Introduction
Counselling is a type of talking therapy or psychological therapy. It involves talking to a counsellor about your problems. Counsellors are trained to listen sympathetically and can help you deal with any negative thoughts and feelings.
People sometimes use the word counselling to refer to talking therapies in general, but counselling is also a specific type of therapy.
Talking therapies
There are several types of talking therapies, including:
- counselling
- cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- psychotherapy
See Counselling - talking therapies for more information about the different therapies available.
Talking therapies can be used to treat numerous health conditions, including:
- depression
- anxiety
- borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- long-term illnesses
- eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia
- drug misuse
Availability of counselling
In 2010, the government announced plans to make psychological therapies more widely available on the NHS. This is because they have been recognised internationally as effective treatments for common mental health conditions.
If your GP or another healthcare professional refers you to a qualified counsellor, you will receive counselling through the NHS free of charge.
However, talking therapies such as counselling are not always available on the NHS, and you may need to have private treatment. A private 50-minute session can cost 40-100.
There are several professional bodies you can use to find a counsellor, including the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy and the UK Council for Psychotherapy.
You can also use the services directory to find psychological therapy services in your area.
See Counselling - availability for more information.
The aims of counselling
Counselling and talking therapies can help people:
- discuss their problems honestly and openly
- deal with issues that are preventing them from achieving their goals and ambitions
- have a more positive outlook on life
Counselling can be a positive way of addressing any unresolved issues you have and can help you understand your problems better. It can also give you a better understanding of other people's points of view.
See Counselling - how it works for more information.
