Beacon Counselling

Most people who access counselling are anxious about what to expect. Perhaps by reading some of the responses to questions below could make all the difference to you making that initial contact.

How will counselling help me?

Counselling can help anyone who is struggling in their life, whether it is a one-off event like bereavement, or an ongoing/chronic issue such as depression. It can help you to look at and understand an issue, then support you in choosing the best way forwards for you.

How do I make an appointment?

Please telephone 0161 440 0055, or follow this link and fill out an appointment form.

How long do I have to wait to see a counsellor?

We aim to see all people within 2 months for an initial assessment. From there, if you decide, you will go on to our waiting list. Waiting times on this vary due to appointment availibility and your availibility, but usually ranges from 2 weeks to 2 months.

Will I have to pay?

No, but we will ask you for a donation. It actually costs Beacon around £35 to provide each session, and we rely on donations from our clients to keep the service going. Do not worry if you cannot afford to donate much at all, the service is here for people irrespective of their financial situation.

Where will it take place?

Counselling is available at various centres in the Stockport area.

How many times do I need to come?

It really depends on you, and on what you are working through. People come to counselling at Beacon for differing lengths of time, though we do find the majority have between 6 and 20 sessions (1 ½ to 5 months). There are reviews with your counsellor every 6 sessions to ensure that you are getting what you need from the counselling

What will happen when I come to see the counsellor?

Your first appointment will be for an initial consultation, where you and counsellor will look at your reasons for coming to counselling at this time, and what you are looking to gain from it. They will listen to your concerns without judging you or telling you what to do. You can then decide whether counselling is for you.

If you and your counsellor agree that counselling is suitable then you will be placed on our waiting list for ongoing counselling. The appointments team will contact you and offer an appointment for ongoing counselling. When the first appointment comes up, it will be the first of your regular, weekly appointments with the same counsellor, though is likely to be a different person from the one at your initial consultation.

Do I have to stay?

No. You can leave whenever you want, and it is also important that you feel able to work with your ongoing counsellor. If you feel this is not happening, then please let us know and we can arrange for a different counsellor if appropriate.

Referrals?

You can refer yourself by ringing 0161 440 0055 or completing the appointment form on this website.

Healthcare professionals - If you are looking to refer you can give the above details to the person you think could benefit from counselling.

How do I cancel an appointment?

You are requested to give 48 hours notice if possible, when cancelling a session. Your counsellor may be attending the venue solely to see you and we will incur expenses if we do not have sufficient time to notify them of your non-attendance. Therefore, we respectfully request that you make a donation for sessions you do not cancel in sufficient time.

How do I make a donation to Beacon?

You can pay by Cash or Cheque. We do not have the facility for Credit Cards.

What is Gift Aid?

If you are a tax payer, Beacon Counsellling can claim back the tax you have paid on any donations.

Frequently Asked Questions