areas you need support in. You can choose whether the support is right for you and if you would like to start ongoing counselling sessions.

• What will happen when I first meet a counsellor?

Most face-to-face counselling takes place in our buildings which are ordinary houses. Due to the pandemic, counselling also takes place on the phone and Zoom. Before you first meet with your counsellor, you’ll be asked to fill in some forms to make sure we have all the right contact details and other information about you and to find out how you’ve been feeling recently. You’ll also be given lots more information about privacy and confidentiality. It can feel like a lot to take in at that first meeting but we’ll do our best to make things as friendly and straightforward as possible. Once you’ve finished the forms, you and your counsellor will meet in a private room (in-person or online) to start talking about whatever is worrying you.

• Can I change my counsellor?

If you want to change your counsellor and see someone different, you can discuss this with the counselling co-ordinator. Contact the co-ordinator by calling the service or sending an email.

• How long can I come to counselling?

Counselling sessions take place once a week for 50 minutes and usually between 6 and 12 sessions depending on which service you’re using. Your counsellor will explain this to you.

• Will my parents be involved?

Counselling is your space so we encourage you to talk to your counsellor on your own, rather than with someone else like a parent. But, you’re welcome to bring a parent or someone else with you who can wait for you and if it feels too difficult to talk to the counsellor on your own, then just let us know. We don’t feedback or give information to your parents (unless you agree or we feel you are at risk) so what your parents know about your counselling is up to you.

• Where can I get help immediately?

If you are struggling to cope either before or during counselling, let us know so we can suggest extra support. You can also visit the Need Help Now section on our website.