Support and honest reading
Trusted organisations that offer free support, and articles from the practice about how counselling actually works.
Organisations that can help
All of these are well-established UK services. They are free unless noted otherwise.
Samaritans
Someone to listen, whatever you're going through. You don't have to be suicidal to call.
Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) · samaritans.org
Shout
A free, confidential text-message support service, any time of day or night.
Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7) · giveusashout.org
CALM — Campaign Against Living Miserably
Support for anyone affected by suicidal thoughts or struggling with life.
Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight, every day) · thecalmzone.net
PAPYRUS HOPELINE247
Suicide prevention support for people under 35, and for anyone worried about a young person.
Call 0800 068 4141 (24/7) · papyrus-uk.org
Mind
Clear, trustworthy information about mental health, plus details of local support services.
NHS mental health services
Information about NHS support, including free talking therapies you can refer yourself to.
National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)
The professional body this practice is registered with. Their register lets you check a counsellor's membership.
From Briony
Plain-spoken articles I've written about how counselling actually works.
Common misunderstandings about therapy
You don't have to be in crisis, and no one will tell you what to do. Six myths about therapy, answered honestly.
Read the article How I WorkWhat is pluralistic counselling?
There's no single right way to do therapy. What a collaborative, flexible approach actually looks like in practice.
Read the article CounsellingWhat happens in your first therapy session?
A gentle, practical walkthrough of the first session, so there are no surprises when you arrive.
Read the article WellbeingSigns you might benefit from counselling
You don't need a diagnosis or a crisis. Some quieter signs that talking to someone could help.
Read the article