Counselling

Counselling offers a safe, supportive space to talk through whatever's on your mind, whether that's anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, or simply needing someone to listen. A trained counsellor helps you explore your thoughts and feelings, understand them better, and work towards positive change at your own pace.

The service supports individuals aged 16 and over with a wide range of issues, including stress and anxiety, low mood and depression, bereavement and loss, trauma and abuse, relationship difficulties, work-related stress, and life transitions.

Yes, your counsellor is registered and accredited with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which means they work to recognised professional, ethical, and quality standards.

Research consistently shows that counselling and talking therapies are effective, particularly for anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties. The key factors are finding the right therapist for you and engaging with the process openly. Most people report feeling better equipped to handle challenges after completing a course of counselling.

Confidentiality may be broken if your counsellor believes you or someone else is at serious risk of harm, or in certain legal circumstances. In practice, a counsellor will usually discuss any concerns with you directly before taking further action wherever possible.

A GP referral is not necessary to start counselling at at Friends Medical Service. You are welcome to self-refer to our private counselling service.

Yes, sessions are private and confidential, with a few important exceptions: if the counsellor has concerns about your safety or someone else's (for example, risk of suicide or a child protection issue), if you disclose that you've committed a serious crime, or if there's something that by law must be shared with the relevant authorities. Where possible, the counsellor will discuss this with you and let you know who they'll be contacting.

A GP can assess your overall health, discuss treatment options including medication, and refer you on if needed, while counselling offers dedicated, ongoing talking therapy with a trained counsellor. As part of Friends Medical Service, your mental health is supported in the context of your overall well-being, so the two can complement each other.

Yes. Many people start counselling simply because they feel overwhelmed or "not quite right" without being able to pinpoint why. You don't need a diagnosis or a specific issue to benefit from talking things through with a counsellor.