Business Details
38 Years
experience
Trusted Counselling Services in Cirencester
Established in 1988, Cotswold Counselling is a registered charity dedicated to providing accessible, confidential counselling services across the Cotswolds. Our team of over 60 experienced volunteer counsellors, supported by professional staff, offers tailored support for adults, children, and young people facing emotional challenges. We operate from our Cirencester centre and through remote sessions, adhering to rigorous clinical supervision and ethical standards.Funded by client contributions, donations, and grants, we ensure affordability through flexible pricing and hardship funds. Our commitment to community wellbeing is reinforced by partnerships with local schools and organisations, while our governance aligns with BACP ethical frameworks. With decades of collective experience, we empower individuals to navigate life's difficulties through structured, compassionate therapeutic relationships.
Services
One-to-One Counselling
Couples Counselling
Young People Counselling
Child Counselling
Family Therapy
School Counselling
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We provide over 60 experienced volunteer counsellors with ongoing professional supervision
- Our flexible session formats include in-person, telephone, and video conferencing options
- We operate a hardship fund to ensure accessibility for low-income clients
- Our counsellors adhere to strict BACP ethical and professional standards
- We offer school-based counselling programmes developed through 35+ years of local experience
Associations and certifications
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
What people say
Life-changing support
Professional confidentiality
Accessible pricing
Experienced counsellors
Flexible session options
Services
One-to-One Counselling
Personalised counselling sessions for adults facing emotional challenges. Our trained professionals provide confidential support for issues like depression, anxiety, and life transitions. Sessions help clients develop coping strategies through structured weekly meetings in Cirencester or remotely.
Couples Counselling
Specialist support for relationship difficulties affecting couples. Our counsellors facilitate constructive dialogue to address communication breakdowns, trust issues, and life transitions. Sessions focus on mutual understanding while maintaining impartial professional guidance.
Young People Counselling
Tailored therapy for 11-18 year olds dealing with emotional distress. Our counsellors address school pressures, family conflicts, and mental health concerns through age-appropriate techniques. Initial sessions establish therapeutic goals with optional 12-week frameworks.
Child Counselling
Specialised emotional support for children under 11 using play-based methodologies. Our counsellors help young clients process trauma, behavioural issues, and family changes through structured therapeutic activities adapted to developmental stages.
School Counselling
On-site counselling services in local primary and secondary schools. Our programme addresses childhood anxiety, bullying, and academic stress through regular sessions. Counsellors work with teachers to create supportive environments while maintaining confidentiality.
People
Zo Wolton
Centre Manager
With arts management experience, Zo transitioned to counselling leadership in 2017. Her community-focused approach builds on family legacy, as her mother co-founded the charity. She oversees daily operations and strategic development.
Sarah
Clinical Manager
A former business professional turned counsellor, Sarah leads adult and youth clinical services. With decades of volunteer experience, she coordinates therapeutic delivery across multiple settings while maintaining private practice expertise.
Dr Mark Porter MBE
Patron
NHS GP and medical journalist Dr Porter champions mental health accessibility. His dual expertise in clinical practice and public health advocacy strengthens our community outreach programmes and professional standards.
Sally Le Marechal
President
As a founding member, Sally provides institutional memory and governance oversight. Her personnel management background informs our counsellor training programmes and ethical framework development.
Jacqui Erskine Crum
Chair
Qualified counsellor Jacqui specialises in adolescent mental health. With school counselling experience and supervisory qualifications, she guides organisational strategy while maintaining clinical practice in private and academic settings.
Questions
How do I access counselling services?
Complete our online request form or call our 24-hour line. The Counsellor Coordinator will match you with an appropriate therapist within working hours.
What issues can counselling help with?
We support clients dealing with depression, anxiety, bereavement, relationship issues, childhood trauma, and stress-related conditions through tailored therapeutic approaches.
Are sessions confidential?
All sessions maintain strict confidentiality under BACP ethical guidelines, except in cases of serious harm risk where safeguarding protocols apply.
How much does counselling cost?
Adults contribute £35 for the initial session, with subsequent payments negotiable. Hardship funds support low-income clients, and school sessions have fixed rates.
How long do sessions last?
Standard sessions run 50 minutes weekly, with flexible duration adjustments agreed between client and counsellor as treatment progresses.
Can I choose my counsellor?
Our coordinators match clients based on specialism and availability. While preferences are considered, compatibility assessments ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.
