Youth Counselling

Only you can decide whether you wish to try counselling. For many people, talking to someone confidentially who is not a friend or family member can make all the difference.

Counselling provides a regular time for you to explore your feelings and talk about any problems you’re experiencing. A counsellor can help you develop better ways of coping, allowing you to move forward and get the most out of life.

Please book an initial assessment here, contact wellbeing@inspirecharityuk.org, or call/text 07720 087487.

Once we’ve heard from you, we’ll complete an initial assessment to arrange your counselling. Anyone aged between 10-16 must have a parent/guardian present for the initial assessment. We aim to offer you an available appointment slot within 6 weeks of your first call, text or email.

By choosing a Counsellor registered with a professional body for example BACP or UKCP you can be reassured that they have met the rigorous standards of training and experience they require.

All of our counsellors follow the BACP ethical framework and undergo regular supervision. Being registered or accredited with BACP/UKCP means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience.

When you chose a counsellor who meets professional standards, you can have confidence that your therapist has studied, meets recognised standards, and participates in ongoing professional development.

Typically, we offer weekly counselling sessions within 6-8 weeks of your initial assessment. We aim to keep our wait time to a minimum so you can start receiving support as soon as possible.

Our wellbeing service has worked with young people facing all kinds of challenges, including:
stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship issues, anger, abuse, low self-esteem, bereavement, bullying, terminal illness, child-related issues, domestic violence, low self-confidence, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder, post-natal depression, attachment disorders, gender dysphoria, phobias, acquired brain injury and many more.

We offer counselling both online and face-to-face, depending on how you feel most comfortable.

Our face-to-face counselling is currently available in Ipswich and Lowestoft.

Unfortunately, you cannot bring someone into the counselling room with you as it is a confidential service.

If someone has transported you to a face-to-face appointment and wishes to wait, we have a dedicated waiting area and offer free parking on-site.

The Counsellors are not able to make a diagnosis.

The counsellors are not able to prescribe medication.

No. You are free to contact us yourself if you wish to try counselling.

Our counselling is free for up to 12 sessions. In exceptional circumstances, this can either be extended, or may be referred on to other organisations for further support.

Each session will usually last 30 minutes.

You can talk about anything that is on your mind.

Counselling is a safe space where you can bring up anything you’d like to discuss.

Once you have agreed to a mutually convenient slot with your Counsellor, you will be allocated the same day and time on an ongoing basis. In the case of an emergency, where you’re unable to attend your slot, your Counsellor may be able to provide you with an alternative appointment, subject to availability.

Of course. Although we recommend letting your counsellor know that you are thinking of bringing your sessions to an end, regardless of how long you have been attending counselling. This gives your counsellor the chance to explore this with you and will allow you to work towards a planned ending together.

We always welcome comments about the service we offer. If you do have a complaint you would like to discuss, we recommend telling your counsellor first to see if they are able to resolve any issues.  If the complaint is about your counsellor, please see our complaints procedure here for more information on how to submit a complaint.