Free counselling??

[thebee1]

Is there such a thing? I'm not depressed but I'm so cut off from the world. I feel like I have a secret or in living life as an actor. I had an abusive childhood, yet I've never really dealt with it. I just carry on, I have a nice life yet I always feel disconnected. I really love my kids and I know I'm a great mum. But even then, I am waiting for the day my kids never want to see me again. I'm prepared. It's hard to explain. I have lots of friends, but close to nobody. I'm wondering how to fix this? I can't afford therapy, but even then I think I don't need it. But I know I do because I would like to feel connections. Any advice would be helpful!

Yes. If you’re in the U.K. counselling is available through IAPT which you access via your GP.

Hi, sorry you’re feeling so down. I never thought i needed counselling, but I had some and it changed my life.

In my area NHS therapy is near non existent, but some areas are better than others. It’s always worth speaking to your GP and getting onto a waiting list, if one exists. When I spoke to my GP, she gave me a list of charity phone numbers.

If you google local charities, sometimes you can pay for counselling on a sliding scale, i.e income assessed - but it’s totally dependent on where you’re based.

I had free rape crisis England and Wales counselling, but obviously that’s for a very specific type of abuse.

Sometimes, employers have it as part of their insurance, so It’s worth checking what’s available through your workplace too.

Hope you find what you need.

In my area, you can self-refer to MIND for free counselling. Maybe try to contact them?

I’m sorry you are feeling this way - have a look at NAPAC website - there might be some support you can get from there to address your difficult childhood which will have impacted on how you are feeling now. Problem with NHS counselling is it’s mostly short term, CBT based which may not be appropriate for everyone. If you can afford private counselling have a look on counselling directory or BACP website. Good luck x

Depending where you live, you can self refer to NHS talking therapies services without going via a GP. There is a waiting list, but they tend to assess you quite quickly and then refer you based on the urgency and your need. Whereabouts are you OP?

Depending where you live, you can self refer to NHS talking therapies services without going via a GP. There is a waiting list, but they tend to assess you quite quickly and then refer you based on the urgency and your need.

I am amazed that others have such good MH services.

Talking therapies in my area is almost non existant. Waiting lists for other therapies such as group CBT is over a year.

Thanks so much for all your helpful replies. It's hard to explain. I don't feel down, I just don't feel anything? But I obviously do feel things like love, except I limit it? I'm happily married, kids, work, friends, but I feel as though it's all on loan. Not that I don't deserve it, but I just can't experience connections like I think I should. Nobody would know because I'm so warm and loving but I feel like I'm in a role of some sort. I don't know. Thanks for the replies l'll take a look at the websites.

In my area you can self-refer to our counselling services but it’s mostly anxiety management. I’m coming to the end of counselling which was free. There’s a counselling training college near me - again you self-refer. It’s free because their counsellors are qualified but new and they have to do at least 100 hours of counselling before they can set up private practice. I’ve been doing mine virtually and it’s really helped. It’s worth seeing if there’s anything like this near you.

Sorry you're feeling a bit shit.
Some employers offer free counselling sessions as part of a wellbeing policy. Not sure if you might be able to access something through that?

I hope you find something that works for you x