Low-Cost Counselling in Sussex
for individuals
As You Are believes that counselling should be accessible to all who wish to access support. For this reason, we are committed to providing affordable counselling for individuals.
We provide support to individuals 18+ living across Sussex, offering 1:1 counselling. You can sign up to counselling using the form on the right of this page.
The Counselling Offer
Counselling provides a space for you to explore what is happening in your life in a safe, private and confidential environment with a counselling professional. Our counsellors will support you in exploring your experiences and work with you towards the changes you wish to see.
✧ We offer up to 24 consecutive weeks of therapy in a private and confidential setting. These sessions take place on the same day, at the same time, on a weekly basis. Your availability will be discussed at assessment
✧ Each session lasts for 50 minutes and starts on the hour.
✧ We offer face-to-face counselling and online (video-call) counselling.
✧ You will be allocated the counsellor we feel will be the best fit to support you. All our counsellors are volunteers – professionally trained or on a recognised training course – and supported by regular supervision.
Cost
As we are not part of the NHS, we are not publicly funded. Therefore we are reliant on fundraising and client fees.
We operate a sliding fees scale ranging from £10 per session to £50 per session depending on your affordability status. The below offers guidance for your fees:
✧ £10, £12 or £18 – for persons receiving benefits/not employed
✧ £25, £30 or £35 – part-time employment, and/or low-waged
✧ £40, £45 or £50 – for individuals in full-time employment
You will discuss and agree the fee you wish to pay during your Initial Assessment.
Waiting Time
After your Initial Assessment, you will be added to our waiting list before being allocated to a counsellor.
At the moment, our waiting time is 6 to 8 months.
You may wish to explore alternative services here:
www.bsms.ac.uk/_pdf/about/bh-free-and-low-cost-counselling-list-sept-2022.pdf
Getting Started with Counselling
As You Are would invite you for an Initial Assessment which would be a chance for you to share what’s bringing you to counselling at the moment, and for us to ask you a few questions so that we can find you the best counsellor within our service to support you. After the Initial Assessment, you will be added to a waiting list before being allocated to a counsellor.
The Initial Assessment
✧ One-off meeting with a qualified counsellor to share what’s bringing you to counselling
✧ Appointments available face-to-face or online (video call)
✧ Appointment lasts 30-50 minutes
✧ Cost between £10 – £50 based on your affordability
You can download our Client Contract here (PDF) : AYA Client Contract
This details how we will work including fees, missed sessions, confidentiality, ethical guidelines and more.
Ethical Practice
As You Are is a member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and we adhere to their Ethical Framework for Good Practice.
Here to Help
As You Are is here to help. We can support individuals living with the following:
✧ Anxiety and Depression
✧ Loss and Bereavement
✧ Identity, Sexuality and Gender
✧ Health, Suicidality and Self-Harm
✧ Abuse, Trauma and Neglect
✧ Family, Relationships and Friendships
✧ Stress, Anger and Work
✧ Self-Esteem, Isolation and Confidence
Get in touch to book an Initial Assessment
At As You Are we run various psychoeducational groups to help you learn about different topics and support you in building your emotional resilience.
View mental health resources that can help you understand yourself better and get the extra support you need.