Concessions
We live in a society where essential services and healthy lifestyle choices are often out of reach due to financial inequality, marginalisation, and oppression. As someone from a marginalised background and living on a low income myself, I empathise deeply with these challenges.
Counselling is an opportunity for greater peace of mind, and recovering inner strength and support to rise through whatever struggles you may be experiencing. I wholeheartedly aspire to make counselling accessible to anyone who is ready for this journey of self-enquiry and insight, and who I feel competent and able to support.
The standard cost is £80 per 50-minute session or £40 per 30-minute session, which helps to cover numerous professional costs including everything from admin to clinical supervision and training, as well as living costs such as my food and rent. This fee also helps to cover some concessionary counselling spaces. Concessionary spaces are funded by clients who are able to contribute more, with no other sources of funding, and may not always be available.
If you are living on a low income, student loans, or benefits, then you may be able to afford to pay the cost of therapy with careful consideration, planning and prioritisation. However, if you are struggling to cover your basic living costs then please request a reduced fee. We may be able to mutually agree a concessionary fee that honours the therapeutic work, while being mindful of your financial situation. For example, I may offer you a 10-20% reduction, or you may choose from a sliding scale according to what you can realistically afford . In exceptional cases, free sessions may be available.
Concessionary spaces are limited. In instances, where spaces are not available, I suggest you contact the following services who strive to make counselling accessible:
You can also ask your local well-being co-ordinator or GP for guidance or a referral to a service near you. Mind also offer free mental health support. Furthermore, free helplines are available via the Helplines Partnership. If your situation involves legal issues, such as related to housing, discrimination at work, debt, benefits, or anything else, you may wish to seek advice from Citizens Advice. Counselling is not suitable for crisis situations. If you are in crisis or at risk of harm, please talk to a friend or family member you can trust, speak with your GP, call a helpline, or go to your nearest A&E.