Counselling

Orlee

Hey all,

This has been rolling around in my head for a long time and I think I've finally come to terms with the fact that I need some sort of counselling - I’m just not sure where to go. I can't go to my GP as he's a family member and I wouldn't feel comfortable


Where do I go from here? I'm wary about going to some random GP, as I would like to speak to someone who really knows what they're doing. Any ideas?

Also, I'm worried about the cost - Does anyone know if it is expensive to see a counsellor?

Thanks

The Black Oil

I think there's links in one of the stickies with details of Irish Psychotherapy bodies etc. I don't know if those sites give full details such as qualification and costs as some UK sites do but I know someone was paying 70 euro per hour for their therapy - they didn't go via their GP but went to someone else after they wrapped up with their student counsellor. I'm guessing you feel there are things you need to address - have you alluded to them with your current GP?

Good luck.

The Hill Billy

Orlee - Would you feel comfortable enough to ask your GP to refer you to another GP to discuss 'something' or is it a case that you don't want them aware of any issue that you may have?

If not - like The Black Oil said - take a look at the stickies for more info.

JuliusCaesar

For accredited counsellors/therapists:

Irish Council for Psychotherapy - the website also gives info on the different types of therapy eg psychoanalytic, humanistic etc

Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

Psychological Society of Ireland

British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (look under Republic of Ireland/Northern Ireland)

For details of which therapy is recommended for which disorder, look at http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/index.jsp?action=byTopic&o=7281&set=true

Cost will vary from free with the HSE & some voluntary bodies, some therapists operate a sliding scale, some will be very expensive. Some will require a GP referral, others won't. Give anyone you are considering a ring first to see what their qualifications are, how much experience they have, where they are located and how much they cost. And to see if you can get on with them!

Also Mental Health Ireland will have details on the various self-help groups.

ztoical

Orlee I know where your coming from as my mum is a GP and I found it hard to talk to her but didn't want to just go to some random GP either. I eventually just went to my mum and told her I needed to speak to someone but not her as she was to close to the situation and could she rec someone which she did no problem.

doohan

Check out www.nuacounselling.ie for help very professional and easy to talk to.

Orlee

Thanks everyone - I had a look through that sticky (should have gone there in the first place!) and there's loads of info in there!