What is counselling?

Counselling is a safe, supportive space where you can talk about your thoughts, feelings and experiences with a trained counsellor, without fear of being judged.

Sometimes life can feel overwhelming, and it can be difficult to understand how we are feeling or know who to talk to. You might be experiencing anxiety, stress, low mood, difficulties at home or school, worries about relationships, or questions about your identity. You do not need to have all the answers, or even know exactly how you feel, to come to counselling.

Your counsellor will listen to you, help you explore your feelings and experiences, and support you to develop a better understanding of yourself. Together, you can explore ways of managing difficult emotions, building confidence and finding strategies that work for you.

What happens in a counselling session?

Counselling is about you and what matters to you. You can talk about whatever is on your mind, at your own pace. Your counsellor will listen, ask questions and help you explore your thoughts and feelings in a supportive and non-judgemental environment.

You will not be told what to do or expected to share anything before you feel ready. There is no right or wrong way to feel, and you do not have to face everything on your own.

Is counselling confidential?

Counselling is a private space where you can speak openly and feel heard. What you share will be treated confidentially, although there are some limits to confidentiality, particularly if there are concerns about your safety or the safety of someone else. Your counsellor will explain these limits to you.

How can counselling help?

Counselling can help you to:

  • Understand your thoughts and feelings.
  • Explore worries, challenges and difficult experiences.
  • Develop ways to manage stress, anxiety and overwhelming emotions.
  • Build confidence, self-esteem and self-belief.
  • Feel more understood and less alone.
  • Recognise your strengths and explore positive ways forward.

Counselling with Fusion

At the Fusion Project, we want young people to feel listened to, understood and supported to be themselves. We offer a welcoming space where you can explore the things that matter to you, including experiences connected to your identity, culture, family and relationships.

You do not have to go through difficult times alone. Counselling is an opportunity to talk, make sense of your experiences and discover your own strengths, in a way that feels right for you.

At the Fusion Project, we offer free, one-to-one counselling for young people aged 13–18 who come from ethnically diverse backgrounds.

If you feel you would benefit from talking to someone, you can refer yourself directly to our service. You do not need to have everything figured out before getting in touch.

How does it work?

  1. Complete a referral form

    Visit our website and click on “Make a Referral” to complete the online referral form. You can tell us a little about yourself and the support you are looking for.

  2. We will contact you

    Once we receive your referral, a member of our team will contact you to discuss the next steps and arrange an initial assessment.

  3. Meet with a counsellor

    We will talk with you about what has been happening and explore how counselling might support you. This is an opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the service.

  4. Begin your counselling journey

    If counselling is suitable for you, we will discuss the support available and what happens next.

Do I need to know what to say?

Not at all. You might know exactly what is troubling you, or you might simply feel that things are difficult at the moment. Both are okay. You can take things at your own pace, and your counsellor will support you without judgement.

Can I ask questions before making a referral?

Absolutely. If you are unsure whether counselling is right for you, or would like to find out more, please get in touch with the What? Centre team.

Taking the first step can feel daunting, but you do not have to face things alone. We are here to listen and support you.

Ready to take the first step?

Complete our online referral form to access support through the Fusion Project.

Make a Referral