Counselling at New Dawn
What to expect, from first call to final session
If you've never had counselling before, the not-knowing can be the hardest part. Here's exactly how it works with us — no mystery, no pressure.
First things first
What counselling actually is
Counselling is a supportive relationship built on trust — a regular, protected time where you can say what's really going on.
Your counsellor won't tell you what to do, hand out advice or judge the choices you've made. Instead, they listen — properly — and help you make sense of what you're feeling, understand where it comes from, and find your own way forward. For many, it's the first time they feel truly heard.
You don't need to be in crisis to come. You don't even need to know what's wrong. "Something doesn't feel right" is reason enough.
Your first steps
A simple journey, one step at a time
- Get in touch. Call, email or use the contact form — whichever feels easiest. You don't need to explain everything; "I'd like to talk to someone" is plenty.
- Meet for an assessment. A relaxed 60-minute conversation with a trained assessor about what's going on and what you'd like to change. No commitment beyond that hour.
- Be matched with the right counsellor. We use what you've told us to pair you with the team member best suited to you and what you're bringing.
- Begin weekly or bi-weekly sessions. Sessions last 50–60 minutes, at the centre in Beeston or online — whatever works for your life.
Some people come for short-term work of 6–16 sessions; others prefer open-ended counselling with no fixed end point. You and your counsellor will decide together — and review as you go.
Take the first stepHow we work
Different approaches, fitted to you
There's no one-size-fits-all in counselling. Our team draws on several well-established approaches — and your counsellor will shape the work around you, not the other way round.
Humanistic
Starts from a simple belief: you are the expert on your own life. Your counsellor offers warmth, honesty and real understanding, so you can grow at your own pace and in your own direction.
Psychodynamic
Looks at how the past shapes the present — the patterns laid down early in life that can quietly steer how you feel and relate today. Understanding them is often the key to changing them.
Behavioural (CBT)
Practical and focused on the here and now. CBT explores how thoughts, feelings and behaviour feed each other — and gives you concrete tools to interrupt the cycles that keep you stuck.
Creative methods
Some things are hard to put into words. Drawing, imagery, objects and other creative ways of working can help you express what talking alone can't reach — no artistic skill required.
Standards & safety
Held to high standards, so you're in safe hands
Opening up takes courage. These are the safeguards that make it safe to do so here.
- Professionally registered. Our counsellors are members of professional bodies such as BACP, UKCP or ACC, working to their standards of training and practice.
- A clear code of ethics. We follow the Association of Christian Counsellors' Code of Ethics — a strict framework of professional conduct that protects every client.
- DBS-checked. Every counsellor on our team has an up-to-date DBS check.
- Confidential, always. What you share in the room stays in the room. Everything about your counselling is treated in the strictest confidence.
When we're open
Monday–Thursday: 9am–7:30pm
Friday: 9am–3pm
Sessions are held at the centre — 158 High Road, Beeston — or online, whichever suits you better.
What it costs
Individual sessions start from £35, and your initial assessment is £45. If money is tight, our bursary fund can cover up to £15 per session, when funds are available.
Find your fit
Which counselling is right for you?
Whoever you're coming for — yourself, your relationship or your child — there's a page with the details you need.
Individual counselling
One-to-one support for anxiety, depression, trauma, loss — or anything that's weighing on you.
Learn more →Couples counselling
Help to hear each other again when talking has become hard — before resentment sets in.
Learn more →Children & young people
A safe, friendly space where a young person is listened to and helped to find their own way of coping.
Learn more →The hardest step is the first one
You don't need to have the right words ready — just get in touch, and we'll take it from there together.
Calls answered Monday and Tuesday evenings — otherwise, please email.
Need urgent help right now? We're not a crisis service — if you or someone else is in immediate danger, please use these instead: