free counselling.... NHS?

[beanieb]

I think I need it, I can't afford it. What do I do to get it on teh NHS. I can't/won't take medication but I would have counselling. Help.

You can go through your GP. Some have counsellors attached to them (like a practice nurse). There can be a wait for them though.

I think you are great for doing this.

you get referred via the GP
waaiting lists are usually areound 12-16 weeks

I was referred via GP

I think if you are thinking you need it then get refered asap.. depending on your requiremets and area it could be a while to wait. good luck

Thank you. I know this sounds odd but what do I actually say to the GP?

I think I have some serious Anxiety issues (No - I know I have) and I did take up some free counselling through work but that ran out.

I might just cry to the doctor but if Ican just get across the need then it will be easier. I don't want her to just suggest pills. Is it likely ?

just say to the dr you feel you need help to cope with day to day stuff - you feel anxious a lot and you dotn know how to deal with it - you feel you could do well with counselling - he/she will be delighted to agree to try that before medication

good luck

The doctor will understand, write it in a note if you find it difficult. Just say that you are finding things really hard at the moment and you think that you'll benefit from being referred to a counsellor. They may suggest pills but you don't have to have them. Just tell them that you wish to have counselling first. It will be OK. You have already taken the first step by acknowledging that you need help.

I went to the docs a few weeks ago with serious anxiety issues. Was offered Anti depressents but declined. I was referred for counselling although this will take around 12 weeks. So get to the docs asap to get on the list. In the meantime i found breathing exercises have really helped. was given some meds to try and calm me down, ie slow down my pulse but they didnt really help me so only took once.
I hope this helps, it does get better.

GP will usually offer CBT (look up if don't know about it) and approx 6-9 sessions

Some places offer discounted therapy though - or counselling. You could ring your local branch of Mind and ask - they might be able to point you in the direction of local services.

Go for it, it is a great step you are taking. x

Thanks everyone. I am not sure what it is I want to get to the bottom of. The counselling I had before was to do with some massive changes I made in my life and I came away with the impression that it was a short term thing that I was trying to control but couldn't.

However I am more and more depressed in general lately and I think it stems from isecurites about the way I see myself, made worse by the way I think other people see me.

I guess I should pluck up the courage to go and talk to my GP.

try gp referral to CMHT psychologist or Recovery Centres (day hospitals) have psychologists/counsellors

lengthy wait usually

you could see if you can find a counsellor here you may find they wont turn you away because you can't afford to pay

they have faith so you dont have to

You could also try contacting your local Mind.

Most branches offer counselling which is free - you can self refer too. There may be a bit of a wait but they'll see you for an assessment quite quickly.

do ensure your counsellor is finding a therapist regulated and registered. avoid the quacks

there are other organisations that offer free counselling - I work in a womens centre and sessions are free or small donation. Agree, check for BACP registration.

I got free CBT through my GP for anxiety and panic attacks. I was seen within a couple of weeks though I think this was because I was pregnant and was maybe made a priority.

the govt is funding talking therapies initiative IAPT improving access psychological therapies 34 pilot pct sites in england

Look at this page see if your pct is in pilot site

thanks for that ScottishMummy - I'm in Wales though. I'll see if I can see any similar schemes here.