Counselling

We’re pleased to let you know that pre-booked counselling sessions are running both online and face to face. Click here for latest updates & support

What is counselling?

Counselling gives you the chance to talk to someone who doesn’t know you or your family, friends, teachers etc. Counselling offers a safe space where you can talk about anything you want, no matter how big or small it may seem.

Your counsellor is there to listen and support you without judgement. They won’t tell you what to do, but they will listen and help you find ways to make things feel better.

People come to counselling for many different reasons, they might feel depressed and unhappy or anxious about friendships or relationships. Some people might have problems at home or school/college, be experiencing abuse or self-harming.

Sometimes we don’t know why we feel the way we do and counselling can help us work things out. If it’s bothering you, it’s worth talking about.

Off The Record Twickenham gives a confidential service, where possible, to all young people. This means that you can come and talk and everything you say stays private between you and us. See our Confidentiality page for more information.

Counselling sessions

Anyone between ages 11 and 24 who lives, works or studies in Richmond borough can come to Off The Record for counselling.

We offer up to 12 weekly sessions of one-to-one counselling. Each session lasts 50 minutes and will be with the same counsellor. Waiting times for weekly counselling can be a few months, but we offer ‘one-off’ counselling sessions, if needed, while you are waiting, usually within a week or two. Do let us know if you would like a one-off session.

If you are struggling to cope, one-off sessions offer a space to talk about what’s going on and access support while you are waiting for weekly sessions to start. One-off sessions are likely to be with a different counsellor each time.

Counselling sessions are free. If you are 18+ and working we may discuss whether you can make a contribution. We are always happy to receive donations as this helps fund our service.

You can stop counselling at any time, and you can ask to see a male or female counsellor. If you’re not sure your counsellor’s right for you, ask to see someone else – it’s important to find the right person for you.

Contact us to book an appointment

Get in touch if you think counselling might help. Once we take your details we will book you an initial appointment as soon as we can – usually within about 2 weeks (sooner if it’s urgent).

If you would like to join our waiting list please email counselling@otrtwickenham.com with your name, age, postcode (e.g. TW1) and contact details.

Phone: 020 8744 1644
Text: 07414 763293
Email: counselling@otrtwickenham.com

How does counselling help?

Sharing a problem with someone who really understands can make it easier. You can use counselling to gain a clearer view of things, and make decisions or changes in your life. Sometimes you can’t change a situation, but together with your counsellor you may find better ways of coping. Sometimes just one session can make a big difference

Problems people bring to counselling include:

• issues with relationships – family or friends
• anxiety or depression
• eating difficulties or self-harm
• bullying or problems at school
• feeling isolated or lonely
• death or loss of someone close
• sexual abuse – past or present
• feelings of anger or violence
• drug or alcohol problems
• worries about your sexuality or gender identity
• self-esteem or confidence issues

You might also just be feeling down, and don’t know why. You can come and talk to us about anything at all. If we can’t help, we will do our best to find you someone who can.

See also other online resources: Information and Support Directory

We can also provide support, information and referral to parents and carers of young people who are going through difficult times.