Ever thought that you could really use some professional counselling but the idea of setting it up, and more importantly, paying for it, is a bit daunting? Chances are if you need counselling, life itself seems a bit daunting, so don’t let that put you off. The free service you can access through your local GP works as follows – make an appointment to see your GP and tell them that you are after a counselling referral – they have to make a longer appointment for this so as to run through some basic mental health questions with you. After that, you’ll be referred to a counsellor, though you may be put on a waiting list, since the counsellors who are involved in the scheme are those who bulk-bill, which essentially means you pay zip. Initially, you’ll be offered six to eight sessions, with another four to six available depending on the counsellors assessment of your needs.

Image by D Sharon Pruitt (Pink Sherbert Photography @ Flickr)

Many counsellors will be focused on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) which is results rather than person-centred. If you’re looking to lie back and talk through all your issues, or a pill to cure what ails you then be prepared to open your mind to what this style of treatment is actually about – you’ll be given lots of mental and behavioural homework. It’s also important to remember that if you don’t ‘feel it’ with the counsellor, you can change counsellors – it has to be a good fit for you. If you can, do some research via web or word-of-mouth to find out who comes recommended. If you see your GP with the name of a counsellor, they’ll refer you there. Be aware that this may mean you do have to pay something if the counsellor you want doesn’t bulk-bill, though usually you’ll pay a dramatically decreased rate, since the Government will kick in for some of the bill. So, if you’re dealing with grief, loss, addiction, anxiety, depression, or you just don’t feel right and you think you could do with some help, get thee hence.