Would someone with these issuesI benefit from counselling/therapy?

[SwirlsAndDots]

I've wondered for ages whether Someone who has been been through some things might need some counselling/therapy. List includes: growing up with a verbally/emotionally neglectful parent, suffering bulimia in the past, somewhat of a hoarder and dealing with a loss in their life last year.
She is very reluctant to go to the GP as it would then be on her record. Why is that a problem I hear you ask... She says Having this on her record could affect her chances of adopting in the future and would probably have to be disclosed on job applications.

Any advice greatly received. Would she be able to access counselling any other way that would still be free?

I think therapy could help, but if she's not into it/ready it's not likely to help. There are often charities where people can get counselling for free but these vary from area to area. If the loss is a bereavement then www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk/Cruse often have local counsellors. HTH

Link didn't work right first time www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk/

Thanks for link

Mind's website has some information on the legalities on what must be disclosed and what can be kept private, I believe. You or your friend could also call them for reassurance on how it might affect adoption /employment. There's also the Samaritans, which absolutely would NOT need to be disclosed, and I think mind offers something similar, if the problem isn't as urgent as to need them (they are for distress and not just suicidal thoughts, but what the cut off for distress that they will help is I cannot say). There are also self help books, which isn't the same but might help. Or speaking to your religious leader, if you have one. My mum takes great comfort from her priest, and DH has been helped by his monk (he's buddhist).

I should think, though, that sensible emploers and adoption agencies would look favorably on seeking help for problems, rather than letting them fester...

If It's not clear, it's the Samaritans that are for distress :)