Counselling
The advice and support provided by BAPN is NOT the same as that which would be provided by a qualified Counsellor. However, we are aware that in some circumstances, when members contact us, they'd benefit from the help of a professional Counselling Service which is why we offer the following advice:
Counselling is a talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues.
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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.
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What can counselling help with?
Counselling can help you cope with:
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a mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety or an eating disorder
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an upsetting physical health condition, such as infertility
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a difficult life event, such as a bereavement, a relationship breakdown or work-related stress
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difficult emotions – for example, low self-esteem or anger
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other issues, such as sexual identity
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some work related issues such as anxiety at work, dealing with bullying behaviour, work related stress.
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What to expect from counselling
Counselling can take place:
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face to face
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in a group
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over the phone
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by email
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online through live chat services
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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.
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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.
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Can you get free counselling on the NHS?
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You can get free psychological therapies, including counselling for depression, on the NHS.
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You don't need a referral from your GP.
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You can refer yourself directly to a psychological therapies service.
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Or you can get a referral from your GP if you prefer.
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Private counselling
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If you decide to pay to see a private therapist, make sure they're qualified and you feel comfortable with them.
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The cost of private counselling can vary depending on where you live, with a session costing anywhere between £10 and £70.
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Many private therapists offer an initial free session and lower rates for students, job seekers and those on low incomes.
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You should ask about charges and agree a price before starting a course of counselling.
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Charities and voluntary organisations
Some charities and voluntary organisations also offer counselling. These organisations usually specialise in a particular area, such as couples counselling, bereavement or family guidance.
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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.
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Charities that may offer counselling include:
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Cruse Bereavement Care – for bereavement advice and support https://www.cruse.org.uk/
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Rape Crisis England and Wales – for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused https://rapecrisis.org.uk/
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Relate – for relationship advice and counselling https://www.relate.org.uk/
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Samaritans – for people to talk about whatever's troubling them at any time www.samaritans.org/
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Victim Support – for victims and witnesses of crime www.victimsupport.org.uk/
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You may also be able to access support groups through your local community, church or social services.
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Finding a qualified therapist
As counselling involves talking about sensitive issues and revealing personal thoughts and feelings, your counsellor should be experienced and professionally qualified.
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Reputable therapists will be registered with a professional organisation that's been accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). This means they have met the PSA's required professional standards to practise.
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You can find a qualified therapist through the PSA check a practitioner page. https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/check-practitioners
Source: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Counselling/