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Counselling

I think I need counselling

Sometimes it’s really difficult to talk to someone who knows you, or knows people you know. You can talk to us about anything and everything, we will always listen.

Here at OTR we offer free counselling for up to 8 weeks for young people aged between 11-25 and up to 6 weeks for parents or carer’s.

Our counsellors offer person-centred talking therapy, focusing on self-exploration and growth and helping you to find your own solutions in challenging times.

We do not offer CBT, specialised counselling or trauma/crisis support and do not provide a mental health diagnosis or reports.

Please take a look at our “signposting & Resources” page for other services that may be able help with specific needs or read below for more information on the counselling we offer at OTR

 

What is counselling?

Think of counselling as a safe private space where you can talk about anything that’s on your mind with a person called a counsellor.

  • Its not about them telling you what to do,
  • its not about them judging you.
  • It is about them listening to you
  • It is about them helping you to figure things out
  • Our counsellors are person-centred; this means that you are the one who decides what to talk about in the sessions.

Why do people go to counselling?

People go to counselling for all sorts of reasons

Basically, if it’s stressing you out, confusing you, or making you feel down, it’s a good reason to go!

Common reasons might include:

  • Stress and Pressure: Feeling overwhelmed by school, education, work, unemployment or housing/living situations.
  • Friendship and Relationship Issues: Arguments with friends, feeling lonely, or dealing with breakups.
  • Family Troubles: Difficulties at home or changes in the family.
  • Big Feelings: Dealing with sadness, anxiety, anger, or feeling worried all the time.
  • Self-Esteem: Not feeling good enough or struggling with body image.
  • Major Life Changes: Moving house or changing school

How it works 

  • You complete a self-referral; it’s really important you have decided to access counselling and not feel pressured by someone else to come. (if you are under 13, we may need to check with your parent/carer is ok with you seeing us, and sharing your information with us)
  • Once the referral form is completed, you are automatically added to our waiting list; wait times vary, but the more availability you give us, the quicker you’re likely to be seen. Our team will stay in touch to keep you updated about appointments.
  • Whilst you’re on our waiting list, we have a team of volunteers who will regularly call you to check in on how youre doing. They can answer any questions and may give you some information that may support you whilst you’re waiting.
  • You will be offered a one-off appointment called an initial assessment. This is not a counselling session, but a meeting with a counsellor to give you an understanding of what counselling is all about and how it may help you, and for the counsellor to get a good understanding of what is going on for you right now. Depending on what you share and what you would like to focus on, we will consider whether we are the right service to provide the support you need.
  • Once the initial assessment is complete, and if we are the right service for you, you will be offered up to 8 weekly sessions  (6 sessions for parent/carer) of counselling.
  • If we feel there is a better service to support your needs, we will provide you with the information needed to access that service.

What this will look like

Important: Confidentiality

One of the most important things is that everything you say is kept private (confidential). Your counsellor won’t share your conversations with your parents, teachers, or friends. 

The only time OTR would ever have to break confidentiality is if we thought you or someone else was in danger. We would discuss this with you first, unless we believed that this could increase the risk to you or others.

OTR Speech marks

I learned methods to change my mindset. Focusing on a positive daily routine.

Male, Aged 25

I learnt how I can share how I'm feeling without making others upset.

Female, Aged 12

Tools to help with self-reflection and the impact of my behaviour affecting my relationships.

Parent/Carer, Aged 46

I learned that there is always someone to talk to when you need someone and that it is not good to keep all the sadness inside but to talk it out and cry it out.

Female, Aged 18

I felt OTR listened really well and I felt comfortable. I wanted to eat more and they helped give me ideas and things to try which I did and helped me learn new strategies to keep calm and help me with situations in the future.

Male, Aged 12

An extremely good service with some lovely people. Will help you to help yourself, and provide a safe space to air your thoughts productively.

Female, Aged 14

Everyone was always very understanding, knew what they were talking about and could provide me with lots of resources to work on for myself. Also everyone was just always kind to talk to and very supportive and understanding.

Male, Aged 15

I needed counselling to air my thoughts, receive advice and to steadily work through my emotions and past, all which was done fantastically by my counsellor. I learnt lots of life lessons, that I may not have learnt if I hadn't had someone to bounce my experiences off of to be able to view them objectively. I also learnt a lot of different coping skills, preventative measures, and learnt a lot of about myself and my own needs and how to be retrospective. I learnt to care for myself, not feel so much guilt, and to be a lot more confident and have perspective.

Male, Aged 21

OTR were great at listening and explaining methods that made me feel less anxious. They’re very supportive and not likely to judge, they made me feel safe.

Female, Aged 14

They don’t judge and are friendly

Female, Aged 19

Every week at the same time someone checked in with me and asked about my life and family. She let me know if she’d be off as well. When I started seeing my counsellor I was made to feel very equal, not a counsellor but more of a conversation and relaxed and I’d always look forward to the appointments. At every part of the process with OTR I felt supported.

Female, Aged 25

I now know how to treat myself. I'm not the mistakes I make.

Male, Aged 22

There were check in phone calls every week I was on the waiting list, felt nice to talk to someone.

Service User

I learnt to challenge my anxiety instead of letting it take over.

Female, Aged 17

My counsellor was friendly and approachable, which made it easier to talk than I thought.

Male, Aged 17

It really helped that I could express my feelings in confidence

Female, Aged 15

I learned to cope better with my anxiety in different ways I haven’t been taught before

Female, Aged 13

I signed up and got put on a waiting list for counselling, it’s good, you get a call every week while you wait and they ask how you are and what you’ve been up to. I didn’t really expect much from a charity but it’s actually really good. I got different tools to help me live with my anxiety. I went from being so scared I couldn’t leave the house to now I am looking for work again.

Male, Aged 24

What would I tell someone thinking about contacting OTR?... That they can and will help you. It might seem a little nerve racking at first but all they want to do is help you.

Female, Aged 20

OTR helped me a lot and opened my eyes to things. I'm much more confident in myself and don't know what I'd of done without it. I learnt how to coping techniques for different things, and learnt not to expect things to happen overnight.

Female, Aged 21

I was a bit worried as it was my first time in counselling, but it was very helpful to have someone to speak to, they were all very good at listening to what I had to say and it’s a great service if you need someone to talk to about your problems.

Male, Aged 19

Going to OTR helped me understand how I felt, control emotions and how I am with others.

Male, Aged 13

I learned a lot about myself through counselling and how to manage things like my physical and mental health. OTR’s counsellors and other members of staff were very accommodating and understanding. It was everything I needed at the time, which really helped me and if anything it exceeded my expectations

Female, Aged 20

I learnt that I had also lot of past trauma and that I don't have to carry it with me anymore.

Parent/Carer, Aged 52

They were really friendly and listened to me

Female, Aged 19

Doing groupwork was supportive and I liked being with other people, made me feel like I wasn’t on my own. I learnt ways to make me less angry and it’s okay to have emotions, I wish I’d know about it before. I’d tell anyone that it’s not scary and being in a group really helps.

Male, Aged 15

I was really nervous to call but the person on the phone was helpful and friendly, they really listened and didn’t make me feel like I was wasting their time

Male, Aged 15

 

Family Counselling

Family counselling is a safe, private space where all the family can talk openly about their relationships, interactions, and challenges with a counsellor.

Learn More

 

Group Work

We offer Group Work programs for both Young people and Parents or Carers    

 

Learn More

 

Young Carer’s

We offer clubs for young carer’s to take a break from caring responsibilities, explore coping techniques and enjoy free time & fun

 

Learn More

 

Parent Support

Support options to help parents/carers to develop the knowledge, confidence and tools needed to support young people

 

Learn More