HCS is a local charity which offers low fee counselling and aims to be accessible to anyone who would benefit from counselling. Client and counsellor agree a fee which the client can afford, as it is a founding principle of HCS to help anyone regardless of financial or personal circumstances. HCS clients come from a wide variety of backgrounds, but mainly live or work in NW London.
A significant number of referrals come from GPS and other health practitioners , in these days of long waiting lists for NHS Counselling. People may also self refer when struggling with difficulties such as relationship and family problems, depression, stress and anxiety and bereavement both in the past and recently. All HCS counsellors are well qualified and experienced and supported by HCS supervision and administration . The counsellors themselves come from diverse backgrounds. HCS depends on the generosity and commitment of a team of about ten counsellors who in 2016 delivered 1,250 counselling sessions.
Last year we were very sad to lose Sue Cline, one of our longest serving and busiest counsellors who died after a short, sudden illness. Her clients, colleagues and friends at HCS miss her greatly. The counsellors have since taken in their stride, the recruitment of three new counsellors , finding new consulting rooms and the organisation has succeeded in maintaining its positive and collaborative spirit.
HCS was founded in 1988 and since then has received great support from individual parishioners and HPC in many different ways as founders, trustees, the administrator, counsellors and fundraising! On 29 June HCS held a delightful and successful midsummer musical evening at Burgh House. Many familiar faces from HPC attended to hear the talented young Turkish pianist AyseDeniz Gokcin. HCS greatly appreciates the bonds with and support from HPC.
Please look at our website www.Hampsteadcounsellingservice.co.uk or leave a message on our telephone answering service if you would like to be in touch to seek counselling or to know more about becoming involved as a counsellor or trustee.
Hampstead Counselling Service
Julia Paton