Frequently asked questions and answers



Who is ECHO?
ECHO stands for Essex Counselling at Home Organisation. It is a counselling service in which counsellors visit the clients in their own homes.
Who can have counselling with ECHO?
Anyone over the age of 50 who would like counselling in their own home.
What does ECHO provide?
ECHO offers up to 18 weekly sessions. Each session lasts for 50 minutes which would normally be on the same day and at the same time each week. There would be six sessions initially at the end of which a review would be held to discuss how the counselling was going. If both the client and the counsellor agreed, this could be extended to 18 sessions. However, the client can choose to end the counselling at any time. We ask that the client lets the counsellor know if they decide to end.
Where is the counselling held?
The counselling takes place in the client’s home, be that a house, a residential home or a nursing home.
How much does it cost?
ECHO is a not-for-profit organisation and does not receive any funding. Therefore, in order to provide the service, we request a fee of between £10 - £25 per session. However, we understand that not everyone can afford this and therefore we are happy for this to be discussed with the counsellor at the first assessment session and an amount agreed upon.
Can I self-refer?
You can self-refer or be referred to us.
What happens if I want to stop the counselling?
You are under no obligation to carry on with your sessions although we would ask that you tell the counsellor one session (at least) before you would like to end.
Can I come back?
Yes, you may come back once the counselling has ended but would be required to have at least a 12-week break. You may then contact ECHO for further counselling. There may be a waiting list in your area.
How do I contact ECHO?
Call us on 07935 261223 or email us on info@counsellingathome.org