Support during the Pandemic
Please note, that our services will be delivered by telephone or video from this time until further notice.
We recognise that with so many people experiencing uncertain times, isolation, loss of income and contact with friends and family, we have a key role to play in helping them manage their mental health and wellbeing. We are doing everything we can to deliver and expand our services to help as many people as we can.
Please email adultcounselling@dorsetmind.uk if you would like any more information.
If you need urgent or crisis support with your mental health, please follow this link.
What is counselling?
Counselling can help lead to positive change with increased self-confidence, self-esteem and the ability to face the future.
We understand that taking the first step to accessing counselling can be a big hurdle and we want to make it as easy as possible.
- Counselling gives you the opportunity to talk about issues affecting your life in a safe and confidential environment.
- It helps you to explore your thoughts and feelings in order to change behaviours and achieve your goals.
If you want to find out more about what to expect, please follow this link.
What is a counsellor’s role?
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 judgements
- 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.
How to access counselling
Everyone who uses our counselling service will be contacted by our Counselling Team Leader Claire. Claire will discuss your needs with you, and arrange an initial free assessment.
The first step is to complete and return the initial enquiry sheet. You can email this to us at: adultcounselling@dorsetmind.uk
- Sessions will take place online via Zoom – here’s a useful Information Sheet
Please note, due to the high number of referrals we are currently receiving for this service, there is now a waiting list to access our Counselling service.
We are working hard to keep this to a minimum to ensure people can access the service as quickly as possible.
If you have any further questions, please email Claire at adultcounselling@dorsetmind.uk
Fees
During your assessment, Claire 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 isses 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, Claire will likely advise seeing an experienced counsellor.
We don’t charge for your initial assessment, but we do for the sessions that follow.
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 Placement Counsellor (qualified and extending their training)
- £40 per session – with an experienced Freelance Counsellor
Our Counsellors:
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.
Claire Sirmulis
Everyone that accesses Counselling with Dorset Mind will speak to our friendly experienced Counselling Team Leader Claire for a initial assessment.
Chris Rose
Chris is an experienced Freelance Counsellor. He become a counsellor to see clouds lift for people, their potential fulfilled and a reduction in daily anxiety.
Matthew Pittman
Qualified Placement Counsellor Matt believes talking therapies are an important to offer someone non-judgmental support and care when needed.
Ben Kaye
Ben intends to use his role as a Trainee Placement Counsellor to help people to talk and think things through in a space that is safe and solely for them.
Bethany Cleeve
Beth is our Senior Mental Health Trainer and also a Trainee Placement counsellor. She delivers our Training Programme including Mental Health First Aid.
Catherine Manners
Catherine is a Trainee Placement Counsellor. She believes through self awareness and exploration counselling can inspire change & improve quality of life.
Chris Pickard
Our Trainee Placement Counsellor Chris believes counselling is an opportunity for self-exploration to gain a better understanding of personal issues.
Lucy Crescent
Our Trainee Placement Counsellor, Lucy, looks forward to help people become more in tune with themselves & develop strategies to cope with everyday life.
Julie-Ann Booker
Julie-Ann is one of our Trainee Placement Counsellors. She beieves counselling can help people from being over-whelmed to see and feel things more clearly.
Romy Simpkins
Romy coordinates our Restored Eating Disorder support for our Adult Wellbeing Services. She is one of our Ambassadors and a Trainee Placement Counsellor.
Ruth Hutton
Ruth is one of our Trainee Placement Counsellors. She doesn’t try to fix or tell clients what to do but offers them support as they find their own answers.
Young people counselling
We also offer counselling for young people. Follow this link to counselling on the Dorset Mind Your Head website for further details.
Student placements
We offer student placements for both adults and young people counselling. Please email either adultcounselling@dorsetmind.uk (adults) or dmyh@dorsetmind.uk (young people) for further details.
