Counselling Services
Counselling is a talking therapy where a trained therapist listens and supports you in finding ways to manage emotional challenges. While “counselling” can refer broadly to talking therapies, it is also a distinct approach in its own right.
What Can Counselling Help With?
Counselling can help you cope with:
- a mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety or an eating disorder
- an upsetting physical health condition, such as infertility
- a difficult life event, such as a bereavement, a relationship breakdown or work-related stress
- difficult emotions – for example, low self-esteem or anger
- other issues, such as sexual identity or self-discovery
What to Expect from Counselling
During your appointment, you’ll be encouraged to share feelings and thoughts in a safe, non-judgmental setting. Your therapist will:
- listen and support you without criticism
- help you understand your emotions and thought processes
- guide you to discover your own solutions (rather than telling you what to do)
Counselling can be delivered in various formats:
- face to face
- in a group setting
- over the phone
- via email
- online through live chat services (learn more about online tools for mental health)
You may be offered a single session, a short course over a few weeks, or a longer programme lasting several months. Progress often becomes noticeable after a few sessions as you and your therapist build understanding and trust.
Free NHS Counselling
You can access free psychological therapies, including counselling for depression, on the NHS. You don’t need a GP referral—you can self-refer directly to a psychological therapies service. Alternatively, you can ask your GP for a referral.
For more details, read about free psychological therapies on the NHS.
WEU Member Counselling Package
As part of your membership subscription, you’re entitled to six free counselling sessions with our qualified practitioners.*
- Dr Niall McCrae – a registered mental health nurse with counselling skills and a published expert on depression and youth mental health.
- Alex Miles – an integrative counsellor (National Counselling Society member) specialising in Person-Centred approaches, abuse and trauma, addictions, debt issues, student stress and the impact of physical disorders.
- Tasha Rose – a qualified integrative therapist offering person-centred counselling, CBT, motivational interviewing, solution-focused and value-focused therapy. Experience includes anxiety, depression, eating disorders, OCD, identity crises, grief and spiritual challenges.
Please email
Private Counselling
If you choose to see a private therapist, ensure they’re professionally qualified and that you feel comfortable with them. Sessions typically cost between £70 and £100, though many therapists offer a free initial consultation and reduced rates for students, job seekers and low-income clients. Always agree on fees before starting therapy.
Find out more about our private counselling services.
Charities and Voluntary Organisations
Certain charities and NGOs provide specialised counselling (couples, bereavement, family guidance). You don’t need a GP referral, but fees may apply:
- Cruse Bereavement Care – bereavement support
- Rape Crisis England & Wales – support for rape and sexual abuse
- Relate – relationship advice and counselling
- Samaritans – 24/7 emotional support
- Victim Support – assistance for crime victims and witnesses
Finding a Qualified Therapist
Your counsellor should be registered with a PSA-accredited professional body, ensuring they meet high practice standards. Use the Professional Standards Authority’s directory to find a qualified therapist.
Other Talking Therapies
In addition to counselling, you may benefit from various talking therapies. Learn more about different approaches and how they can support you in our other talking therapies guide.
*Within the first three months of joining the Workers of England Union, counselling services are provided at the discretion of the WEU National Council.
workersofengland.co.uk | Independent Workers Trade Union
