Enhanced Access Counselling with Step 2

If you've been referred for Step 2 Counselling through your GP Enhanced Access Service - find out more about what it's all about right here...

What is counselling for? 

Going to counselling doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. Lots of young people go through tough or confusing times, and counselling is a place to talk with someone outside of everything, who will be accepting and non-judgemental. It can help with things like:

• Feeling low or not good enough

• Feeling anxious, stressed or overwhelmed

• Feeling down, hopeless or stuck

• Struggles with friendships, or family relationships

• Being bullied, whether it's in school, college, work or online

• Grieving after losing someone or something important

• Experiences of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual)

• Struggling with relationships - break‑ups, arguments, confusion, or feeling unsafe

• Questions or worries about sexuality or identity

• Feeling lonely or disconnected

• Pressure from social media and comparison

• Stress about money, housing, or the future

• Body image worries

• Self‑harm thoughts or coping with urges

 

What is counselling and how can it help? 

• Counselling offers you a private, independent space where you can talk through the things that are bothering you at your own pace. 

• You will be given the opportunity to build a relationship with a counsellor who will be alongside you as you work out what is bothering you and find ways together to make things feel easier. 

• You will not be told what is wrong with you and you will not be judged. Whilst we cannot change things that may have already happened, we can work together to make sense of things and make them feel easier to live with. 

• Counselling sessions are private and what you talk about will not be shared with your GP, family or friends unless there becomes a serious concern about your safety. Your counsellor will explain this in more detail in your first session.

  
  

What happens when you start counselling through Enhanced Access? 

If your GP or other organisation refers you, you’ll be offered counselling sessions. At your first session, you’ll meet your counsellor and they’ll explain how everything works. You can go at your own pace, and you decide if you want to continue.

Sessions last 50 minutes and usually happen once a week. They’re offered by video or telephone, with evening appointments available between 6:30pm and 9:30pm. It's important that you attend the sessions while you are on your own in a private space, and where you will not be interrupted. 

After 6 sessions, you and your counsellor will review how things are going. If you feel you need more support, you can have up to 6 more sessions (making a total of 6–12 sessions).

Who are the counsellors? 

The counsellors are fully qualified professionals from Step 2. They are experienced in working with young people and are there to listen and support you. You can see all of our counsellors here on our website if you would like to see them before your first meeting.