Back to Talking therapies and counselling. Counselling is a talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues. Sometimes the term "counselling" is used to refer to talking therapies in general, but counselling is also a type of therapy in its own right.
At your appointment, you'll be encouraged to talk about your feelings and emotions with a trained therapist, who'll listen and support you without judging or criticising. The therapist can help you gain a better understanding of your feelings and thought processes, and find your own solutions to problems. But they will not usually give advice or tell you what to do.
You may be offered a single session of counselling, a short course of sessions over a few weeks or months, or a longer course that lasts for several months or years. It can take a number of sessions before you start to see progress, but you should gradually start to feel better with the help and support of your therapist. You can get free talking therapies, including counselling for depression, on the NHS. Find out more about free talking therapies on the NHS. If you decide to pay to see a private therapist, make sure they're qualified and you feel comfortable with them.
Many private therapists offer an initial free session and lower rates for students, job seekers and those on low wages. You should ask about charges and agree a price before starting a course of counselling. Some charities and voluntary organisations also offer counselling. These organisations usually specialise in a particular area, such as couples counselling, bereavement or family guidance.
You do not need a referral from a GP for an appointment for these services, but you may have to pay a fee to cover the cost of your sessions. You may also be able to access support groups through your local community, church or social services.
