Marches Counselling Service

Business Details

Professional Counselling in Hereford

Marches Counselling Service (MCS) is a charity dedicated to providing professional, confidential, and affordable counselling and psychotherapy. Established to make mental health support accessible to all, we serve individuals in Hereford, Herefordshire, and the surrounding Marches region. Our mission is to help people navigate challenging life circumstances through tailored therapeutic approaches. We operate as a not-for-profit organisation, relying on client fees and fundraising to maintain low costs and subsidise those on low incomes. Our team of BACP-accredited counsellors and psychotherapists offers diverse expertise, ensuring clients receive appropriate support without prolonged waiting times.

We prioritise flexibility, offering in-person, online, and limited evening/weekend sessions. Our governance by experienced trustees and clinical leadership ensures adherence to high professional standards. We collaborate with local businesses and third-sector organisations to extend mental health support to their staff and service users. Continuous professional development and supervision for our therapists guarantee ongoing quality care. Client feedback consistently highlights transformative outcomes, improved self-confidence, and empathetic, non-judgmental support as hallmarks of our service.

Services

Individual Therapy Group Therapy Remote Therapy Couples Counselling Art Psychotherapy Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Mindfulness-Based Therapy Relationship Counselling Therapist Supervision

Highlights and features

BACP-accredited counsellors with specialist training
Sliding-scale fees based on client circumstances
Multiple therapy approaches including CBT and psychodynamic therapy
Flexible session formats (in-person, online, evening/weekend options)
Established 2012 with proven track record in community mental health

Associations and certifications

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

What people say

Life-changing experience Excellent counsellor Positive way forward Incredible therapist Empathic support

Website

Update Listing

Services

Individual Therapy

Personalised therapy sessions focusing on clients' unique challenges. Our BACP-accredited therapists employ evidence-based approaches to address anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Sessions provide safe spaces for self-exploration and developing coping strategies tailored to individual needs.

Group Therapy

Structured group sessions for shared experiences and mutual support. Facilitated by experienced therapists, these sessions explore common issues like anxiety or relationship difficulties using techniques such as mindfulness and peer feedback to foster collective healing and personal growth.

Remote Therapy

Flexible therapy via phone or video platforms. This service ensures continuity of care for clients facing mobility challenges, transportation issues, or preferring the convenience of home-based sessions while maintaining the same therapeutic standards as in-person meetings.

Couples Counselling

Specialist support for couples navigating relationship challenges. Therapists facilitate improved communication patterns and mutual understanding, helping partners develop healthier dynamics whether aiming to strengthen their relationship or transition apart respectfully.

Art Psychotherapy

Therapeutic approach combining art-making with psychological theory. No artistic skill required - this modality uses creative expression to explore emotions and experiences, particularly effective for non-verbal processing of complex trauma or deep-seated issues.

People

Tina Abbott

Trustee

Senior Accredited BACP Psychotherapist with 35+ years' experience across NHS, education, and private sectors. Specialises in service management and institutional consultation while maintaining private practice in psychotherapy and group facilitation.

Jen French

Clinical Director

Leads clinical operations with extensive experience in therapeutic service delivery. Oversees counsellor supervision and training programmes, ensuring adherence to BACP standards and continuous quality improvement across all therapy modalities.

Katrina Preston

Service Director

Manages day-to-day service operations with focus on accessibility and client pathway efficiency. Implements organisational strategy while maintaining direct oversight of assessment processes and therapist matching protocols.

Di Castle

Administrator

Key point of contact for client inquiries with over 15 years' experience in mental health administration. Provides compassionate first-contact support, managing referrals and initial client communications with discretion and understanding.

Carys Hodges

Development Officer

Coordinates fundraising initiatives and community engagement activities. Builds partnerships with local businesses and third-sector organisations to expand mental health support access across Herefordshire and the Marches region.

Questions

What counselling approaches do you offer?

We provide CBT, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, art psychotherapy, and relationship counselling. All therapies are tailored to individual needs through initial assessment matching clients with appropriate specialists.

Are sessions confidential?

All sessions maintain strict confidentiality within legal and ethical boundaries. Therapists adhere to BACP guidelines, with explicit explanation of confidentiality limits provided during initial consultations.

How much do sessions cost?

We operate a sliding scale based on financial circumstances. Clients contribute according to ability, with subsidies available for those on low incomes through our charitable funding model.

Do you offer crisis support?

We're not a crisis service. For urgent mental health needs, contact NHS 24/7 helpline (0808 196 9127) or emergency services. Our standard sessions focus on longer-term therapeutic support rather than acute crises.

Can I choose my therapist?

Following initial assessment, we match clients to suitable therapists based on presenting issues and therapeutic expertise. While preferences are considered, clinical appropriateness guides final matching decisions.

Are evening/weekend appointments available?

Limited evening and weekend slots exist. Most sessions occur weekday daytime at our Hereford centre, with online options available for those unable to attend in person during standard hours.