How to go about getting private counselling - if this is even possible?

stormCat99

Hi,

Without going into all the details, I've been assessed today and been advised to self refer for some counselling sessions.

When I called up they said it would be at least 10 weeks before they even rang me to arrange an appointment.

I'd be happy to pay for counselling if I can sort it out more quickly, but have no idea how to go about this, or even if it's possible.

Are there any useful web sites that could help me with trying to arrange this?

Many thanks.

theoretica

This page links to other useful sites:
http://www.patient.co.uk/find_me

SaLoGo

I would recommend seeing a BACP Accredited counsellor from this site: http://www.bacp.co.uk You can contact counsellors via email or phone to set up the sessions.

Alternatively, do you work? Your employer may offer an Employee Assistance Program through which you can access counselling

WantToBeSE

Its pretty easy to find a private therapist.


Firstly, do you know what modality you want your therapist to work in (CBT, DBT, IPT etc)? If not, do some research.


Go to the BACP website and use their 'find a therapist' function http://www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk/therapists/ to find a list of therapists in your area. They will provide email addresses/phone numbers on their 'page'.


Then you email/call them and explain what you are looking for. When I was looking, I explained how often I wanted therapy and wanted someone who was experienced in the issue I had.
Also think what kind of relationship you want with a therapist- Is out of session contact important to you? Do you want a therapist who offers email/text? What about physical touch, do you want a therapist who doesn't mind hugs, or is that a no-no for you? Do you want short term or long term etc.


Phone around a few, and go and see them for a session. Many therapists offer the 1st session for half price or even free in some cases.
You need to find one that you like and you can see yourself talking to.


Good Luck

Racheldevon

In addition to the BACP, also look on UKCP site: http://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/

lexa34

Contact your local mind as they offer free/ subsidized services long and short term therapy. If it the counselling is required due to a particular issue i.e. grief, eating disorder etc.. then various charities and organsiations offer free or subsidized therapy. Also try your local mental nhs trust website who should have details of local organisations that offer counselling and therapy. Depending on what you need it for, how long and what type of therapeutic approach appeals to you then remember if you don't like them for any reason go and find someone whom makes sense to you and you feel like you can be comfortable with. Some natural health centres have counsellors based within them or other organisations like Relate or Sane can help you find the right help for you. May I suggest that you let the NHS referral take it's course and they may determine a different course for you but you don't have to wait 10 weeks to get support now.

Josky

You could also try https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk. They have a huge number of counsellors registered with professional organisations (including specialist ones for child psychotherapists, drug therapists etc). Their search lets you filter by area and topic, and you can read about each counsellor on their page/contact them with questions etc. I found the site really easy to use, and this is where I found my counsellor.

Best of luck, you've already taken a huge step.

stormCat99

Thanks for the replies. Just to let you know I've found someone locally now thankfully. Went for my first meeting just before Christmas and all seemed to go ok.

Armchair23

Really glad you've found something local boots_babe.

It's agonising once you've decided to face your problems and reach out for help to be left waiting for weeks before anything happens.

Hoping you find it of real benefit X