Who we are and what we do

OCIC is a professional counselling charity that was established in 1985 to support and supplement the pastoral ministry of the churches. The counselling service is open to anyone over the age of 18, regardless of race, religion, disability, financial situation (some limited financial assistance may be available) or sexual orientation.

Counselling provides a helpful opportunity to explore difficult and painful issues in a safe, accepting and confidential environment. Working with a skilled and supportive counsellor gives space to think about what can be done to change for the better a stressful situation or a problem relationship. It can find ways to help respond differently or to discover resources from within in order to cope.

The counselling done at OCIC tends to be either short term (4 - 8 weeks) or medium term (3 - 6 months) in length. Occasionally, but only when thought mutually appropriate it can be more long term. The team of counsellors and supervisors are all professionally trained in various theoretical models and are able to address a wide range of issues. We also have trainees as part of the counselling team. OCIC counsellors are Christians who acknowledge and respect the spiritual dimension to life but they do not offer specifically Christian counselling

OCIC works within the Ethical Framework of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists. Strict confidentiality is observed in line with BACP's guidelines. (Do contact us for clarification if required)

Clients often refer themselves but referral to OCIC can also come from a GP or another medical professional. Some are referred through their churches. The current rate is £35.00 per session but some financial assistance can be available. Please contact the office for a simple application form and an initial consultation will be arranged as soon as is possible. There is not generally a long waiting period and we try to see you as soon as we can