Counselling on the NHS

[WindyRain]

Have a multitude of minor issues, mostly probably stemming from an abusive childhood. I feel like private counselling would be really useful for me but I won't be able to afford it for at least a few years unfortunately.

I'd like to book a GP appointment but feel really apprehensive about it as I have no idea what to expect or if they'd even offer me anything. It would be 'simpler' if it was 'just' anxiety/depression/anger/unresolved trauma but I feel like it's low level all of those things and wonder if the NHS maybe wouldn't be suitable.

You can absolutely access counseling on the NHS. Areas differ in what they call teams but it would likely come under primary mental health/ talking therapies team. You can usually just self refer (although your GP would also be able to refer if you want them to). There is also often charities that provide counseling services at no cost ( they receive funding to provide these services) such as women's centres and various other agencies.
If you Google primary mental health team in your area you should find what you need.

OP generally psychological therapy provision on the NHS is extremely limited, its a goal orientated CBT type intervention usually capped at 6 to 12 sessions (often you have to complete self directed online stiff first). For some people with one or two straightforward issues it can be helpful but in all honesty many people struggle to progress much in the timescale required. For people with highly complex or risky psychological issues there is a provision for this but it’s incredibly difficult to access and from what you have said would not apply to you.
Another alternative you may wish to consider is counselling provided by charitable organisations- you are usually asked to pay a much lower fee than mainstream private offerings or its on a sliding scale dependent on income.