Counselling Services

[Mirth]

Do I have to go through my doctor for this?

Has anyone had any positive experience from this?

[Hidden]

Hi

You could go private , but it costs , I don't believe it would be cheap ,but that would depend what area you live in , just how much

I am not sure if going private , is any better than NHS through your GP , it just might mean you get seen quicker

Love

whywhy

xxx

[mallet-head]

Hi Mirth,

The effectiveness of counselling services is not generally dependent on whether you go via your GP or privately. As Whywhy says, it will almost certainly be a longer wait via your GP, due to demand on NHS counselling services, and when your turn arrives, you do not have access to unlimited sessions - normally once a week for 10 -12 weeks. Seeing a counsellor privately can set you back £40 per session (that's based on what I was quoted last year). This is a better option if you have private health insurance, and could be arranged a lot quicker.

I have personally received counselling a number of times over the years and have ALWAYS found it beneficial. It is great to be able to talk to a complete stranger in confidence about your situation, knowing they will not be judgemental, and their training and experience will be geared to helping you understand your situation and how to manage it.

I have suffered from anxiety from time to time, for many years. What I have learned (a lot of it via counselling) is that it "is in my makeup" to be the way I am, and it is not important as to the cause, much more important is the management of your reactions to it.

Good luck, and kind regards, Mallet-Head

[marcusvanbreugel]

Dear Mirth,

You do not have to go through your GP for councelling services. I arranged councelling independantly by looking for a councellor online. It costs me 40 pounds per session.

warmest regards,

Marcus xx

[Hidden]

If you can afford it I would go private. NHS services for things like this are nearly non existent. I know you can get CBT on the Nhs but it would be a long wait.

[Kaz12345]

Hi Mirth, Anxiety UK also offer counselling, cbt and other forms. you do have to pay, but it is on a sliding scale dependent upon your income and starts, I think, at around £15 per hour. it can be face to face or telephone counselling. HTH.

[formidible]

Anxiety UK offer discounted counselling to members and you will not have to wait very long. If you are on a low income or benefits you will only pay about £12 a session. I have had mixed experiences with counselling in the past when I was not a member of Anxiety UK. It is easy for someone to say that talking to a complete stranger means they will not judge you, but I have found that some do just that. This can mean that you come away wishing you hadn't bothered. That said, like most other things you often have to take calculated risks in life, and the same is true of recovering from anxiety and/or depression. So if you think counselling may help you my advice is to go for it. Good luck.

[Twisty]

You could try getting in contact with Mind, there is a project which offers help in my area, maybe in yours too?