Welcome to Side by Side

Counselling Services

What is offered at Side by Side

Clients
As a service, Side by Side offers Counselling for clients who are 17 years and above, and counsellors work with any and all issues the client wishes to bring into the session.

People come for counselling for many different reasons. Sometimes, people come for counselling with specific issues such as anxiety, depression, bereavement & loss, addictions, sexuality & relationship problems. Sometimes we know something is wrong but we can't find a way to put it right. We don’t specialise in specific “issues”, but the type of counselling we offer works with you to address whatever is troubling you.

•  Assessment process
•  Unlimited sessions
•  Choice of counsellor – qualified/training, male/female
•  Choice of nights and times
•  Option to change counsellors

Volunteers

All of our counsellors, both qualified and trainee, are volunteers.

Side by Side currently receives no external funding and relies solely on voluntary client donations and fund raising events. With this income the service aims to provide training for its volunteers as well as covering all overheads (excluding individual insurance which is funded by the volunteers themselves). As a trainee, Side by Side aims to provide you with the facility to acquire your required counselling hours as well as helping you to grow in a person centred manner. We hope to enhance your counselling skills during your time with us. Upon starting with the service volunteers will be eased into counselling, at first taking on one client and then, as they feel ready, being given a second client to work with. Volunteers will be placed under the mentorship of one of our facilitators throughout their time with us to help them as they grow within the profession.

Is counselling right for me?

We are here for you, side by side, for whatever is troubling you. This is a therapy which takes place between the counsellor and the client in a safe, confidential environment. The client must be willing to enter into the relationship, and not feel pressured or ‘forced’ to attend counselling sessions by anyone.

Whatever the reason you’re thinking about counselling, we believe that everyone has the potential to change and grow as a person and counselling can be a way to help you discover your full potential.