Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Affordable Professional Counselling in Alton, Hampshire
Alton Counselling Service has been providing professional and affordable counselling services to Alton and surrounding communities for over 50 years. Established in 1970, we are a registered charity dedicated to supporting individuals facing emotional, psychological, and relationship challenges. Our team comprises fully qualified and trainee counsellors who adhere to the highest ethical standards set by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC).We offer confidential, non-judgmental support for adults (including couples) and young people aged 16-18, with sessions available on a short-term (10 weeks) or open-ended basis. Our services are delivered in a safe, supportive environment, with fees adjusted to ensure accessibility for those on low incomes. As a non-statutory funded organisation, we rely on client contributions and donations to maintain our vital community service.
Services
Adult Individual Counselling
Young People Counselling
Couples Therapy
Short-term Counselling
Open-ended Counselling
Counsellor Training
Workshops & Events
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience delivering community-based counselling services
- Our counsellors adhere to BACP's rigorous ethical framework
- We offer flexible session options including short-term and open-ended therapy
- Our team includes both fully qualified and supervised trainee counsellors
- We provide income-adjusted pricing to ensure accessibility for all clients
Associations and certifications
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
- National Counselling Network
- British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC)
Services
Adult Individual Counselling
Our adult individual counselling provides a confidential space for clients aged 18+ to explore personal challenges. Sessions focus on emotional well-being, mental health concerns, and life transitions through weekly 50-minute appointments. Clients work with experienced counsellors to develop coping strategies and gain self-understanding.
Young People Counselling
Specialised counselling for 16-18 year olds offers confidential support during critical developmental years. Our trained counsellors help young clients navigate identity issues, family dynamics, and emotional challenges through consistent weekly sessions tailored to their specific needs and financial circumstances.
Couples Counselling
Couples counselling addresses relationship difficulties through structured weekly sessions. Our therapists help partners improve communication, resolve conflicts, and understand relationship patterns. The 60-minute sessions focus on creating constructive dialogue and developing mutual understanding between partners.
Short-term Counselling
Our 10-week short-term counselling programme addresses specific issues with defined therapeutic goals. This structured approach suits clients seeking targeted support for particular challenges, with sessions designed to create measurable progress within a predetermined timeframe.
Open-ended Counselling
Open-ended counselling provides ongoing therapeutic support for complex or deep-seated issues. Clients work at their own pace with counsellors to explore long-term patterns and achieve sustained personal growth through flexible-duration weekly sessions.
People
Dorothy Harte
Head of Counselling
With over 20 years' experience in counselling, Dorothy leads our clinical team. She specialises in short-term therapy approaches and oversees counsellor training and supervision at ACS.
Andrew Croom-Johnson
Treasurer
Andrew manages our financial operations with expertise in charity finance. He ensures responsible stewardship of resources to maintain our affordable counselling services for the community.
Lissa Morris
Service Manager
Lissa coordinates our counselling services and client support. With extensive experience in mental health services, she ensures smooth operation of our counselling programmes and client care.
Dr. Paul Warren
Clinical Adviser
As Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Warren provides clinical oversight and specialist mental health expertise. He contributes to our counsellors' professional development and complex case management.
Questions
What counselling services do you offer?
We provide individual counselling for adults, couples counselling, and youth counselling for ages 16-18. Both short-term (10 weeks) and open-ended therapy options are available.
How much do your counselling sessions cost?
Initial assessment sessions cost £60. Weekly individual sessions are £50, couples sessions £60, and youth counselling is priced on a sliding scale from £15-50 based on financial circumstances.
Are your counsellors qualified?
Yes, all our counsellors are either fully qualified or in advanced training with accredited institutions. They receive regular clinical supervision and adhere to BACP ethical standards.
Do you offer home visit services?
No, we do not provide home visit services. All counselling sessions take place at our centre in Alton during our operating hours.
How long will I wait for an appointment?
After your initial assessment, you'll be offered weekly sessions with a counsellor. If we have capacity, sessions start immediately. If not, we'll provide an estimated wait time for our counselling services.
