We can help you to make better sense
of what’s happening in your life
Counselling in Greater Manchester
Who can come for counselling?
We offer:
We also do:
How will I have my sessions?
Counselling is available:
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In person / face-to-face
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Over internet video (Microsoft Teams)
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Using the telephone
How much does counselling cost?
Counselling charges are based on your annual household income* and the location of the counselling centre where you access your counselling. In some cases we have funding to offer 8 free counselling sessions followed, if needed, by up to a further 16 heavily subsidised sessions after which you may continue, but at the full charge. We cannot offer this at all locations but are hoping to secure funding soon that will mean we can.
* Proof of income to include:
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P60
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Payslip from last 3 months
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Previous Year’s tax return
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Proof of available income from savings
We accept evidence of these means-tested benefits (MTBs)
What if I cancel or miss an appointment?
We charge for missed appointments and appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice. Please note: if you do not attend your assessment appointment, and have not let us know in advance, you will be charged a £5 administration fee. This is payable before your next appointment.
How do I start?
Your first meeting with us will always take the form of an assessment. The brief questionnaire you fill out for your assessment counsellor and the information you give them during the session will be used to match you to the most appropriately trained counsellor to help you with your concerns. Just as importantly, this assessment session gives you the opportunity to decide whether you would like to continue into counselling.
How long do sessions last?
Counselling sessions last for 50 minutes, and you will always see the same counsellor unless you choose to see someone different. There is no typical counselling session. Your counsellor will be highly trained in listening and reflecting, and will help you to explore your issues and find a way forward. We offer an integrative style of working tailored always to meet your specific needs which may include elements of a number of ways of working, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Person Centred, Psychodynamic or Transactional Analysis (TA).
How often do I attend sessions?
It’s best to keep the momentum going so meeting once weekly at the same time and day will help you and your counsellor make progress. It really helps if you have your diary to hand at the beginning to allow you and your counsellor to arrange a series of sessions. At this stage you can factor in things like holidays.
How many sessions will I have?
From the very beginning of your time with your counsellor we ask you to think about what you would like to achieve before leaving us, and to talk about how long you may need to attend. Endings are a very important part of your counselling, and can offer a real sense of achievement, insight and clarity. We do ask you not to just disappear! Where financial considerations could limit the number of sessions you are able to attend, please let the counsellor know at the beginning and the work will be tailored to what is achievable in the time.
Can I have counselling in different languages?
As well as English, we can provide counselling in:
Click here for details about making an appointment.
Can a friend or relative come into the sessions with me?
Counselling sessions are confidential and we only allow people booked for the appointment to be present during the sessions. This means in practice, if you are attending counselling as an individual then only you and your counsellor will be in the session. In couples / family / young people counselling, only those family members who are coming for counselling can be present. After you arrive (for face to face appointments), your counsellor will greet you in the reception area and take you to your counselling room. Carers can help settle clients in the room where appropriate, but must leave before counselling starts. We regret that we do not have any childcare facilities and children (including babies) will not be able to accompany you into your appointment unless this has been pre-booked as part of the Families service. Clients having video or phone counselling must be in a quiet, confidential space where nobody can overhear what is being said, and where they are free from other commitments to focus on themselves.