Counselling
The Chester Diocesan Counselling Service aims to provide a high quality therapeutic service within a Christian setting. This section highlights the range of support for the well being of Clergy and Church members.
Who is it for?
Chester Diocesan Counselling Service is open to members of Anglican churches in the Chester Diocese, usually over 18 years of age. It is for members of congregations, lay-workers and clergy. Couple as well as individual counselling is available.
How can counselling help?
Counselling has become increasingly recognised as beneficial in helping people to take stock of themselves, especially at difficult points in their lives. The process can help people bring together feelings, thoughts and actions, bringing fresh perspectives and opening up new possibilities. For counselling to be effective, a safe, trusting relationship needs to develop between client and counsellor. Therefore it is important that you can be at ease with your counsellor.
Who are the counsellors?
Our counsellors are professionally qualified, many being involved in counselling in secular settings. All are members of one of the national bodies for counselling or psychotherapy. Most belong to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), some to the Association of Christian Counsellors (ACC), or the United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapists (UKCP). As such they work to that organisation’s Code of Ethics and are subject to its complaints procedures. They are committed Christians who offer their skills and a portion of their time on a voluntary basis. As counsellors they do not impose their own values or beliefs upon clients. They are however, well placed to include the spiritual, religious and Christian dimension into the counselling process if the client indicates a wish for it.
How do I use the service?
You would contact Jane Knight (Head of Counselling Services) who will put you in touch with a counsellor suited to your particular needs. Alternatively she can advise on other counselling agencies which may be better placed to provide help. A counselling session lasts for about an hour. The number and frequency of sessions varies greatly from client to client and can be discussed at the first appointment.
How do I contact the service?
Tel: 01270 652034 or 07918 732806 (mobile). These are dedicated, confidential numbers.
Email: jane.knight@chester.anglican.org
Write to: (marking envelope Confidential) Jane Knight, Head of Counselling Services Church House Lower Lane Aldford Chester CH3 6HP
Useful Information
Inter-Diocesan Counselling Service
Confidential counselling for clergy and immediate families, independent of the diocesan structures, but which has their support. Available within the Dioceses of Blackburn, Carlisle, Chester, Liverpool and Manchester
www.aaapcc.org.uk
This is the Anglican Association of Advisers in Pastoral Care and Counselling; a national network for people carrying this responsibility in their diocese. It includes an on-line directory of contacts in different dioceses.
www.bacp.co.uk
For people who want to know more about counselling and how to find a counsellor.