Individual Counselling
With regret, we have taken the decision to close our Individual Counselling waiting list for the time being. Over recent months, we have seen an increase in demand coupled with an increase in the complexity of the cases. Unfortunately, we have limited resources to meet these needs and have had to take the decision to focus on the cases currently on our list. We are extremely sorry to have to do this, and are working hard to reopen the list as soon as we can.
Counselling offers a safe and confidential space for you to talk about any problems or concerns you may be experiencing. At times when we are going through stressful life events, we can have many different thoughts and feelings which can be difficult to manage. During these periods it can be helpful to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours in a safe environment, with a qualified counsellor who is separate to your circle of friends and family.
Counsellors are skilled in talking about difficult subject matters, so talking to a professional counsellor can make it less awkward to reveal deep-rooted thoughts and feelings, allowing you to develop a clearer understanding of yourself and others. Working with a counsellor can help you to voice your thoughts and feelings rather than bottling them up inside, which may lead to depression, anxiety, stress and illness. Through talking, you will have the opportunity to reflect and process your feelings and thoughts at your own pace.
Counselling can also promote greater self-esteem and assertiveness, decrease anxiety and depression, and give you the ability to set boundaries for you and others.
Avenue’s Counsellors work within the BACP and COSCA ethical frameworks.
Sessions
Sessions are 50 minutes long and can be delivered by zoom or face-to-face. This may depend on where you live.
How many sessions you will need will depend on your particular circumstances, but we typically start with the expectation that you will have 6 sessions. We can review this with you as the counselling progresses.
Cost
When you speak to our Service Administration team to arrange your sessions, they will ask you what donation you would like to make towards the cost of your Counselling.
Our suggested donation is £40 per session as this is what it costs us to deliver Counselling. There is no expectation for people on benefits or a low income to make a donation. However, please consider contributing what you can. We are a charity and we work hard to make sure that anyone who needs our support can access our services. Any donation you can make will help us to ensure that we can get help to the people who need it most.
Please be aware that we can only offer Counselling to people who live in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire or Moray.
We are able to offer free and reduced cost Counselling thanks to the support of a range of funders, including: National Lottery Awards for All, Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership, Aberdeenshire Council, Budge Foundation, Cattanach Trust, CNOOC International Community Fund, Moray Council and the Scottish Government.
If you would like more information, or would like to refer yourself or someone you know to Individual Counselling, please call our Service Administration team on 01224 587571, or email us
Our online referral forms can be completed here
Self Referral
Professional Referral
