BARNET COUNSELLING ASSOCIATION
The Association of Primary Care Counsellors in Barnet
Home Patients GPs Counsellors Links Contact

Referral criteria

Members of Barnet Counselling Association (BCA) offer short term counselling to patients referred by Barnet GPs. Referrals should be made in writing and a referral form is available for use by GPs if required. GPs will usually be able to refer patients presenting with the following difficulties:

Anxiety Stress
Depression Panic attacks
Relationship difficulties Life cycle issues
Self esteem Habit disorders (including insomnia)
Occupational issues Physical illness and health related issues
Educational issues Bereavement and other losses e.g. divorce or separation

Counselling will be used most effectively by patients who:

  • Are able to engage in conversation and are willing to discuss their personal life
  • Have the capacity for reflection and some motivation to be responsible for change
  • Are willing and able to commit to attending regular appointments

Counselling could also be offered in the following situations:

  • Patients who present abnormally frequently with minor physical symptoms
  • Where, during the course of a medical consultation, the GP has been informed of a personal problem which detracts from the quality of the patient’s life
  • When adjustment has to be made to a change in the patient’s lifestyle, relationships, family circumstances etc.
  • Those with psychological problems who do not wish to be referred to health professionals outside the practice

Counsellors may have additional areas of expertise and GPs should discuss with them whether referrals for other difficulties are appropriate. Patients who are unlikely to benefit from practice based counselling include those with:

  • Chronic addictions and substance abuse
  • Diagnosed psychiatric disorders, personality disorders and chronic mental health problems
  • Multiple longstanding mental health and social problems
  • A record of violence
  • Long standing obsessive compulsive disorders
  • Serious risk of suicide or self harm

Where specialist services, long term counselling or psychotherapy could be helpful, BCA members will advise of available options.