Counselling

It can be very helpful to share your feelings about, and experiences of, PGP with a professional counsellor.

What to expect from counselling:

Counselling provides a safe and confidential space for you to talk and think about your situation with a trained counsellor, who will listen empathically and help you to express your feelings and find creative ways to move forward.

You may wish to seek counselling with your partner to talk about the effect PGP has had on your relationship.

It may take a few sessions before counselling starts to make a difference. Counselling sessions are usually 50-60 minutes long and the frequency varies, depending on your needs and resources.

How to find a Counsellor:

NHS:

• Speak to your GP or Health Visitor for a referral to a counsellor.
• Some hospitals offer a Birth Afterthoughts service where you can talk through your experiences in detail with a Midwife. Speak to your Midwife or Health Visitor for more information.

Private healthcare:

• British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy; provide information about counselling and how to find a counsellor local to you.
• College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists; provide information about relationship counselling and how to find a counsellor local to you.

Content reviewed and updated in 2016.