Frequently asked questions
Practical answers before you get in touch.
Do I need to know what I want to talk about?
No. You can begin with whatever feels manageable, including a sense that something is not quite right. You do not need to send a detailed history before speaking with us.
What can you help with?
We support anxiety, depression and low mood; low self-esteem and confidence; work-related stress and burnout; grief and bereavement; pregnancy loss and miscarriage; difficult feelings after abortion; and life transitions or personal challenges. Explore each area.
Who do you work with?
We work with adults, young adults and trainees, with short-term or open-ended counselling available.
How long is a session and what does it cost?
Counselling sessions are 50 minutes and cost £40. Concessionary rates are available for students; ask us for the current rate.
What happens in the first consultation?
The initial consultation costs £10 and is a 15-minute telephone or online conversation. You can discuss what brings you to counselling, ask questions and explore whether working together feels right.
What counselling approach do you use?
We work in a person-centred way, so you remain at the centre of the process. Where appropriate, we may also draw on CBT-informed techniques to help you recognise patterns and develop practical ways of coping.
Is counselling confidential?
Counselling is private, but confidentiality is not absolute. We will explain how confidentiality works and its limits before ongoing work begins. Read more.
What format are ongoing sessions offered in?
The £10 initial consultation is available by telephone or online. Please ask us about the current formats available for ongoing counselling.
Is Anchor House a crisis service?
No. Anchor House does not provide emergency or crisis response. If you need urgent help, use the urgent support page.
A gentle first step
Still have a question?
You can email, call or message us without committing to ongoing counselling.