How it works
You do not need to arrive knowing which counsellor, modality or pathway you need. We help you move through the process one step at a time.
Begin with an assessment ↗︎The journey
We keep the process simple while still giving enough attention to fit, safety, therapeutic needs and the practical details that matter.
Initial assessment
Your initial assessment is currently free for a limited time and gives you space to talk about what is happening now, what you hope for from counselling, and any preferences or practical needs that may matter.
Clinical consideration
We think about therapeutic approach, level of counsellor experience, availability, presenting needs and whether The Ash is the right service for you.
Matching
Where we can proceed, we identify a counsellor whose training, approach, experience and availability fit what was discussed in your assessment.
Counsellor introduction
You and your counsellor confirm a consistent weekly time and the practical arrangements for your sessions.
Weekly counselling
Sessions are usually weekly and continue at the agreed time. Your counsellor works with you within the approach and boundaries agreed for your therapy.
Your initial assessment
The assessment is a conversation, not a test. You can talk in your own words about what has brought you to counselling and what feels important.
We may also ask about things that help us understand suitability, safety, practical availability and the kind of support that may be appropriate.
*Free initial assessment for a limited time.
Book your assessmentThoughtful matching
We do not treat matching as simply finding the first available person.
What you are bringing to counselling and what kind of support may be appropriate.
Whether psychodynamic, person-centred, integrative or CBT-informed work may be suitable.
Relevant experience and whether a trainee or qualified pathway best fits your needs.
Availability, preferred session format and other practical considerations.
Once therapy begins
After matching, your counsellor will agree a regular weekly session with you. This consistency helps create a stable therapeutic frame and means both you and your counsellor know when the work is taking place.
Fortnightly arrangements are not the standard pathway and are only considered where specifically agreed.
If The Ash is not the right fit
Sometimes another service may be more appropriate for what you need. If that becomes clear during assessment, we will explain that rather than placing you into counselling that does not fit.
Where appropriate, we may suggest speaking with your GP or another specialist service.
Frequently asked questions
The assessment is a focused appointment designed to understand your needs and the most appropriate next step. The booking confirmation will include the exact appointment details.
We use a matching process rather than asking you to choose from a directory. We consider your needs, therapeutic approach, experience, availability and preferences.
Yes. Weekly counselling is the standard pathway because consistency is important to the therapeutic work. Any temporary alternative arrangement would need to be specifically agreed.
If The Ash is suitable, we begin the matching process. Once a counsellor is identified, they contact you to agree your regular session time and practical arrangements.
That is completely fine. The assessment and matching process is there to help consider which therapeutic approach may support you best.
We will be clear with you if another service is likely to be more appropriate and, where possible, signpost you toward a more suitable next step.
A place to begin
You do not need to decide the rest before you arrive.
Book your free initial assessmentTHE ASH ETHOS
We are building a culturally attuned, inclusive counselling service where people are met as whole people. Whatever your background, culture, identity or lived experience, there should be space for you to feel seen, respected and understood.
Need urgent help?
