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Counselling Referral
“I didn’t need someone to fix everything. I just needed someone to say, this is hard, and you’re not doing it alone.”
People usually do not contact us on a good day. They reach out when something has changed, when they are exhausted, frightened, grieving or trying to hold everything together for everyone else.
You may be living with a life-limiting illness. You may be caring for someone you love. You may be trying to cope after a death and not recognising yourself anymore. Whatever has brought you here, you do not need to have the right words or know exactly what help you need before you get in touch.
Many people worry they will say the wrong thing, cry too much or feel that they are making a fuss. Others do not know what to expect. Sometimes, that uncertainty alone is enough to stop someone reaching out.
We asked Leyla Emin, Therapeutic Services Manager, what she would want people to know.
“When people first contact us, they’re often feeling overwhelmed, unsure what to do next and very emotional,” she says. “A lot of people don’t know how the process works or whether counselling is the right support for them. We want people to know they don’t have to figure it all out on their own.”
Getting in touch
You can self-refer to ellenor through our website ellenor.org or you may be referred by your GP, hospital team or another healthcare professional.
If life feels overwhelming and you are not sure what kind of help you need, please still get in touch. You do not need to have it all worked out first. We can talk it through with you.
Your first contact
Your first contact will usually be with our Clinical Administration Team. They will take some details, answer any initial questions and make sure your enquiry reaches the right team. A member of the counselling team will then aim to contact you within 48 hours to talk through your needs and discuss the next steps.
“We know that first contact matters,” Leyla says. “People need somebody kind and calm. Somebody who really hears them, so they feel heard in that moment.”
For many people, that first conversation brings an immediate sense of relief.
“We want them to put the phone down feeling like somebody understand,” she says.
The first conversation
Here they can talk about what they are going through and the support they may need.
“That first call can feel like a mini counselling session,” Leyla says. “We ask how you are, what has happened, and what support you are looking for.”
For some people, it is the first time they have said out loud how hard things have become.
You may then be offered a telephone assessment. This helps the team build a fuller picture of what is happening for you, what support may help most, and how urgently it may be needed.
It is also an opportunity to talk about practical things such as the times you are available, what kind of support you are looking for, and whether counselling is the most appropriate option or if another service may be better placed to help.
“The aim is to make sure people receive the right support, in the right way, at the right time,” Leyla says.
Starting support
If counselling is the right fit, you will usually be offered an initial block of weekly sessions.
Each session is confidential, supportive and centred around what matters most to you. Some people come needing space to talk. Others are coping with grief, fear, exhaustion or guilt.
“Sometimes people are not ready to explore the bereavement straight away,” Leyla says. “At first, it may be guilt, regret, or everything they feel they should have done. Later, they may feel ready to talk more about the loss.”
Everyone’s situation is different and support is tailored to the person and what they need.
Who can access support?
Depending on individual circumstances and eligibility criteria, support may be available for people living with a life-limiting illness, carers, family members, people who have been bereaved, and older teenagers and adults.
Younger children may be supported through other therapeutic services, such as play therapy.
If counselling is not the right support
If counselling is not the right support for you, you will not be left on your own. We will help you find the right next step.
“We do not simply tell people we are not the right service and discharge them,” Leyla says. “We explain why and help them understand what support may be available next.”
If you are living with, caring for someone with or affected by a life-limiting condition or bereavement, ellenor’s counselling team is here to listen, understand what you are going through, and help you find the right support.
If you are a GP, healthcare professional or partner organisation supporting someone who may benefit, referrals are always welcome.
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