Business Details
Professional Counselling in Hereford
Marches Counselling Service (MCS) is a charity dedicated to providing professional, confidential, and affordable counselling and psychotherapy. Established to make mental health support accessible to all, MCS serves individuals across Hereford, Herefordshire, and the Marches. Our team of BACP-accredited therapists offers diverse therapeutic approaches, including one-to-one counselling, group therapy, remote sessions, and couples counselling. We prioritise client needs through initial assessments to match individuals with suitable counsellors, ensuring timely access to support without restrictive waiting lists. As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on client contributions, donations, and grants to maintain low costs and subsidise those on low incomes.Our commitment to quality is underscored by accreditation from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, alongside a focus on continuous professional development for our therapists. MCS also collaborates with local businesses and third-sector organisations to extend mental health support to staff and service users. With a governance structure led by experienced trustees and a team of dedicated professionals, we strive to create a community where individuals can explore challenges, develop coping strategies, and achieve lasting personal growth.
Services
Individual Therapy
Group Therapy
Remote Therapy
Couples Counselling
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Art Psychotherapy
Relationship Counselling
Supervision for Therapists
Highlights and features
- BACP-accredited therapists with extensive NHS and voluntary sector experience
- Affordable rates subsidised by donations and grants
- Immediate access to assessments with no waiting lists
- Diverse therapeutic approaches including CBT, psychodynamic, and mindfulness
- Collaboration with local businesses and third-sector organisations
Associations and certifications
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
What people say
Life-changing experience
Increased self-confidence
Empathic professionals
Immediate access to therapy
Non-judgmental environment
Services
Individual Therapy
Personalised therapy sessions focusing on coping techniques and in-depth exploration of life patterns. Our BACP-accredited therapists help clients understand current challenges and develop strategies for lasting change. Sessions are tailored to individual needs, with flexible durations available.
Group Therapy
Therapeutic groups for individuals sharing common difficulties, facilitated by experienced counsellors. Sessions use techniques like mindfulness and open discussion to explore life patterns. Particularly effective for building social support and gaining new perspectives through shared experiences.
Remote Therapy
Phone and video therapy sessions via platforms like Zoom. Originally introduced during the pandemic, this service continues for clients preferring remote access due to health, transport, or scheduling constraints. Maintains the same professional standards as in-person sessions.
Couples Counselling
Specialised support for couples seeking to improve communication and understanding. Therapists help partners explore relationship patterns, resolve conflicts, and find greater satisfaction in their connection, whether working to maintain or restructure their relationship.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Structured, goal-oriented sessions focusing on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. Our therapists help clients develop practical coping strategies for anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges through evidence-based CBT techniques.
People
Tina Abbott
Trustee
BACP Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with 35+ years' experience across private practice, NHS, and education sectors. Specialises in service management and institutional consultation, providing strategic oversight to MCS governance.
Jen French
Clinical Director
Leads clinical operations and service development at MCS. Oversees therapist supervision and training programmes, ensuring adherence to BACP standards while maintaining the charity's therapeutic ethos and community focus.
Carys Hodges
Development Officer
Manages funding initiatives and community engagement strategies. Coordinates grant applications and partnership development to expand MCS's reach and ensure financial sustainability for subsidised services.
Di Castle
Administrator
Coordinates client referrals and appointment scheduling. Provides first-contact support for new clients, ensuring smooth administrative processes while maintaining confidentiality and compassionate communication.
Hannah Clarkson
Administrative Assistant
Supports day-to-day operations and client communications. Assists with documentation management and coordinates logistics for therapy sessions and organisational meetings.
Questions
What counselling services does MCS offer?
We provide individual therapy, group sessions, remote counselling via Zoom, couples therapy, and specialised approaches including CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques.
How do I start counselling with MCS?
Complete our self-referral form online or contact our office. After an initial assessment, we'll match you with a suitable therapist for ongoing sessions.
Are sessions confidential?
All therapy sessions maintain strict confidentiality, with counsellors adhering to BACP ethical guidelines and professional standards.
Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
We have limited evening and weekend availability alongside regular weekday sessions between 9am-5pm.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily Hereford, Herefordshire, and the Marches region, with both in-person sessions at our Hereford office and remote therapy options available.
How are fees determined?
Clients contribute according to their circumstances, with fees subsidised by donations and grants to ensure accessibility for all income levels.
