Asking for counselling

[tribpot]

Hi,

This might be a bit of a stupid question, if I want to explore the possibility of counselling, do I go to my GP? Or is that only if I want to try and get counselling on the NHS? I don't want to waste my GP's time if there's some other avenue I should explore. Thanks.

Speak to your gp or your HV. You will not be wasting your gp's time at all.
I have had two lots of 12 sessions on the NHS. I went through my HV.

I had to wait around 6 weeks for an appointment. You could also ask your gp about what is available re private counselling, if this was what you would rather have.

Thanks for the replies. Definitely don't want medication, and definitely don't want to talk to my hv, so will talk to my GP. No particular preference for private counselling, I just figured I probably wouldn't qualify for the NHS route.

Thanks again.

Hi tribpot. I can chat to you on MSN about this sometime if you want. Just nudge me when I am online. naswm

If you don't want to go through the GP, look up the BACP website for counsellors/therapists in your area, then you know they will be regulated.
Sorry, should do a link but am rushing.
(British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists)