Cheap counselling?

LegacyUser

I've come to realise that a number of issues I'm not dealing with well are adversely affecting my life, stuff which I don't want to go into here. I spoke to my GP a couple of years ago when I felt I was going through a bit of depression, he was sensitive but all he offered me was drugs, which I don't want to go near. I mean, I struggle a bit sometimes, I get a bit depressed and sort of agorophobic, but I don't feel I need anti-depressants, especially having seen them not do much good for friends.

I think maybe counselling would help me, but I'm also skint at the moment (and probably will be so for the foreseeable future). I was wondering if anyone had any experience of either www.reducedcostcounselling.com or the services the HSE provide? I don't currently have a medical card but will look into getting one, cos I think I'll qualify. Any other suggestions for cheap counselling services?

The problem is, cos I'm quite down at the moment, I'm not feeling hugely proactive about this, just typing this post is a bit like hard work. But I know I need to do something, got to try to get out of this bad place.

Miaireland

You might be as well off talking to your GP, you'll need his signature on the medical card form anyway. He or she would have good knowledge of the counselling services in your area and what ones take financial circumstances into account with clients.

LegacyUser

Is that the only option, medical card + GP referral? As I said, I don't have one (medical card) yet and the problem is getting myself moving enough to go through all the bureaucracy which is doubtless required... Having been dealing with social welfare a few months ago, I just don't know if I have the stamina to face the queuing, waiting, etc. Sorry I sound like a right whinger, I know that, and part of me is crying out to the other part of me just to cut it out and get on with things, get back to living in the real world, but this is the problem, this is why I need a bit of help. When I try to kick my own ar$e, I just start to feel overwhelmed by the things which are getting on top of me, and I crawl back to my bed...

extra-ordinary_

There are counsellors who operate on a 'what you can afford' basis. Check out..

http://www.dctc.ie/

Shivers26

www.lowcostcounselling.org

There are a number of independent counsellors based in a number of locations and they operate on a pay what you can afford basis.
I used them and found the counselling a huge help.

Good luck!

LegacyUser

Thanks for the suggestions above, guys. I've emailed them both. Fingers crossed.

Thanks again.

Carter12

Whereabouts are you ?
im in north dublin and can recommend counselling for as little as 2 euro a go

AvaKinder

If you're based in Dublin both Northside Counselling in Coolock and Aria Therapy on Capel St offer a reduced means counselling service

LegacyUser

I'm in north central Dublin, so capel st would be great, thanks AvaKinder, I'll get in touch with Aria Therapy.

No word back yet from either of the other two, though I'm feeling a lot better today, much less depressive, so may even have the balls to call them tomorrow.

Carter12, would you mind posting the details of your recommendation publicly? If not, I'll PM you from my 'real' username, tho of course would ask you to keep my 'real' identity incognito

Novella

I see a counsellor in Kildare but close enough to Dublin who is 25 euro per visit, which I think is really good. Might be a bit out of your way though? I do travel to her from Dublin myself. If you wanna PM me for more details or whatever, go ahead.

LegacyUser

While we're on the subject, any based in south county Dublin/Dublin 18/sandyford area? I went to my GP in the north as I thought I was suffering from depression and he said i wasn't clinically depressed but the potential was there and he suggested a psychologist for my self esteem and confidence issues. However I've noticed myself feeling down again at times and very uninterested in everything. So i reckon I need to go talk to someone perhaps but I can't really afford to spend hundreds per month on sessions.

Redpunto

Target in Donaghmede 8670279, they offer a "free" service but donations welcome

santana75

Heres another counselling service that'll only charge you what you can afford:

http://www.villagecounselling.com/index_files/Page380.htm

Located in Tallaght.

LegacyUser

Can anyone recommend a cheap counsellor in galway, I seen Billy Brogan on the cheap counselling site but I would prefer to talk to a woman I think.

thanks in advance...

LegacyUser

Good thread.

I'm looking for an affordable but decent marriage/relationship counsellor anywhere in Dublin's fair city.

Carter12

the wasatch wrote: »

I'm in north central Dublin, so capel st would be great, thanks AvaKinder, I'll get in touch with Aria Therapy.

No word back yet from either of the other two, though I'm feeling a lot better today, much less depressive, so may even have the balls to call them tomorrow.

Carter12, would you mind posting the details of your recommendation publicly? If not, I'll PM you from my 'real' username, tho of course would ask you to keep my 'real' identity incognito

Its Northside counselling like Avakinder said. They will give counselling from €2 upward a session and I really recommend them. Their number is 018484789. You can phone and you will be put on a waiting list. I was only waiting 2 weeks.

Good luck x