Counselling can help with many issues, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, negative thinking, trauma, not coping well, and relationship problems.
Seeing a counsellor
You don’t need to see a GP for a referral.
You can self-refer to the NHS via Let’s Talk. This service is free. When you ring you will speak to an adviser and if it is felt that counselling is appropriate you will be added to a waiting list. Waiting times vary but are usually several weeks.
You can register for a counsellor through Gloucestershire Counselling Service (GCS), who have venues in Cheltenham, Stroud and Gloucester. GCS charge a fee, but fees can be negotiated around income and difficult financial circumstances. The waiting time for an assessment is approximately 2-3 weeks.
Listening Post who operate on a donation based approach. They can be contacted on 01452 383820 or via www.listeningpost.org.uk