Contact us

Taking the first step towards counselling can feel difficult, uncertain, or even a little daunting. This introductory consultation is simply a gentle first conversation — a chance for you to share a little about what’s been going on for you, ask any questions you may have and explore what support might feel right for you.

There is no pressure to continue with counselling afterwards. Many people find it helpful just to have an initial conversation and explore whether counselling feels right for them. Our experienced consultation counsellors — Ellie, Jen, Suzanne, and Helen — are warm, compassionate, and focused on helping you feel safe and at ease. You do not need to prepare anything in advance, and there is no “right” way to do this conversation. You are welcome exactly as you are.

During the consultation, we’ll:

• listen to what’s bringing you to counselling
• answer any questions you may have
• explore the kind of therapist you may feel most comfortable with, including preferences around gender, age, sexuality, neurodiversity or culture.
• talk through next steps, if you decide you would like to continue.

If you have any queries, you are welcome email our Admin team and Jo or Lisa will be in touch: info@affordablecounselling.network or ,if you’d prefer, you call us on 01892 266029

Booking an Initial Consultation

This page is for booking a 30-minute Initial Consultation with one of our qualified Consultation Team counsellors. The consultation takes place online via Google Meet. We ask that you are able to have your camera on.

For your consultation, please try to be in a private, confidential space where you won’t be overheard or interrupted, so you can feel comfortable talking.

If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, we may need to ask you to rebook, as this helps us make sure there’s enough time for the consultation to feel unhurried and supportive.

About our counselling sessions:

• This service is available to adults (18+) living full time in the UK
• We offer individual counselling sessions (group and couples therapy is not currently available)
• Following your consultation and approval of our Counselling Agreement, you will be allocated a dedicated counsellor who will work with you on an ongoing weekly basis.
• Counselling sessions take place online, last 50 minutes, and are offered weekly. At the moment, we don’t offer fortnightly or monthly sessions, as regular weekly meetings help provide consistency and support.

Contribution towards consultation

Please note that our Consultation Team are qualified counsellors, not volunteers. As a Community Interest Company, we ask for a £15 contribution (including VAT) to help cover the cost of each consultation and support the running of the service.