Counselling

The aim of counselling is to provide an opportunity for people to work towards living in a more satisfying way.

Counselling is a way of dealing with difficulty. It is a positive response coming from the desire to cope more effectively. At one time or another, everyone has problems, such as stress at work, difficulties in relationships, drug or alcohol abuse or loss and bereavement. Sometimes we can solve these difficulties ourselves or with the help of family friends or colleagues. At other times we need the privacy of talking with someone who is outside our home and working life. Talking in confidence, to a professionally trained and experienced counsellor can help you reach a better understanding of your difficulties and to decide the best way forward.

Counselling is a voluntary process.

In counselling the right of the client to make his or her own decisions respected.

All that takes place between a counsellor and client is treated in confidence.

Counselling Western Isles

Counselling Western Isles offer counselling to individuals and couples facing a variety of difficulties :-

  • Stress
  • Relationships
  • Depression
  • Bereavement
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Alcohol or Drug Problems
  • Any other Personal Problems

Counselling Western Isles is an independent organisation and is available throughout the Western Isles. This confidential service offers counselling to anyone regardless of age, nationality, religion or belief.

Is there a charge?

This service is free.

Counselling Western Isles is a charity and if clients are able to make a contribution, however small, it will be greatly appreciated.

Who Provides the Service ?

All our counsellors are volunteers and have been trained to provide a high quality counselling service. Our counsellors have either the Moray House Institute of Education, Post Graduate Certificate in Counselling Skills or the COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills. They have also received specialised training in specific areas of difficulty from national counselling agencies.

All our counsellors adhere to the British Association of Counselling, Code of Ethics and Practice.

Where is counselling available ?

Counsellors are available from the "Butt to Barra".

Counselling Western Isles is based in the first floor flat of the Bridge Community Centre, Bayhead, Stornoway where all calls to the service are received. These premises also have rooms for counselling sessions in Lewis.

In the other Islands of the Western Isles, a variety of premises is used from Church Halls to rooms in Hospitals. Great care is taken in the choice of venue to ensure the privacy of clients and that counselling takes place in a safe, neutral environment.

How to Make an Appointment

All calls to the service should be made to:

Counselling and Family Mediation Western Isles,
23 Keith Street,
Stornoway,
HS1 2JA

Tel. 01851 705600
Fax. 01851 705552

You can either contact the service yourself or ask to be referred by your GP, Health Visitor, Solicitor or Social Worker.

All calls will be treated in utmost confidence.

It should be noted that, on occasions, there is a waiting list for counselling appointments. Information on the estimated length of any waiting period will be given at the initial contact.

Comments and Suggestions

In order to provide the best possible service, we need your help.

If you are unhappy about any aspect of our service, please tell the counsellor or write, explaining why this is so to the Co-ordinator.

Our Complaints Procedure will then be used with a view to hopefully resolving the matter to your satisfaction.