MHAP_Southampton_23_05

Counselling
Counselling is a talking therapy that involves a
trained therapist listening to you and helping
you find ways to deal with emotional issues.
Sometimes the term “counselling” is used to refer
to talking therapies in general, but counselling is
also a type of therapy in its own right.
What can counselling
help with?
Counselling can help you cope with:
a mental health condition, such as depression,
anxiety or an eating disorder
an upsetting physical health condition,
such as infertility
a difficult life event, such as a bereavement, a
relationship breakdown or work-related stress
difficult emotions – for example,
low self-esteem or anger
other issues, such as sexual identity
What to expect from
counselling
Counselling can take place either face to
face, in a group, over the phone, by email or
online through live chat services During your
appointment, you’ll be encouraged to talk about
your feelings and emotions with a trained
therapist, who’ll listen and support you without
judging or criticising. The therapist can help you
gain a better understanding of your feelings and
thought processes, and find your own solutions
to problems.
You may be offered a single session of
counselling, a short course of sessions over a few
weeks or months, or a longer course that lasts for
several months or years. It can take a number of
sessions before you start to see progress, but you
should gradually start to feel better with the help
and support of your therapist.
Where to source Counselling
You can get free psychological therapies,
including counselling for depression, on the NHS.
You don’t need a referral from your GP and you
can refer yourself directly to a psychological
therapies service.
If you decide to pay to see a private therapist,
make sure they’re professionally qualified and
you feel comfortable with them. Many private
therapists offer an initial free session and lower
rates for students, job seekers and those on low
wages. You should ask about charges and agree a
price before starting a course of counselling.
Some charities and voluntary organisations also
offer counselling. You don’t need a referral from
your GP for an appointment for these services, but
you may have to pay a fee to cover the cost
of your sessions.
Charities that may offer counselling include:
Cruse Bereavement Care – for bereavement
advice and support
Rape Crisis England and Wales –
for women and girls who have been
raped or sexually abused
Relate – for relationship advice
and counselling
Samaritans – for people to talk about
whatever’s troubling them at any time
Victim Support – for victims and
witnesses of crime
You may also be able to access support
groups through your local community, church
or social services.
www.mhap.co.uk 27