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Counselling
- Overview
- Counselling Clinical trials
- Counselling
- Counselling Other psychological therapies
Introduction
Mental and emotional health: talking therapies
//
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Viewing video content in NHS Choices
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Learn about different talking therapies that can help people overcome a range of problems, from depression to stress. Tip: check with your GP whether there are any IAPT services (Improving Access to Psychological Treatment) in your area.
Media last reviewed: 11/07/2013
Next review due: 11/07/2015
Attitudes to therapy
In 2010, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) carried out some research to find out more about people’s attitudes towards counselling and psychotherapy.
Some of the key findings included:
- 95% thought that it’s a good idea to seek counselling or psychotherapy for a problem before it gets out of hand
- 91% thought that it was more acceptable to talk about emotional problems than it was in the past
- 88% thought that people might be happier if they talked to a counsellor or psychotherapist about their problems
Read more about the key findings of the BACP’s research (PDF, 906kb).
The types of therapy
A guide to the different types of talking therapy and how they can help you
Counselling is a type of talking therapy that allows a person to talk about their problems and feelings in a confidential and dependable environment.
A counsellor is trained to listen with empathy (by putting themselves in your shoes). They can help you deal with any negative thoughts and feelings that you have.
Sometimes, the term ‘counselling’ is used to refer to talking therapies in general, but counselling is also a specific type of therapy in its own right.
Other psychological therapies include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and relationship therapy (which could be between members of a family, a couple or work colleagues).
Read more about other psychological therapies.
What is counselling used for?
Talking therapies, such as counselling, can be used to treat many different health conditions including:
- depression
- anxiety
- borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- long-term illnesses
- eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia
- drug misuse
How can counselling help?
Counselling aims to help you deal with and overcome issues that are causing pain or making you feel uncomfortable.
It can provide a safe and regular space for you to talk and explore difficult feelings. The counsellor is there to support you and respect your views. They will not usually give advice, but will help you to find your own insight and understanding of your problems.
Counselling can help you to:
- cope with a bereavement or relationship breakdown
- cope with redundancy or work-related stress
- explore issues such as sexual identity
- deal with issues that are preventing you from achieving your ambitions
- deal with feelings of depression or sadness, and have a more positive outlook on life
- understand yourself and your problems better
- feel more confident
- develop a better understanding of other people’s points of view
Counselling can often involve talking about difficult or painful feelings and, as you begin to face them, you may feel worse in some ways. However, with the help and support of your therapist, you should gradually start to feel better.
In most cases, it takes a number of sessions before the counselling starts to make a difference, and a regular commitment is required to make the best use of the therapy.
What to expect from counselling
During your counselling sessions, you will be encouraged to express your feelings and emotions freely. By discussing your concerns with you, the counsellor can help you to gain a better understanding of your feelings and thought processes, as well as identifying ways of finding your own solutions to problems.
The counsellor may encourage you to identify issues and, if appropriate, take personal responsibility for them. They will be able to help you recognise the effects of other people and their actions, and explore alternative ways of coping with them.
It can be a great relief to share your worries and fears with someone who acknowledges your feelings and is able to help you reach a positive solution.
Trusting your counsellor
A good counsellor will focus on you and listen without judging or criticising you. They may help you find out about how you could deal with your problems, but they should not tell you what to do.
For counselling to be effective, you need to build a trusting and safe relationship with your counsellor. If you feel that you and your counsellor are not getting on, or that you are not getting the most out of your sessions, you should discuss this with your counsellor.
If the situation does not improve, or your counsellor is dismissive or unwilling to discuss the issue, it is perfectly acceptable to look for another counsellor with whom you feel more comfortable.
If you are seeing an NHS counsellor who is attached to your GP surgery, your GP may be able to arrange for you to see another NHS counsellor. Alternatively, you could pay to see a private counsellor. Many counsellors and counselling organisations offer a sliding scale of fees, where the more sessions you have, the cheaper it becomes.
Who provides psychological therapies?
As counselling involves talking about sensitive issues and revealing personal thoughts and feelings, your counsellor should be experienced and professionally qualified.
Different healthcare professionals may be trained in counselling or qualified to provide psychological therapies. These include:
- counsellors – trained to provide counselling to help you cope better with your life and any issues you have
- clinical and counselling psychologists – healthcare professionals who specialise in assessing and treating mental health conditions using evidence-based psychological therapies
- psychiatrists – qualified medical doctors who have received further training in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions
- psychotherapists – similar to counsellors, but have usually received more extensive training; they are also often qualified psychologists or cognitive psychiatrists
- behavioural psychotherapists – may come from a variety of professional backgrounds, and have received specific training in cognitive behaviour therapy; they should be registered and accredited with the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)
Counselling formats
Many different types of counselling are available in a range of formats. For example, counselling can take place:
- face-to-face
- individually or in a group
- over the phone
- by email
- using a specialised computer program
You may be offered counselling as a single session, as a short course of sessions over a few weeks or months, or as a longer course that lasts for several months or years.
Availability
In 2010, the government announced plans to make psychological therapies more widely available on the NHS. This is because they have been shown to be effective treatments for common mental health conditions (see above). The programme is called Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT).
As a result of the IAPT programme, evidence-based psychological therapies can now be accessed through:
- GP surgeries
- the workplace
- universities, schools and colleges
- some voluntary and charitable organisations
If you are referred for counselling, or another psychological therapy through the NHS, it will be free of charge.
If you decide to pay to see a private therapist, make sure they are qualified and you feel comfortable with them.
The cost of private counselling can vary considerably. Depending on where you live, a session can cost between £10 and £70. Some therapists may be willing to adjust their fees in accordance with your income. You should ask about charges and agree a price before starting a course of counselling.
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.
Charities that may offer counselling include:
- Cruse Bereavement Care – a charity that provides bereavement advice and support
- Relate – a charity that offers relationship advice and counselling
- Rape Crisis – a charity for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused
- Victim Support – a charity to help victims and witnesses of crime
You may also be able to access support groups through your local community, church or social services.
Page last reviewed: 20/11/2012
Next review due: 20/11/2014
Useful links
NHS Choices links
- Anxiety
- Benefits of talking therapy
- CBT
- Depression
- Find local counselling services
- Mental health helplines
- Psychotherapy
- Self-help therapies
External links
Low mood and depression
How to know the difference between feeling low and being depressed, when to see your GP, and what help is available
You and your therapist
What to look for in a counsellor and how to benefit from the sessions
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Counselling
- Overview
- Counselling Clinical trials
- Counselling
- Counselling Other psychological therapies
Introduction
Mental and emotional health: talking therapies
//
<!–
Viewing video content in NHS Choices
If you do not have a version of the Flash Player you can download the free Adobe Flash Player from Adobe Systems Incorporated.
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Learn about different talking therapies that can help people overcome a range of problems, from depression to stress. Tip: check with your GP whether there are any IAPT services (Improving Access to Psychological Treatment) in your area.
Media last reviewed: 11/07/2013
Next review due: 11/07/2015
Attitudes to therapy
In 2010, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) carried out some research to find out more about people’s attitudes towards counselling and psychotherapy.
Some of the key findings included:
- 95% thought that it’s a good idea to seek counselling or psychotherapy for a problem before it gets out of hand
- 91% thought that it was more acceptable to talk about emotional problems than it was in the past
- 88% thought that people might be happier if they talked to a counsellor or psychotherapist about their problems
Read more about the key findings of the BACP’s research (PDF, 906kb).
The types of therapy
A guide to the different types of talking therapy and how they can help you
Counselling is a type of talking therapy that allows a person to talk about their problems and feelings in a confidential and dependable environment.
A counsellor is trained to listen with empathy (by putting themselves in your shoes). They can help you deal with any negative thoughts and feelings that you have.
Sometimes, the term ‘counselling’ is used to refer to talking therapies in general, but counselling is also a specific type of therapy in its own right.
Other psychological therapies include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and relationship therapy (which could be between members of a family, a couple or work colleagues).
Read more about other psychological therapies.
What is counselling used for?
Talking therapies, such as counselling, can be used to treat many different health conditions including:
- depression
- anxiety
- borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- long-term illnesses
- eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia
- drug misuse
How can counselling help?
Counselling aims to help you deal with and overcome issues that are causing pain or making you feel uncomfortable.
It can provide a safe and regular space for you to talk and explore difficult feelings. The counsellor is there to support you and respect your views. They will not usually give advice, but will help you to find your own insight and understanding of your problems.
Counselling can help you to:
- cope with a bereavement or relationship breakdown
- cope with redundancy or work-related stress
- explore issues such as sexual identity
- deal with issues that are preventing you from achieving your ambitions
- deal with feelings of depression or sadness, and have a more positive outlook on life
- understand yourself and your problems better
- feel more confident
- develop a better understanding of other people’s points of view
Counselling can often involve talking about difficult or painful feelings and, as you begin to face them, you may feel worse in some ways. However, with the help and support of your therapist, you should gradually start to feel better.
In most cases, it takes a number of sessions before the counselling starts to make a difference, and a regular commitment is required to make the best use of the therapy.
What to expect from counselling
During your counselling sessions, you will be encouraged to express your feelings and emotions freely. By discussing your concerns with you, the counsellor can help you to gain a better understanding of your feelings and thought processes, as well as identifying ways of finding your own solutions to problems.
The counsellor may encourage you to identify issues and, if appropriate, take personal responsibility for them. They will be able to help you recognise the effects of other people and their actions, and explore alternative ways of coping with them.
It can be a great relief to share your worries and fears with someone who acknowledges your feelings and is able to help you reach a positive solution.
Trusting your counsellor
A good counsellor will focus on you and listen without judging or criticising you. They may help you find out about how you could deal with your problems, but they should not tell you what to do.
For counselling to be effective, you need to build a trusting and safe relationship with your counsellor. If you feel that you and your counsellor are not getting on, or that you are not getting the most out of your sessions, you should discuss this with your counsellor.
If the situation does not improve, or your counsellor is dismissive or unwilling to discuss the issue, it is perfectly acceptable to look for another counsellor with whom you feel more comfortable.
If you are seeing an NHS counsellor who is attached to your GP surgery, your GP may be able to arrange for you to see another NHS counsellor. Alternatively, you could pay to see a private counsellor. Many counsellors and counselling organisations offer a sliding scale of fees, where the more sessions you have, the cheaper it becomes.
Who provides psychological therapies?
As counselling involves talking about sensitive issues and revealing personal thoughts and feelings, your counsellor should be experienced and professionally qualified.
Different healthcare professionals may be trained in counselling or qualified to provide psychological therapies. These include:
- counsellors – trained to provide counselling to help you cope better with your life and any issues you have
- clinical and counselling psychologists – healthcare professionals who specialise in assessing and treating mental health conditions using evidence-based psychological therapies
- psychiatrists – qualified medical doctors who have received further training in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions
- psychotherapists – similar to counsellors, but have usually received more extensive training; they are also often qualified psychologists or cognitive psychiatrists
- behavioural psychotherapists – may come from a variety of professional backgrounds, and have received specific training in cognitive behaviour therapy; they should be registered and accredited with the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)
Counselling formats
Many different types of counselling are available in a range of formats. For example, counselling can take place:
- face-to-face
- individually or in a group
- over the phone
- by email
- using a specialised computer program
You may be offered counselling as a single session, as a short course of sessions over a few weeks or months, or as a longer course that lasts for several months or years.
Availability
In 2010, the government announced plans to make psychological therapies more widely available on the NHS. This is because they have been shown to be effective treatments for common mental health conditions (see above). The programme is called Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT).
As a result of the IAPT programme, evidence-based psychological therapies can now be accessed through:
- GP surgeries
- the workplace
- universities, schools and colleges
- some voluntary and charitable organisations
If you are referred for counselling, or another psychological therapy through the NHS, it will be free of charge.
If you decide to pay to see a private therapist, make sure they are qualified and you feel comfortable with them.
The cost of private counselling can vary considerably. Depending on where you live, a session can cost between £10 and £70. Some therapists may be willing to adjust their fees in accordance with your income. You should ask about charges and agree a price before starting a course of counselling.
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.
Charities that may offer counselling include:
- Cruse Bereavement Care – a charity that provides bereavement advice and support
- Relate – a charity that offers relationship advice and counselling
- Rape Crisis – a charity for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused
- Victim Support – a charity to help victims and witnesses of crime
You may also be able to access support groups through your local community, church or social services.
Page last reviewed: 20/11/2012
Next review due: 20/11/2014
Comments
The 6 comments about ‘Counselling’ posted are personal views. Any information they give has not been checked and may not be accurate.
User907252 said on 27 September 2014
I think this is a good overview and that the points you make about having the courage to change to a different therapist if you don’t feel comfortable with them is very relevant.
The costs you suggest on this page seem more representative of the majority, than the fees of upto £100, which are quoted on your front page and may put people off looking further.
I think picking your way through the many different kinds of psychological help, let alone understanding what it means in practice is more than most of us can manage let alone if we’re feeling really down or panicky.
I also wondered why G.Ps. don’t offer therapy? Do referrals cost a lot or don’t they believe it might help? It doesn’t seem fair and most people really believe that their doctors know best.
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable comment id 59568
AppleBobbing said on 30 June 2014
It is worthwhile to note that the major counselling bodies are now moving towards registration schemes (voluntary accredited registers). These usually stipulate that the counsellor follows a code of ethics, is insured and is still developing their practice.
For instance:
http://www.bacpregister.org.uk/
or for a longer list search for counsellors on here:
http://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/voluntary-registers/the-accredited-registers-directory
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable comment id 55731
kizgoth said on 07 February 2014
I have been let down by the NHS for the past few years. Trying to get counselling has been nearly impossible. I have now been forced to pay for my counselling. I am on benefits because I am too unwell to work, and will now be living hand to mouth day to day because of having to pay for private counselling.
The NHS has let me down and I am ashamed to have ever thought highly of the NHS.
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable comment id 48683
smileytigger said on 19 September 2012
It’s hardly surprising Counsellors feel marginalised within the NHS hierarchical structure if the people within the structure misunderstand and mis-communicate its purpose and value. Which itself raises some questions – is counselling perceived as secondary to the more familiar – and lets not forget more easily performance managed therapies – simply because they are more familiar or because counselling is so misunderstood?
Having experienced several forms of therapy as a client and a practitioner I personally find the most rewarding therapy to be person centred counselling, one of the reasons for this is the empathy that is present in the relationship.
For clarity and in the hope that someone somewhere in the NHS will rectify their miscommunication about what counsellors provide:
Sympathy – (often found in friends, colleagues and family) is when a person acknowledges your discomfort and provides reassurance.
Empathy – (found in good well trained counsellors) goes beyond sympathy and is when a person understands (note the subtle difference here) what you are feeling because they are able to put themselves in your shoes, thereby allowing them to relate to you on a much deeper level.
There is more I could add, such as sympathy often comes with judgement whereas empathy does not …but then I’d be sharing all my training and experience but let’s face it, the NHS doesn’t value it so what’s the point.
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable comment id 28965
smileytigger said on 19 September 2012
It’s hardly surprising Counsellors feel marginalised within the NHS hierarchical structure if the people within the structure misunderstand and mis-communicate its purpose and value. Which itself raises some questions – is counselling perceived as secondary to the more familiar – and lets not forget more easily performance managed therapies – simply because they are more familiar or because counselling is so misunderstood?
Having experienced several forms of therapy as a client and a practitioner I personally find the most rewarding therapy to be person centred counselling, one of the reasons for this is the empathy that is present in the relationship.
For clarity and in the hope that someone somewhere in the NHS will rectify their miscommunication about what counsellors provide:
Sympathy – (often found in friends, colleagues and family) is when a person acknowledges your discomfort and provides reassurance.
Empathy – (found in good well trained counsellors) goes beyond sympathy and is when a person understands (note the subtle difference here) what you are feeling because they are able to put themselves in your shoes, thereby allowing them to relate to you on a much deeper level.
There is more I could add, such as sympathy often comes with judgement whereas empathy does not …but then I’d be sharing all my training and experience but let’s face it, the NHS doesn’t value it so what’s the point.
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable comment id 28964
User590313 said on 06 September 2011
"Counsellors are trained to listen sympathetically" – well, as a counsellor I’d have to disagree slightly with this last line in the first paragraph above. I think it would be more accurate to say "Counsellors are trained to listen with empathy". There is a subtle but huge difference between the sympathy and empathy. If you want sympathy you can go and see a family member or friendly neighbour. If you have a deep issue to work through empathy will enable deeper understanding to be realised.
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable comment id 16945
Useful links
NHS Choices links
- Anxiety
- Benefits of talking therapy
- CBT
- Depression
- Find local counselling services
- Mental health helplines
- Psychotherapy
- Self-help therapies
External links
Low mood and depression
How to know the difference between feeling low and being depressed, when to see your GP, and what help is available
You and your therapist
What to look for in a counsellor and how to benefit from the sessions
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Counselling
Introduction
Counselling is a type of talking therapy that allows a person to talk about their problems and feelings in a confidential and dependable environment.
A counsellor is trained to listen with empathy (by putting themselves in your shoes). They can help you deal with any negative thoughts and feelings that you have.
Sometimes, the term ‘counselling’ is used to refer to talking therapies in general, but counselling is also a specific type of therapy in its own right.
Other psychological therapies include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and relationship therapy (which could be between members of a family, a couple or work colleagues).
Read more about other psychological therapies.
What is counselling used for?
Talking therapies, such as counselling, can be used to treat many different health conditions including:
- depression
- anxiety
- borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- long-term illnesses
- eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia
- drug misuse
How can counselling help?
Counselling aims to help you deal with and overcome issues that are causing pain or making you feel uncomfortable.
It can provide a safe and regular space for you to talk and explore difficult feelings. The counsellor is there to support you and respect your views. They will not usually give advice, but will help you to find your own insight and understanding of your problems.
Counselling can help you to:
- cope with a bereavement or relationship breakdown
- cope with redundancy or work-related stress
- explore issues such as sexual identity
- deal with issues that are preventing you from achieving your ambitions
- deal with feelings of depression or sadness, and have a more positive outlook on life
- understand yourself and your problems better
- feel more confident
- develop a better understanding of other people’s points of view
Counselling can often involve talking about difficult or painful feelings and, as you begin to face them, you may feel worse in some ways. However, with the help and support of your therapist, you should gradually start to feel better.
In most cases, it takes a number of sessions before the counselling starts to make a difference, and a regular commitment is required to make the best use of the therapy.
What to expect from counselling
During your counselling sessions, you will be encouraged to express your feelings and emotions freely. By discussing your concerns with you, the counsellor can help you to gain a better understanding of your feelings and thought processes, as well as identifying ways of finding your own solutions to problems.
The counsellor may encourage you to identify issues and, if appropriate, take personal responsibility for them. They will be able to help you recognise the effects of other people and their actions, and explore alternative ways of coping with them.
It can be a great relief to share your worries and fears with someone who acknowledges your feelings and is able to help you reach a positive solution.
Trusting your counsellor
A good counsellor will focus on you and listen without judging or criticising you. They may help you find out about how you could deal with your problems, but they should not tell you what to do.
For counselling to be effective, you need to build a trusting and safe relationship with your counsellor. If you feel that you and your counsellor are not getting on, or that you are not getting the most out of your sessions, you should discuss this with your counsellor.
If the situation does not improve, or your counsellor is dismissive or unwilling to discuss the issue, it is perfectly acceptable to look for another counsellor with whom you feel more comfortable.
If you are seeing an NHS counsellor who is attached to your GP surgery, your GP may be able to arrange for you to see another NHS counsellor. Alternatively, you could pay to see a private counsellor. Many counsellors and counselling organisations offer a sliding scale of fees, where the more sessions you have, the cheaper it becomes.
Who provides psychological therapies?
As counselling involves talking about sensitive issues and revealing personal thoughts and feelings, your counsellor should be experienced and professionally qualified.
Different healthcare professionals may be trained in counselling or qualified to provide psychological therapies. These include:
- counsellors – trained to provide counselling to help you cope better with your life and any issues you have
- clinical and counselling psychologists – healthcare professionals who specialise in assessing and treating mental health conditions using evidence-based psychological therapies
- psychiatrists – qualified medical doctors who have received further training in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions
- psychotherapists – similar to counsellors, but have usually received more extensive training; they are also often qualified psychologists or cognitive psychiatrists
- behavioural psychotherapists – may come from a variety of professional backgrounds, and have received specific training in cognitive behaviour therapy; they should be registered and accredited with the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)
Counselling formats
Many different types of counselling are available in a range of formats. For example, counselling can take place:
- face-to-face
- individually or in a group
- over the phone
- by email
- using a specialised computer program
You may be offered counselling as a single session, as a short course of sessions over a few weeks or months, or as a longer course that lasts for several months or years.
Availability
In 2010, the government announced plans to make psychological therapies more widely available on the NHS. This is because they have been shown to be effective treatments for common mental health conditions (see above). The programme is called Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT).
As a result of the IAPT programme, evidence-based psychological therapies can now be accessed through:
- GP surgeries
- the workplace
- universities, schools and colleges
- some voluntary and charitable organisations
If you are referred for counselling, or another psychological therapy through the NHS, it will be free of charge.
If you decide to pay to see a private therapist, make sure they are qualified and you feel comfortable with them.
The cost of private counselling can vary considerably. Depending on where you live, a session can cost between £10 and £70. Some therapists may be willing to adjust their fees in accordance with your income. You should ask about charges and agree a price before starting a course of counselling.
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.
Charities that may offer counselling include:
- Cruse Bereavement Care – a charity that provides bereavement advice and support
- Relate – a charity that offers relationship advice and counselling
- Rape Crisis – a charity for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused
- Victim Support – a charity to help victims and witnesses of crime
You may also be able to access support groups through your local community, church or social services.
Useful Links
- Anxiety
- Benefits of talking therapy
- CBT
- Depression
- Find local counselling services
- Mental health helplines
- Psychotherapy
- Self-help therapies
- The National Counselling Society
- BACP: counselling and psychotherapy
- Big White Wall
- Living Life to the Full
- MoodGym
- Relate: relationship counselling
- Samaritans: talking got me through
- UKCP: what is psychotherapy?
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- 2014-07-18 12:07:56Z
- Last Review Date
- 2012-11-20 00:00:00Z
- Next Review Date
- 2014-11-20 00:00:00Z
- Classification
- Anxiety,Cognitive behavioural therapy,Counselling,Depression,National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence,Obsessive compulsive disorder,Psychological therapy,Psychotherapists
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Counselling
Other psychological therapies
As well as counselling, there are many other types of psychological therapies, including psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Psychotherapy
Like counselling, the term ‘psychotherapy’ is sometimes used to refer to talking therapies in general. However, psychotherapy is also a specific type of therapy. It may also be described as psychoanalytic or psychodynamic.
Psychotherapy is a more in-depth form of therapy than counselling, and it can be used to address a wider range of issues.
A psychotherapist can help you explore your thoughts, feelings and beliefs, which may involve discussing past events, such as those from your childhood.
They will help you consider how your personality and life experiences influence your current thoughts, feelings, relationships and behaviour. This understanding should enable you to deal with difficult situations more effectively.
Depending on your problem, psychotherapy can be short or long term. Adults, young people and children can all benefit from psychotherapy. Sessions can take place on a one-to-one basis, in couples, families or in groups whose members share similar problems.
Read more about psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that helps you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave.
CBT does not remove your problems, but helps you manage them in a more effective way. It encourages you to examine how your actions and thoughts can affect how you feel.
It is based on the idea that the way you think about a situation affects how you feel and act. In turn, your actions influence the way you think and feel. Therefore, it is necessary to change both thinking (cognition) and action (behaviour) at the same time.
CBT is an active therapy and you will be expected to work on your problems between sessions, trying out different ways of thinking and acting, as agreed with your therapist. The aim is for you to develop the skills to become your own therapist.
CBT is usually a short-term treatment. For example, a course may consist of between six and 24 one-hour sessions.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends the use of CBT for:
- depression
- anxiety
- panic disorder
- obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- long-term illnesses
- eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia
- schizophrenia
CBT is now widely available on the NHS for treating depression. If you feel that CBT may be helpful, you should first discuss it with your GP. Private therapists are also available.
Before starting CBT, it is recommended that you check that your therapist is accredited by the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).
Computerised CBT (CCBT) packages are also available. CCBT is delivered in a series of weekly sessions and should be supported by a healthcare professional. NICE recommends CCBT for some people with depression.
Read more about CBT and access to CCBT.
Humanistic therapy
Humanistic therapy incorporates your body, mind, emotions, behaviour and spirituality. It encourages you to think about your thoughts and feelings, and to take responsibility for your actions.
A humanistic approach provides a distinct method of counselling and focuses predominately on an individual’s unique, personal potential to explore creativity, growth, love and psychological understanding.
Group therapy
Group therapy aims to help you find solutions to your problems by discussing them in a group setting. Sessions are led by a facilitator who directs the flow of conversation.
As well as group therapy, many people find psychoeducational groups or courses very helpful. These provide information and skills without having to discuss personal problems in depth.
NICE recommends group therapy for people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and for children and young people with mild depression.
Relationship therapy
Relationship therapy is where people who are having difficulties with their relationship work together with a therapist to resolve their problems. It can be used to help couples, family members or work colleagues.
NICE recommends relationship therapy for people who have tried individual therapy without success.
Family therapy can be used for children with depression, or where a family member has a mental health condition, such as anorexia nervosa or schizophrenia.
Mindfulness-based therapies
Mindfulness-based therapies help you focus on your thoughts and feelings without becoming overwhelmed by them.
They can be used to help treat depression, stress, anxiety and addiction. Techniques such as yoga, meditation and breathing exercises can also be incorporated.
NICE recommends mindfulness-based therapies to help people avoid repeated bouts of depression.
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment that uses eye movements to stimulate the brain. It has been shown to make distressing memories feel less intense.
EMDR can help a person deal with traumatic memories, such as those that occur after an accident, or following sexual, physical or emotional abuse.
In particular, NICE recommends EMDR for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Telephone counselling
Samaritans provides a confidential listening service to those who would like to talk about whatever is getting to them. Everything is off the record and without judgement.
Useful Links
- Anxiety
- Benefits of talking therapy
- CBT
- Depression
- Find local counselling services
- Mental health helplines
- Psychotherapy
- Self-help therapies
- The National Counselling Society
- BACP: counselling and psychotherapy
- Big White Wall
- Living Life to the Full
- MoodGym
- Relate: relationship counselling
- Samaritans: talking got me through
- UKCP: what is psychotherapy?
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- Published Date
- 2014-02-12 17:33:42Z
- Last Review Date
- 2012-11-20 00:00:00Z
- Next Review Date
- 2014-11-20 00:00:00Z
- Classification
- Anger management,Anxiety,Cognitive behavioural therapy,Coping strategies,Counselling,Depression,Mental and emotional wellbeing,National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence,Obsessive compulsive disorder,Psychological therapy,Psychotherapists,Relationship and family therapy,Samaritans,Schizophrenia,Stress management
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Comments
The 6 comments about ‘Counselling’ posted are personal views. Any information they give has not been checked and may not be accurate.
User907252 said on 27 September 2014
I think this is a good overview and that the points you make about having the courage to change to a different therapist if you don’t feel comfortable with them is very relevant.
The costs you suggest on this page seem more representative of the majority, than the fees of upto £100, which are quoted on your front page and may put people off looking further.
I think picking your way through the many different kinds of psychological help, let alone understanding what it means in practice is more than most of us can manage let alone if we’re feeling really down or panicky.
I also wondered why G.Ps. don’t offer therapy? Do referrals cost a lot or don’t they believe it might help? It doesn’t seem fair and most people really believe that their doctors know best.
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable comment id 59568
AppleBobbing said on 30 June 2014
It is worthwhile to note that the major counselling bodies are now moving towards registration schemes (voluntary accredited registers). These usually stipulate that the counsellor follows a code of ethics, is insured and is still developing their practice.
For instance:
http://www.bacpregister.org.uk/
or for a longer list search for counsellors on here:
http://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/voluntary-registers/the-accredited-registers-directory
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable comment id 55731
kizgoth said on 07 February 2014
I have been let down by the NHS for the past few years. Trying to get counselling has been nearly impossible. I have now been forced to pay for my counselling. I am on benefits because I am too unwell to work, and will now be living hand to mouth day to day because of having to pay for private counselling.
The NHS has let me down and I am ashamed to have ever thought highly of the NHS.
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable comment id 48683
smileytigger said on 19 September 2012
It’s hardly surprising Counsellors feel marginalised within the NHS hierarchical structure if the people within the structure misunderstand and mis-communicate its purpose and value. Which itself raises some questions – is counselling perceived as secondary to the more familiar – and lets not forget more easily performance managed therapies – simply because they are more familiar or because counselling is so misunderstood?
Having experienced several forms of therapy as a client and a practitioner I personally find the most rewarding therapy to be person centred counselling, one of the reasons for this is the empathy that is present in the relationship.
For clarity and in the hope that someone somewhere in the NHS will rectify their miscommunication about what counsellors provide:
Sympathy – (often found in friends, colleagues and family) is when a person acknowledges your discomfort and provides reassurance.
Empathy – (found in good well trained counsellors) goes beyond sympathy and is when a person understands (note the subtle difference here) what you are feeling because they are able to put themselves in your shoes, thereby allowing them to relate to you on a much deeper level.
There is more I could add, such as sympathy often comes with judgement whereas empathy does not …but then I’d be sharing all my training and experience but let’s face it, the NHS doesn’t value it so what’s the point.
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable comment id 28965
smileytigger said on 19 September 2012
It’s hardly surprising Counsellors feel marginalised within the NHS hierarchical structure if the people within the structure misunderstand and mis-communicate its purpose and value. Which itself raises some questions – is counselling perceived as secondary to the more familiar – and lets not forget more easily performance managed therapies – simply because they are more familiar or because counselling is so misunderstood?
Having experienced several forms of therapy as a client and a practitioner I personally find the most rewarding therapy to be person centred counselling, one of the reasons for this is the empathy that is present in the relationship.
For clarity and in the hope that someone somewhere in the NHS will rectify their miscommunication about what counsellors provide:
Sympathy – (often found in friends, colleagues and family) is when a person acknowledges your discomfort and provides reassurance.
Empathy – (found in good well trained counsellors) goes beyond sympathy and is when a person understands (note the subtle difference here) what you are feeling because they are able to put themselves in your shoes, thereby allowing them to relate to you on a much deeper level.
There is more I could add, such as sympathy often comes with judgement whereas empathy does not …but then I’d be sharing all my training and experience but let’s face it, the NHS doesn’t value it so what’s the point.
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable comment id 28964
User590313 said on 06 September 2011
"Counsellors are trained to listen sympathetically" – well, as a counsellor I’d have to disagree slightly with this last line in the first paragraph above. I think it would be more accurate to say "Counsellors are trained to listen with empathy". There is a subtle but huge difference between the sympathy and empathy. If you want sympathy you can go and see a family member or friendly neighbour. If you have a deep issue to work through empathy will enable deeper understanding to be realised.
Report this content as offensive or unsuitable comment id 16945