I Would Like To Go For Counselling But Can't Afford To

[Treacle71]

The only reason I thought about going for counselling is because nothing ever changes in my life and I feel stuck in my life currently. I had a 15 minute chat with my potential counsellor, but she said it'll have to be weekly or at least fortnightly and I really can't afford it. I only wanted once monthly due to finances for 2 or 3 times, but she said I might need more of a life coach than counsellor, but she kept saying about counselling going on for months and months and she even told me she's moving cities next year, like that's how long I'll be going to her for!
What do you think? Is there an alternative or would counselling help? I told her I had esteem issues, but couldn't I work on that myself through a self-help book? Has anyone else been for counselling for something similar and did it help you?

[emmie]

i have and it did help. are you based in UK, because the place to start is with the GP, who can refer you on.

[Treacle71]

Yes, I'm in the UK.

[emmie]

do you have a GP, because they can start you on the road, be prepared for a long wait though for counselling, i waited almost a year once, but then spent once a week seeing a counsellor for a whole year. Try ringing the GP today and see what they can suggest.

[tamaris]

In my area South East you can get counselling at a lower price if you are on benefits. From around £8 -£10 a 40 min session.

[emmie]

if you go the GP route on the NHS its free. But as mentioned it can be a long wait.

[Treacle71]

Thank you, tamaris, but I'm not on benefits and work part time. I can't afford £55 per week for counselling.

[emmie]

then your only option is speak to your GP.

[Ken4155]

I would imagine it all depends on where you live - Emmie lives in London which no doubt has more people needing this service than a small town such as Burnley.
I waited less than a few weeks after my GP's recommendation, after which i had a one-hour screening session, followed by fortnightly one-hour sessions through approx 3 months. All free.
As Emmie says, the first step is to get your GP to recommend this service for you. Good luck.

[emmie]

yes its the first step, and i have waited in the past for a long while, but you could be luckier if you live in a small place...

[naomi24]

I live out in the country and I'm told it's a year here too.

[Treacle71]

Thank you all. I live in London. I'll have a good think.

[wolf63]

Have you considered using self-help CDs and podcasts?

You need to sit down and work out areas of your life that you think can improve. It may be that you are suffering from depression - this makes you feel useless, powerless and pathetic.

I wish you well, it will not be easy. x

[bednobs]

yes see your GP.
You work for the NHS don't you? you can get counselling through the employee assistance program

[Old_Geezer]

If one wants change in one's life then one has to decide what it is one'd like to change most (as long as it's plausible) and plan, then take steps to cause that change. That far, one is control of their own life direction. (Everyone else is focused on their own life.) One just needs to be sure it's plausible and so attainable.

[Treacle71]

How can I receive talking therapy without my GP knowing?

[Peter Pedant]

and without paying?
in short you cant

and you shouldnt - you must look on your GP as your helper and not someone to conceal things from.

[bednobs]

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/social-care-and-your-rights/how-to-access-mental-health-services/