Diocese of Chichester

Counselling

Counselling is provided free for members of clergy and their immediate families by the Wellbeing For Clergy and Families service (WCF).

This is a confidential service. We offer short term individual, couple and family therapy (6-12 sessions) within the Diocese of Chichester. Once you have completed a referral form (Adults Self-Referral Form, Couple's Self-Referral Form and Under 18's Referral Form) please email: wellbeingforclergy@chichester.anglican.org and you will be invited to meet with a therapist to discuss your concerns.

The WCF use a therapist directly employed by the DOC (Laura Steven) and a bank of fully qualified and registered therapists to deliver individual, couple and family therapy. All therapists are monitored and supported by the WCF service, hold professional liability insurance, a standard DBS certificate, are registered with a professional body related to their therapeutic modality and fully comply with GDPR legislation (Diocese of Chichester ICO registration numberZ6601913v) and the DOC confidentiality policy.

Please note that the WCF is not able to provide a service to people who are at risk of immediate of harm.

In an emergency:

• If you are concerned about an immediate risk of harm - either to yourself or someone else - then phone 999.
• Go to your nearest hospital with an Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department. In some hospitals, this will be called the Emergency Department. There are staff on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, who will be able to assess you and give you the appropriate help.
• Samaritans – Telephone 116123
  Provides help and support to people in a crisis 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Some other organisations offer various forms of psychological support and counselling for clergy and their families:

• Holy Rood House (Yorkshire): As well as professional, therapeutic support, or programmed events, the House is open for rest and relaxation, care for carers, spiritual retreat and accompaniment, training, study and sabbaticals or for a holiday.
• Sheldon (Devon): a house owned by the Society of Mary and Martha to support people in Christian ministry, especially at times of stress, crisis, burnout or breakdown.
• St. Luke’s Healthcare: provides psychological healthcare through its network of honorary consultants. They provide their time free of charge to give expert second opinions and advice. In some cases, on the basis of clinical need, they refer the member of the clergy for further treatment such as face-to-face counselling.
• St Marylebone (London): offers low-cost psychotherapy and spiritual direction.

• Crowhurst Healing -  provide a space for healing for individuals and families
• GP’s will refer people to free counselling services, such as Time to Talk in West Sussex or Health in Mind in East Sussex, both of which also operate a self-referral system. Links are given below.