Free counselling?

[littlemisseatsherfeelings]

Is it possible to access some free talking therapy? Not sure where to start. Over the years previous attempts have been group CBT (referred by GP, waiting quite a while, wasn't right for me) and my own found and paid for sessions (can't afford now).

Anyone know where I could start for low cost or free one to one support? I know I'm asking a lot but have nothing to lose! :)

You can self refer through the iapt service. Google it and see what is available in your area.

If you work a lot of employers offer free councelling through their occupational health departments. Sometimes the number of sessions is limited I'm lucky that with my employer its unlimmeted and self referal. I just ring occi health and ask for an appointment they don't ask for any details.

Some charities offer free or subsidised councelling depending on the issues. We have a womans centre near us that does this.

Some counselling students offer free or very low cost sessions. I'd check that they're studying somewhere reputable and, importantly, have supervision.

Some counsellors have a space reserved for clients on low incomes. Worth asking any you used before and liked if they have that (if you can afford a bit).

I am on 2 waiting lists atm for counselling.
On the wellbeing service funded by the council since Jan this year and on a charity one that I'll have to pay £25 per session since mid April.

I don't hold out much hope of seeing anyone soon.

Thank you, I will look into those ideas. Also not holding out hope to see anyone soon if not able to pay a lot. But worth a try. Thanks!

I accessed free online ocunselling via iapt and was given a counsellor immediately. It was only 6 hour-long sessions of CBT but they were very helpful and thorough.

Thanks Milli, good to know. Something, even if brief, could be better than nothing right now :)

Good luck Littlemiss. Hope you get the help you need really quickly.

It really varies from area to area. If you Google NHS Talk Plus or NHS IAPS and the name of your county, borough or local town it should show what's available.