counselling and where to start

[kate83]

hi for those who've done couselling how did you find a counsellor and how expensive was it if it did cost?

thanks

[joannem]

Hi Kate
With counselling you can either be:-
referred by your GP on the NHS (can be a long waiting list and NHS usually only provide a limited number of sessions)
Some childrens centres provide counselling.
Private counsellors can usually be found through yellow pages etc, prices vary, I pay £30.00 for 1hr and half, which I know is good, usually its around £35 for 1 hour.
Good counsellors are normally registered with BACP.
If you google BACP you get to their website and there will be a list of counsellors in your area.
it is important that you feel at ease and comfortable with the person who you see for the counselling to be effective.
I hope this helps, I find counselling fantastic and the best £ Ive ever spent!
Jo x

[bam02]

Don't give up on telling your G.P. they should know how easy it is get it in your area and be able to recommend somewhere if you have to pay. Also they are the bes suited to decide if they can get you the best help you need. If you need a psychologist referral(also long waits-but best to be on a list) or get you on a NHS list and then you can pay someone independently while you wait.

Good luck. and let us know as we can support you hear too.

[cheshire]

Hi Kate,

Just to add - I initially went private before I talked to my GP. It was helpful in some respects, but despite being registered with the right professional bodies, it didn't turn out that well (therapist was inexperienced and the relationship broke down) - and I suddenly had no back up. My GP said it would have been far better to have gone through them as firstly, this means you get a full assessment and based on this, the best 'treatment' can be arranged (e.g. Primary, Secondary Care Team/ CBT, counselling, psychotherapy etc.) and secondly, if you do still want/ need to go private (like BAM suggests & there is a waiting list), then your GP will usually have a list of private counsellors they can recommend.

Let us know how you get on?
Hopefulx