Who is it for? 
Chester Diocesan Counselling Service is open to clergy, their families and church members within the Anglican churches of the Diocese of Chester.
How can counselling help?
Contact Peter Mackriell (Head of Counselling Services) who will put you in touch with a counsellor suited to your particular needs. Alternatively he can advise on other counselling agencies which may be better placed to provide help. A counselling session lasts for about an hour. The number and frequency of sessions varies greatly from client to client and can be discussed at the first appointment.
Who are the counsellors?
Our counsellors are professionally qualified, many being involved in counselling in secular settings. All are members of one of the national bodies for counselling or psychotherapy. Most belong to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), some to the Association of Christian Counsellors (ACC), or the United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapists (UKCP). As such they work to that organisation’s Code of Ethics and are subject to its complaints procedures. They are committed Christians who offer their skills and a portion of their time on a voluntary basis. As counsellors they do not impose their own values or beliefs upon clients. They are, however, well placed to include the spiritual, religious and Christian dimension into the counselling process if the client indicates a wish for it.
How do I contact the service?
Contact Peter Mackriell (Head of Counselling Services) by email or by telephoning his dedicated, confidential number: 07918 732 806.
Further Information
Inter-Diocesan Counselling Service
Confidential counselling for clergy and immediate families, independent of the diocesan structures, but which has their support. Available within the Dioceses of Blackburn, Carlisle, Chester, Liverpool and Manchester
Anglican Pastoral Care
This is a national network of advisers in pastoral care and counselling within Anglican churches. It includes an on-line directory of contacts in different dioceses.
www.bacp.co.uk
For people who want to know more about counselling and how to find a counsellor.
On this site you will find links to resources, downloadable leaflets and websites about different mental health problems.