Business Details
35 Years
experience
Professional Counselling Services in Gloucestershire
Established in 1991, Listening Post is a professional voluntary counselling service rooted in Christian values, dedicated to alleviating emotional and psychological distress across Gloucestershire. As an organisational member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, we adhere strictly to their Ethical Framework, ensuring our practices meet the highest professional standards. Our services cater to adults aged 18 and over, regardless of financial status, offering donation-based counselling sessions to ensure accessibility for all. With over three decades of experience, we have supported thousands through face-to-face, telephone, or video sessions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.Our team of 150+ trained counsellors and volunteers delivers compassionate care, complemented by accredited training programs that empower future practitioners. Client testimonials consistently highlight transformative outcomes, underscoring our commitment to creating safe, non-judgmental spaces for healing. We operate multiple centres in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, and Lydney, maintaining transparency in operations and prioritising client-centric support. Through partnerships and community engagement, we continually adapt to meet evolving mental health needs, ensuring our services remain relevant and impactful.
Services
Individual Counselling
Couples Counselling
Short Term Counselling for Carers
Counselling Training Courses
Seminars and Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in accessible, ethical counselling.
- Our counsellors adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework for professionalism.
- Donation-based model ensures affordability for all financial circumstances.
- 150+ trained volunteers deliver personalised, non-judgmental support.
- Accredited training programs develop skilled practitioners for the future.
Associations and certifications
- British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy
What people say
Turned my life around
Safe non-judgmental space
Exceptional counsellor support
Affordable access ensured
Transformative personal growth
Services
Individual Counselling
Tailored face-to-face, telephone, or video counselling sessions addressing emotional and psychological distress. Clients explore personal challenges in a safe, confidential environment with assigned counsellors. Sessions last 50 minutes weekly, fostering self-awareness and coping strategies over up to nine months, extendable in exceptional cases.
Couples Counselling
Limited spaces for joint counselling sessions supporting couples navigating relationship difficulties. Both partners attend together, with sessions structured similarly to individual counselling. A collaborative approach helps improve communication and resolve conflicts through guided dialogue and mutual understanding.
Short Term Counselling for Carers
Brief counselling program for Gloucestershire carers, delivered in partnership with PeoplePlus. Focuses on stress management and emotional resilience for those supporting others. Referrals come via the Gloucestershire Carers Hub, ensuring targeted support for caregivers' unique mental health needs.
Counselling Training Courses
Accredited training from introductory listening skills to diploma-level qualifications. Courses like CPCAB Level 24 certifications blend theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Designed for aspiring counsellors and professionals seeking development, with small class sizes ensuring personalised instruction and mentorship.
Seminars and Workshops
Annual series of CPD events covering diverse therapeutic topics. Led by industry experts, these sessions enhance practitioners' skills through interactive learning. Topics vary yearly, addressing current trends and advanced techniques in counselling and mental health support.
People
Alastair Sammon
Chair
A surgeon and medical administrator with 20 years in the NHS and 20 years in global healthcare roles, Alastair brings extensive medical and leadership experience to Listening Post's board.
Robert Kingston
Treasurer
A retired finance professional with decades of public sector experience, Robert oversees financial stewardship and leverages his background in fraud investigation and tax inspections for strategic oversight.
Pauline Bayliss-Jones
Trustee
A former principal of a specialist college with a Master's in Special Education, Pauline contributes expertise in trauma-informed counselling and education leadership after personal experience with long-term therapy.
David Monument
Trustee
Marketing and nonprofit sector specialist with 15+ years in charity leadership, David focuses on strategic growth and community engagement initiatives for Listening Post's outreach programs.
Linda Bullock
Chief Executive Officer
Leading daily operations, Linda oversees service delivery and organisational strategy, ensuring Listening Post maintains its mission-driven approach to accessible mental health support across Gloucestershire.
Questions
How do I book a counselling session?
Complete our online registration form or contact us directly. Attend an initial assessment to discuss needs before being matched with a counsellor.
Is counselling free?
Sessions are donation-based with a recommended minimum of £20, but no one is refused due to financial constraints.
What areas do you serve?
We operate in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, and Lydney, offering both in-person and remote sessions across Gloucestershire.
Do you offer couples counselling?
Yes, limited spaces are available for joint sessions. Both partners must register together via our dedicated application process.
Are your counsellors qualified?
All counsellors are trained professionals adhering to BACP ethical standards, including student practitioners completing diplomas and experienced volunteers.
How long are counselling sessions?
Each session lasts 50 minutes, typically held weekly at an agreed time, with support available for up to nine months initially.
Reviews (4)
Keith Attew
May 17, 2021
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The service? that does not give a toss! I waited one year+ and only received a cursory call after nine months concerning the wait times due to Covid-19.
Finally,my GP suggested I ring them to re-establish contact.The co-ordinator in Cheltenham rang me to apologize and said a counsellor would ring me the following evening.Nobody rang of course.I give up.God help more vulnerable people needing counselling.A sobering experience which I will try to put behind me.
Finally,my GP suggested I ring them to re-establish contact.The co-ordinator in Cheltenham rang me to apologize and said a counsellor would ring me the following evening.Nobody rang of course.I give up.God help more vulnerable people needing counselling.A sobering experience which I will try to put behind me.
Sue Evans
Oct 19, 2019
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Very helpful. They have helped me to be able to move forward. Very welcoming and all staff are marvelous people.
Berith Sandgren-Clarke
Aug 22, 2019
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A place where they listen and help you hear how to move forward with more confidence in who you are - Fearfully and wonderfully made.
Lynne Whitman
Oct 22, 2018
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A very good and safe place to talk openly about any issues you might have. Really helped me find myself again and move forward
