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Counselling

Lady having Counselling

Counselling offers a safe, confidential space to talk through whatever is on your mind with a trained professional who will listen without judgement. Life can feel overwhelming or confusing at times, and counselling provides support to help you explore your thoughts and feelings, understand what’s affecting your wellbeing, and find ways to move forward.

Whether you’re facing a specific challenge or simply want time to reflect, counselling can help you make sense of difficult emotions, build coping strategies, and regain confidence and clarity. Everyone’s experience is unique, and counselling is designed to work at your pace, focusing on what matters most to you.

Counselling can also help children and young people if they are struggling to process their emotions and need some help.

Below you will find sources of free and low cost counselling for people of all ages as well as how to find counsellors which are more broadly available.

Counselling is a type of ''talking therapy'' and sometimes the term is used to refer to talking therapies in general.

Counselling allows a person to talk openly in a safe and confidential environment. Counsellors are trained to listen and help people to deal with negative thoughts, feelings, challenges and problems.

Different types of counselling are often given different names and this can be a little confusing.

Counselling can work in a range of different ways so the therapist should work to find a method that suits the client and makes the sessions beneficial.

Some therapists are trained in more than one method, so might combine these during the sessions.

You may hear terms such as ''Cognitive Behavioural Therapies'' (CBT), ''Mindfulness'' and ''Life Coaching'' mentioned when talking about ways in which counsellors work – there is more information on these and other talking therapies.

Counselling is a type of ''talking therapy'' and sometimes the term is used to refer to talking therapies in general.

Counselling allows a person to talk openly in a safe and confidential environment. Counsellors are trained to listen and help people to deal with negative thoughts, feelings, challenges and problems.

Different types of counselling are often given different names and this can be a little confusing.

Counselling can work in a range of different ways so the therapist should work to find a method that suits the client and makes the sessions beneficial.

Some therapists are trained in more than one method, so might combine these during the sessions.

You may hear terms such as ''Cognitive Behavioural Therapies'' (CBT), ''Mindfulness'' and ''Life Coaching'' mentioned when talking about ways in which counsellors work – there is more information on these and other talking therapies.

Counsellors can help with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, bereavement, self-esteem, relationships and life changes.

For young people, counselling can give them a safe time to talk through things that are worrying them and help them to make sense of the challenges that they may face in their lives.

Families may find that counselling allows them space to think about possible solutions, resolutions or ways of working together when challenges arise.

Counsellors can help with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, bereavement, self-esteem, relationships and life changes.

For young people, counselling can give them a safe time to talk through things that are worrying them and help them to make sense of the challenges that they may face in their lives.

Families may find that counselling allows them space to think about possible solutions, resolutions or ways of working together when challenges arise.

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BCAP) has an excellent website that provides lots of information on types of therapy, how to access support and what happens at a therapy session.

The first counselling session will probably focus on finding out what you want to work through, what you would like to achieve from the sessions and the way that the therapist works. The therapist might suggest different methods that may be helpful.

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BCAP) has an excellent website that provides lots of information on types of therapy, how to access support and what happens at a therapy session.

The first counselling session will probably focus on finding out what you want to work through, what you would like to achieve from the sessions and the way that the therapist works. The therapist might suggest different methods that may be helpful.

If you think counselling will benefit you or someone you care for, visiting your GP is a good first step. You GP can tell you about counselling services in your area and can refer you to the best one for you.

Other potential sources of counselling are:

  • Charities
  • Community interest groups which offer low cost counselling
  • Paying for counselling privately

I'm worried about my child's mental health

If you are worried about a child and feel they need psychological support, your GP might refer a young person to the local CAMHS service if they feel your child or young person's mental health needs to be assessed by a professional at CAMHS. It is also possible to self-refer to CAMHS if you felt that your son/daughter may benefit from their support.

CAMHS – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Hampshire 

Some schools have therapists working alongside the teaching staff and often sessions take place in familiar surroundings, making some young people feel more at ease so it is a good idea to speak to their school as well.

Please also see the information on youth counselling below.

If you think counselling will benefit you or someone you care for, visiting your GP is a good first step. You GP can tell you about counselling services in your area and can refer you to the best one for you.

Other potential sources of counselling are:

  • Charities
  • Community interest groups which offer low cost counselling
  • Paying for counselling privately

I'm worried about my child's mental health

If you are worried about a child and feel they need psychological support, your GP might refer a young person to the local CAMHS service if they feel your child or young person's mental health needs to be assessed by a professional at CAMHS. It is also possible to self-refer to CAMHS if you felt that your son/daughter may benefit from their support.

CAMHS – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Hampshire 

Some schools have therapists working alongside the teaching staff and often sessions take place in familiar surroundings, making some young people feel more at ease so it is a good idea to speak to their school as well.

Please also see the information on youth counselling below.

Youth Access - This site allows you to search for organisations near you that support young people's mental health.

Hampshire Youth Access (HYA) is a partnership of 11 agencies providing counselling, mental health and emotional wellbeing advice and support to children and young people aged 5 - 17 (or 24 for care leavers and SEND) across Hampshire.

In addition to the above commissioned youth counselling services in Hampshire, mental health support is also provided available from:

Mental Health in Schools Team (MHST)  (Referral by schools)

Schools/colleges have a wider range of pastoral support available – this could include emotional literacy assistants, counselling, peer mentoring, school nursing team, MHSTs.

If your school has an MHST. They deliver evidence-based interventions for mild to moderate mental health and emotional wellbeing needs within the education setting.

The Frankie Service provide therapeutic counselling to Children and Young people aged 0-18 years, and play therapy for children who are victims of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation or female genital mutilation. The Frankie Service also provides support to families of children and young people referred by offering support and guidance. If you would like to refer a child / Young Person into the Frankie Service,  please complete a referral form, or send enquiries to frankie@hants.gov.uk or call 02380 636312.

Hampshire Youth Offending Team (YOT)

YOT work with any child aged 10 - 16 (inclusive), who is at risk of offending and anti-social behaviour. This may be due to their own behaviour at home, at school or in the community, the influence of friends, family, and associates or underlying risk factors that are likely to lead to offending or anti-social behaviour in the future. Referrals can be made by any professional working with the family.

Educational Psychology Interventions

A dedicated team of professionally trained educational psychologists, with a wealth of experience working closely with Hampshire schools. Referral through your child's school.

Youth Access - This site allows you to search for organisations near you that support young people's mental health.

Hampshire Youth Access (HYA) is a partnership of 11 agencies providing counselling, mental health and emotional wellbeing advice and support to children and young people aged 5 - 17 (or 24 for care leavers and SEND) across Hampshire.

In addition to the above commissioned youth counselling services in Hampshire, mental health support is also provided available from:

Mental Health in Schools Team (MHST)  (Referral by schools)

Schools/colleges have a wider range of pastoral support available – this could include emotional literacy assistants, counselling, peer mentoring, school nursing team, MHSTs.

If your school has an MHST. They deliver evidence-based interventions for mild to moderate mental health and emotional wellbeing needs within the education setting.

The Frankie Service provide therapeutic counselling to Children and Young people aged 0-18 years, and play therapy for children who are victims of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation or female genital mutilation. The Frankie Service also provides support to families of children and young people referred by offering support and guidance. If you would like to refer a child / Young Person into the Frankie Service,  please complete a referral form, or send enquiries to frankie@hants.gov.uk or call 02380 636312.

Hampshire Youth Offending Team (YOT)

YOT work with any child aged 10 - 16 (inclusive), who is at risk of offending and anti-social behaviour. This may be due to their own behaviour at home, at school or in the community, the influence of friends, family, and associates or underlying risk factors that are likely to lead to offending or anti-social behaviour in the future. Referrals can be made by any professional working with the family.

Educational Psychology Interventions

A dedicated team of professionally trained educational psychologists, with a wealth of experience working closely with Hampshire schools. Referral through your child's school.

For some young people technology can provide an alternative way of accessing counselling/ therapy as they may find it easier to talk to someone on a website or through an app.

Before using any online service it is important that parents/ carers are able to check out the site and the qualifications of the counsellors.

Here are some free online counselling services:

The Mix aims to take on the embarrassing problems, weird questions, and please-don’t-make-me-say-it-out-loud thoughts that people under 25 have in order to give them the best support through digital and phone services.

Kooth provides access to support from other young people and professionals (including counselling), all at your own pace online.

Step by Step support young people facing all sorts of emotional and mental health challenges. They Offer StepChat as a safe, friendly online chat where you can speak to a real person in real time. You don't need to book, register, or commit to anything.

Start a Chat Now

Childline allow young people to log-in for a 1-2-1 counsellor chat whenever they need to talk about whatever is worrying them.

For some young people technology can provide an alternative way of accessing counselling/ therapy as they may find it easier to talk to someone on a website or through an app.

Before using any online service it is important that parents/ carers are able to check out the site and the qualifications of the counsellors.

Here are some free online counselling services:

The Mix aims to take on the embarrassing problems, weird questions, and please-don’t-make-me-say-it-out-loud thoughts that people under 25 have in order to give them the best support through digital and phone services.

Kooth provides access to support from other young people and professionals (including counselling), all at your own pace online.

Step by Step support young people facing all sorts of emotional and mental health challenges. They Offer StepChat as a safe, friendly online chat where you can speak to a real person in real time. You don't need to book, register, or commit to anything.

Start a Chat Now

Childline allow young people to log-in for a 1-2-1 counsellor chat whenever they need to talk about whatever is worrying them.

NHS Talking Therapies services provide Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in Hampshire. You can self refer on their website or by speaking to your GP.

In most of Hampshire, NHS Talking Therapies are delivered by ITalk but TalkPlus provides this service in the Rushmoor and Hart areas. You can self refer to TalkPlus.

This video explains more:

 

SilverCloud is a free online interactive space for thinking and feeling better. It uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) tools to support your mental wellbeing. You can start straight away without the need for an assessment. You may be offered you a supporter to guide you as you learn about CBT and practice this in your everyday life. 

NHS Talking Therapies services provide Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in Hampshire. You can self refer on their website or by speaking to your GP.

In most of Hampshire, NHS Talking Therapies are delivered by ITalk but TalkPlus provides this service in the Rushmoor and Hart areas. You can self refer to TalkPlus.

This video explains more:

 

SilverCloud is a free online interactive space for thinking and feeling better. It uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) tools to support your mental wellbeing. You can start straight away without the need for an assessment. You may be offered you a supporter to guide you as you learn about CBT and practice this in your everyday life. 

The Olive Branch – Counselling Service - Winchester

The Olive Branch offer weekly 50-minute counselling sessions for up to 12 months to individuals aged 18 and over. 

Alton Counselling Service – Providing Counselling for the Community

ACS is a registered charity providing affordable and professional counselling based in Alton.

Petersfield Counselling Service

PCS offer face to face, telephone or video counselling sessions with a trained counsellor, giving you the chance to explore your difficulties in a private and confidential setting.  We offer short and long-term face-to-face counselling for people aged 18 and over for a range of issues.

Life Changes Community Counselling - Southampton

Life Changes is an independent community counselling service situated in central Southampton which is available to all individuals over 18. The counselling provided offers the opportunity to reflect on life and understand the issues troubling you. 

Cornerstone Counselling, Yateley

Cornerstone is a professional, affordable counselling charity based in Yateley that has been established for over 30 years, We offer confidential support to couples and individuals who are 18 and over and experiencing difficulties in their lives.

Basingstoke Counselling Service

We offer counselling to individuals and couples in Basingstoke and the surrounding areas.

Mind - The Mental Health Charity

Mind operates in centres around Hampshire and offers free CBT as well as peer support. 

Growing Hope - Solent Area only

Growing Hope currently offer Occupational Therapy and Counselling to children and young people with diagnosed or undiagnosed additional needs 

The clinic is open to families who live in the following areas:

Totton and Eling, Romsey, West End North, West End South, Botley, Woolston, Sholing, Harefield, Fair Oak and Horton Heath, Bishopstoke, Eastleigh North, Eastleigh Central, Eastleigh South, Hedge End South, Hedge End North.

The Spark - Free single counselling session

Sessions can be booked online and usually focus on a specific issue that is concerning you. The goal is to help you identify your next steps to meaningfully address the issue. 

Other free or low cost counselling services

Solent Mind 

You can self-refer to the Winchester Wellbeing Centre if you are aged 18 or over, have a GP in the Winchester area and are experiencing mental health problems like anxiety, low mood or low self-esteem or depression. Call them on 023 8017 9049.

Friends of the Family, Winchester

Free one-to-one counselling for parents who are currently engaging with Friends of the Family services.  All counsellors are either fully qualified or third year students on placement.

The Oasis, Farnborough

Everyone over the age of 18 who is in crisis or struggling with their emotional wellbeing is welcome at The Oasis.

Drop-In – Visit any time between 18:30 – 21:30. No appointment is needed, just walk in and speak to one of our support workers.

Call Us – Prefer to speak over the phone? Book a call appointment by dialling
0800 772 0527.

Text Us – If texting feels easier, send us a message at
07879 376286, and we’ll arrange a Zoom or phone call to support you in a way that works best for you.

Anxiety UK 

Anxiety UK offers talking therapies for anxiety. There is a fee but they offer reduced costs for people on a low income and for those who pay for a yearly membership for the service.

Cruse Bereavement Support 

Cruse has a helpline is run by trained bereavement volunteers, who offer emotional support to anyone affected by grief.

Rape Crisis Centres

Rape Crisis offer counselling to survivors of sexual abuse, and sometimes to their families. You can contact them 24/7 on 0808 500 2222.

Some charities also run free helplines and listening services. These aren't therapy, but can be helpful if you need to talk to someone between sessions. 

Many charities also run peer support groups, which can be therapeutic.

Relate

Offer means tested counselling to help people on a lower income to access counselling. Relate fees explained

 

The Olive Branch – Counselling Service - Winchester

The Olive Branch offer weekly 50-minute counselling sessions for up to 12 months to individuals aged 18 and over. 

Alton Counselling Service – Providing Counselling for the Community

ACS is a registered charity providing affordable and professional counselling based in Alton.

Petersfield Counselling Service

PCS offer face to face, telephone or video counselling sessions with a trained counsellor, giving you the chance to explore your difficulties in a private and confidential setting.  We offer short and long-term face-to-face counselling for people aged 18 and over for a range of issues.

Life Changes Community Counselling - Southampton

Life Changes is an independent community counselling service situated in central Southampton which is available to all individuals over 18. The counselling provided offers the opportunity to reflect on life and understand the issues troubling you. 

Cornerstone Counselling, Yateley

Cornerstone is a professional, affordable counselling charity based in Yateley that has been established for over 30 years, We offer confidential support to couples and individuals who are 18 and over and experiencing difficulties in their lives.

Basingstoke Counselling Service

We offer counselling to individuals and couples in Basingstoke and the surrounding areas.

Mind - The Mental Health Charity

Mind operates in centres around Hampshire and offers free CBT as well as peer support. 

Growing Hope - Solent Area only

Growing Hope currently offer Occupational Therapy and Counselling to children and young people with diagnosed or undiagnosed additional needs 

The clinic is open to families who live in the following areas:

Totton and Eling, Romsey, West End North, West End South, Botley, Woolston, Sholing, Harefield, Fair Oak and Horton Heath, Bishopstoke, Eastleigh North, Eastleigh Central, Eastleigh South, Hedge End South, Hedge End North.

The Spark - Free single counselling session

Sessions can be booked online and usually focus on a specific issue that is concerning you. The goal is to help you identify your next steps to meaningfully address the issue. 

Other free or low cost counselling services

Solent Mind 

You can self-refer to the Winchester Wellbeing Centre if you are aged 18 or over, have a GP in the Winchester area and are experiencing mental health problems like anxiety, low mood or low self-esteem or depression. Call them on 023 8017 9049.

Friends of the Family, Winchester

Free one-to-one counselling for parents who are currently engaging with Friends of the Family services.  All counsellors are either fully qualified or third year students on placement.

The Oasis, Farnborough

Everyone over the age of 18 who is in crisis or struggling with their emotional wellbeing is welcome at The Oasis.

Drop-In – Visit any time between 18:30 – 21:30. No appointment is needed, just walk in and speak to one of our support workers.

Call Us – Prefer to speak over the phone? Book a call appointment by dialling
0800 772 0527.

Text Us – If texting feels easier, send us a message at
07879 376286, and we’ll arrange a Zoom or phone call to support you in a way that works best for you.

Anxiety UK 

Anxiety UK offers talking therapies for anxiety. There is a fee but they offer reduced costs for people on a low income and for those who pay for a yearly membership for the service.

Cruse Bereavement Support 

Cruse has a helpline is run by trained bereavement volunteers, who offer emotional support to anyone affected by grief.

Rape Crisis Centres

Rape Crisis offer counselling to survivors of sexual abuse, and sometimes to their families. You can contact them 24/7 on 0808 500 2222.

Some charities also run free helplines and listening services. These aren't therapy, but can be helpful if you need to talk to someone between sessions. 

Many charities also run peer support groups, which can be therapeutic.

Relate

Offer means tested counselling to help people on a lower income to access counselling. Relate fees explained

 

Hub of hope

Hope of Hub are the UK’s largest mental health support directory. You can search for an organisation that can help you and see ones that are open right now and you are able to contact for mental health support online.

National Association of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapists

This is a CBT self-help audio program. They are meant to provide instruction in rational self-counselling. They are self led counselling sessions but do not replace accessing professional counselling but might help if you can't access professional counselling but would still like to explore CBT.

Hub of hope

Hope of Hub are the UK’s largest mental health support directory. You can search for an organisation that can help you and see ones that are open right now and you are able to contact for mental health support online.

National Association of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapists

This is a CBT self-help audio program. They are meant to provide instruction in rational self-counselling. They are self led counselling sessions but do not replace accessing professional counselling but might help if you can't access professional counselling but would still like to explore CBT.

The Good Grief Trust

Search for bereavement support organisation near you.

Cruse Bereavement Support

Cruse are a charity that have over 80 local branches across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They have trained volunteers are trained in all types of bereavement and can help you make sense of how you're feeling right now. Discover what services are available where you are. 

Grief Kind Spaces

The Sue Ryder Charity have developed Grief Kind Spaces to give people who are grieving access to informal, in-person, peer-to-peer support in their local area.

Simon Says

Simon Says supports children and young people in Hampshire who have been bereaved. They offer a weekday helpline for advice and guidance, monthly support groups across the county for ages up to 18, and practical resources to help families understand how children experience grief. Their groups provide a safe and creative space for children to share feelings, take part in activities, and meet others who have had similar experiences. Families can contact the charity directly when they feel ready to join a group.

A Wind Phone is a non-working rotary telephone placed in a quiet outdoor setting. It offers a calm and private space for anyone experiencing grief or loss.

The aim of the Wind Phone is to support emotional wellbeing by offering a safe space to talk, reflect, and feel connected, even after loss.

Visitors are welcome to pick up the receiver and speak to someone they miss. There is no right or wrong way to use the Wind Phone — it is simply a place to express feelings, reflect, and remember at your own pace.

The Good Grief Trust

Search for bereavement support organisation near you.

Cruse Bereavement Support

Cruse are a charity that have over 80 local branches across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They have trained volunteers are trained in all types of bereavement and can help you make sense of how you're feeling right now. Discover what services are available where you are. 

Grief Kind Spaces

The Sue Ryder Charity have developed Grief Kind Spaces to give people who are grieving access to informal, in-person, peer-to-peer support in their local area.

Simon Says

Simon Says supports children and young people in Hampshire who have been bereaved. They offer a weekday helpline for advice and guidance, monthly support groups across the county for ages up to 18, and practical resources to help families understand how children experience grief. Their groups provide a safe and creative space for children to share feelings, take part in activities, and meet others who have had similar experiences. Families can contact the charity directly when they feel ready to join a group.

A Wind Phone is a non-working rotary telephone placed in a quiet outdoor setting. It offers a calm and private space for anyone experiencing grief or loss.

The aim of the Wind Phone is to support emotional wellbeing by offering a safe space to talk, reflect, and feel connected, even after loss.

Visitors are welcome to pick up the receiver and speak to someone they miss. There is no right or wrong way to use the Wind Phone — it is simply a place to express feelings, reflect, and remember at your own pace.

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