Meet our counsellors:
Counselling FAQs
Dorset Mind offers a person-centred, topic/goal-orientated approach, for anyone experiencing mild to moderate problems, such as anxiety, depression, sleep problems, low self -esteem, feeling isolated and/or stress-related issues, that may be affecting your general wellbeing that could be improved by talking to a counsellor.
Please note:
- We are unable to support with trauma-related concerns and a specific diagnoses, e.g. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Attachment Disorder, Eating Disorders or Personality Disorders.
- We are not specialised in Autism, ADHD, or other neurodiverse conditions. For these, you would need a specialist service, and we would recommend that you contact your GP for initial advice on this.
- Dorset Mind cannot be used for counselling where there is a requirement for letters or reports to support legal processes, for example, work-related and/or health-related disputes or disciplinary circumstances.
For alternative counselling options please see contacts below:
- Steps to Wellbeing www.steps2wellbeing.co.uk ( a free online, NHS talking therapy service – you can self-refer)
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Counselling Directory www.counselling-directory.org.uk – private counselling where you can search by location, price and type of therapy required.
- National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCS) Counselling Directory www.counselling-directory.org.uk – private counselling where you can search by location, price and type of therapy required.
If you would like general guidance on support for mental health issues visit www.dorsetmentalhealthforum.org.uk
Everyone has ups and downs and for most of the time we cope with them. But on those occasions when we need help, a counsellor is someone who will:
- Actively listen without making judgement
- Maintain confidentiality
- They will not give advice or tell you what to do, but they will help you find your own answers, reflect and explore your feelings safely
Trusting, caring relationships are a core foundation of our mental wellbeing. If we feel safe, secure and valued we are much more likely to stay well and recover faster.
Our counsellors are caring and compassionate and will see you for a series of appointments, which can be weekly or fortnightly to suit your needs. You will be offered a range of sessions to improve your sense of wellbeing.
Everyone who completes our Referral form for our counselling service will be contacted by a member of our Counselling Team.
They will discuss your needs with you, and book in your initial assessment (at a cost of £15) at a time that suits you.
The initial assessment costs £20 and will be payable when booking a time to suit you.
During this assessment, our team member assessing you will talk you through the difference between our counsellors and which one will be most appropriate to work with you.
For example, if you present with mild to moderate mental health issues at assessment stage, you’ll have some degree of choice as to what level of counsellor you’ll see (depending on availability).
If you present with complex trauma/s, we will advise seeing a more experienced counsellor.
Payments must be made at least 24 hours prior to the session and can be made via bank transfer, credit card or PayPal. This will also be explained at assessment.
Our Counselling sessions run for 50 minutes, and the rates are as follows:
- £20 per session – with a Trainee Placement Counsellor (coming towards the end of their training)
- £30 per session – with a Qualified Counsellor (qualified and extending their training)
All counselling contribution go back into the charity to support our life-changing services.
Our counsellors are qualified to (at least), or working towards, a Diploma in Counselling (Level 4). They all work within their own ethical framework of the organisation of which they are a member, including the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the National Counselling Society.
No, unfortunately we are not running a counselling service for under 18’s at this time.
Unfortunately, we don’t currently have any student placements to offer as we’re at capacity.

Please support our work
Dorset Mind is a self-funded local charity that helps people in Dorset experiencing mental health problems access the vital support they need. The charity is at the very heart of our communities shaping futures, changing and in some cases literally saving lives.










