Business Details
38 Years
experience
Professional Counselling Services in Cirencester
Established in 1988, Cotswold Counselling is a registered charity dedicated to providing accessible, confidential counselling services to adults, children, and young people across the Cotswolds. Our team of over 60 experienced volunteer counsellors offers support for a wide range of emotional challenges, including bereavement, anxiety, relationship issues, and childhood trauma. We operate from our Centre in Cirencester and provide remote sessions via telephone or video conferencing to accommodate diverse needs. With a commitment to affordability, we work closely with clients to ensure financial constraints do not prevent access to vital mental health support.Our counsellors undergo continuous professional development and clinical supervision, maintaining the highest standards of ethical practice aligned with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). We collaborate with local schools, healthcare providers, and community organisations to extend our reach and impact. As a non-profit organisation, we rely on client contributions, donations, and grants to sustain our services, ensuring we remain a cornerstone of emotional wellbeing support in the region.
Services
One-to-One Counselling
Couples Counselling
Young People (11-18)
Children (Up to 11)
Counselling in Schools
Family Therapy
Remote Sessions
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience providing counselling in the Cotswolds.
- Our team includes 60+ trained volunteer counsellors with diverse specialisms.
- Flexible session times available 9am9pm, Monday to Friday.
- Remote counselling options via telephone or Zoom for accessibility.
- Committed to equal opportunities and financial inclusivity for all clients.
Associations and certifications
- BACP Membership No. 100127
What people say
Life-changing support
Professional and compassionate
Services
One-to-One Counselling
Our one-to-one counselling provides adults with a confidential space to explore emotional challenges such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Sessions last 50 minutes and typically occur weekly, with a maximum of nine months of continuous support. Clients work collaboratively with counsellors to develop coping strategies and gain self-awareness, fostering personal growth and resolution.
Couples Counselling
Couples counselling addresses relationship difficulties, including communication breakdowns, infidelity, or separation. Sessions focus on improving mutual understanding and conflict resolution. The process involves both partners engaging in structured discussions facilitated by a trained counsellor, aiming to restore trust and strengthen emotional connections through empathetic dialogue and practical strategies.
Counselling for Young People
Tailored counselling for ages 1118 addresses issues like self-esteem, academic pressure, or family conflicts. Sessions prioritise age-appropriate communication, using creative techniques where needed. Young clients typically engage in up to 12 sessions, with flexibility for extension. The approach balances confidentiality with parental involvement when appropriate, ensuring a safe environment for emotional expression and problem-solving.
Family Therapy
Family therapy supports groups navigating challenges such as bereavement, divorce, or intergenerational conflicts. Sessions involve multiple family members exploring dynamics and improving communication. The counsellor facilitates discussions to identify patterns, foster empathy, and develop collective solutions. Fees vary based on family size and needs, with hardship fund support available to ensure accessibility for all.
Remote Counselling
Remote counselling via telephone or Zoom offers flexible access for those unable to attend in person. The service maintains the same confidentiality and structure as face-to-face sessions, addressing issues like stress, loneliness, or health-related anxiety. Clients benefit from consistent support regardless of location, with technical assistance provided to ensure seamless participation in virtual sessions.
People
Zo Wolton
Centre Manager
Zo brings extensive community engagement experience, having worked in arts management for organisations like the National Youth Orchestra. She transitioned to Cotswold Counselling in 2017, building on her family's legacy with the charity, where her mother was a founder member.
Sarah
Clinical Manager
Sarah transitioned from a business career to become a qualified counsellor, volunteering with Cotswold Counselling for many years. She works across diverse settings, including private practice and community organisations, specialising in adult and youth mental health.
Nuala
Family Therapy Coordinator
With over 20 years at Cotswold Counselling, Nuala specialises in adolescent and family therapy. She provides clinical supervision and has developed training programmes for counsellors, combining her experience in school-based and Centre settings to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Dr Mark Porter MBE
Patron
Dr Porter is an NHS GP and medical journalist with a commitment to mental health advocacy. He divides his time between rural general practice and media work, using his platform to promote accessible counselling services and raise awareness of emotional wellbeing.
Jacqui Erskine Crum
Chair
Jacqui trained as a counsellor in 2005 and specialised in adolescent mental health. She has supervised counsellors and tutored at Bristol University, bringing extensive clinical and leadership experience to her role as Chair, ensuring strategic alignment with the charity's mission.
Questions
How do I access counselling services?
Complete our online Counselling Request Form or call our 24-hour answerphone on 01285 885 830. A Counsellor Coordinator will contact you to arrange an assessment session.
What issues can counselling help with?
We support clients dealing with stress, depression, bereavement, relationship issues, anxiety, childhood trauma, health problems, and other emotional challenges through tailored therapeutic approaches.
Are sessions confidential?
Yes. All sessions are strictly confidential, adhering to BACP ethical guidelines. Information is only shared with third parties if there's a risk of harm, which will be discussed with you first.
What are the costs involved?
Adults contribute £35 for the first session, with further contributions negotiable. Primary clients pay a fixed fee, and hardship fund support is available for those in financial need.
Can I cancel or reschedule appointments?
Yes, but please notify us as soon as possible by phone or email. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice may incur a fee to cover administrative costs.
Do you offer remote counselling options?
Yes. We provide telephone and Zoom video conferencing sessions for clients unable to attend in person, ensuring continuity of care regardless of location or mobility constraints.
