What this article is about
If you are searching for counselling in Downend, Kingswood or Bedminster, this article explains what support is available in each area, who it tends to suit, and what to expect if you decide to get in touch. Heart to Heart runs face to face counselling from all three locations, alongside phone and video appointments, so you can choose whatever feels most comfortable for your circumstances and your local area. We have covered costs, the first steps and a few common questions towards the end, so you can get a clear picture before reaching out, whether you are considering counselling for the first time or looking to switch to a service closer to home.
Could counselling be right for you?
People come to counselling for all sorts of reasons. Some are dealing with anxiety, low mood or stress that has built up over time. Others are adjusting to a bereavement, a relationship change or a difficult period at work. You do not need a diagnosis, and you do not need to have reached a crisis point, to ask for support. If something feels harder to manage than usual, or you simply want space to talk things through with someone outside your day to day life, counselling can help.
The range of support available
Heart to Heart works with adults, young people from age 12, and couples, covering a wide range of concerns. This includes anxiety, depression and low self esteem, as well as trauma, bereavement and grief, relationship difficulties, and support around neurodiversity such as ADHD and autism. We also work with clients managing chronic illness, disability, addiction, or the effects of abuse and harassment, always at a pace that feels right for the individual. Some clients come with a specific issue in mind, while others are not entirely sure what they want to talk about yet, and that is fine too. Every client is matched with a counsellor whose experience fits what they have told us, so the first conversation is about finding the right fit rather than fitting a fixed programme.
Counselling in Downend
Heart to Heart’s Downend site is based at Lincombe Barn on Overndale Road, BS16 2RW. The building has parking on site and is within five minutes of local bus routes, so it is easy to reach whether you are driving over or coming from Staple Hill, Mangotsfield or Frenchay. Sessions here follow the same format as our other locations, with qualified and trainee counsellors working with adults, young people from age 12, and couples. Many clients based in and around Downend choose this site simply because it fits into their week without a long journey, which can make it easier to keep appointments regular.
Counselling in Kingswood
Our Kingswood location is at Kingswood Health Centre on Alma Road, BS15 4EJ, with parking available on site. This makes it a convenient option if you live in Kingswood itself, or nearby areas such as Hanham or Longwell Green. Being based within a health centre, some people find it a familiar and reassuring setting for a first appointment. As with our other sites, you can expect the same warm welcome and the same range of qualified and trainee counsellors, so the choice of location comes down to whatever is easiest for you to reach.
Counselling in Bedminster
South of the river, Heart to Heart offers counselling from 1 to 7 Monarch House on Smyth Road, BS3 2BX. There is street parking close by, and the site sits near regular bus routes along North Street, making it accessible from Bedminster, Southville and Windmill Hill. This location follows the same booking process and pricing as our other sites, so switching between them is straightforward if your circumstances change. If you work or study in south Bristol, this site can also be a practical option for fitting a session around your day.
Face to face, phone or video counselling?
Whichever area you are closest to, you can choose how you would like to be seen. Face to face sessions at one of our three locations suit people who prefer an in person connection with their counsellor, and who find it easier to open up in a dedicated, private room away from home. Phone counselling works well if you would rather talk without a screen, or if travel is difficult because of work, caring responsibilities or health. Video counselling gives you the flexibility of speaking from home while still seeing your counsellor, which some people find helps them feel settled and in control of their surroundings. You are welcome to discuss which option feels right when you first get in touch, and to change your mind later if your preference shifts as sessions go on.
How much does counselling cost?
Sessions with a trainee counsellor start from £30, with qualified counsellors and couples counselling priced slightly higher. There is no set limit on how many sessions you can have, so the pace is led by what you need rather than a fixed programme. Our Next steps and FAQs page sets out the full fee structure along with payment and cancellation details, so it is worth a read before your first session.
What happens after you get in touch?
Getting started is a simple, four step process. You begin by contacting the team, whether by phone, email or the online form. From there, we ask you to complete a short form so we can match you with a suitable counsellor based on what you are looking for. Once matched, you will arrange your first appointment, either face to face at Downend, Kingswood or Bedminster, or online. After that, you and your counsellor will agree further sessions directly between you. If you would like to begin, you can contact Heart to Heart at any time to ask questions or check current availability.
Choosing the right support for you
Counselling is a personal choice, and it is worth taking a little time to think about what would suit you. The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy has useful, independent guidance on the different ways to access therapy and what to consider when choosing a counsellor, whether that is with Heart to Heart or elsewhere.
Why you can trust Heart to Heart
Heart to Heart Bristol is a community based counselling service with more than fifty counsellors and volunteers, working across our Downend, Kingswood, Bedminster and Bradley Stoke sites. Our team includes both trainee and fully qualified counsellors, all working within a confidential, non judgemental framework. We match clients thoughtfully, taking into account what you have told us about your circumstances and preferences, so you can feel comfortable from your very first session. Confidentiality sits at the centre of everything we do, and your counsellor will explain the limits of this clearly before your first session begins, so there are no surprises later on.
Take the first step
If you are looking for counselling in Downend, Kingswood or Bedminster, Heart to Heart is here to help you take that first step. You can find opening details, maps and accessibility information for each site on our Find us page, or get in touch directly to talk through your options and check availability. There is no obligation at this stage, and no pressure to commit to anything beyond an initial conversation about what you need.
Frequently asked questions
Do you offer counselling in Downend?
Yes. Our Downend site is at Lincombe Barn on Overndale Road, with on site parking and nearby bus access.
Can I have counselling in Kingswood if I live nearby, such as in Hanham?
Yes. Our Kingswood Health Centre location is open to anyone in the surrounding area, not just Kingswood itself.
Do you cover Bedminster and the wider south Bristol area?
Yes, our Bedminster site at Monarch House on Smyth Road serves Bedminster, Southville, Windmill Hill and nearby parts of south Bristol.
How much does counselling cost?
Sessions start from £30 with a trainee counsellor, with different rates for qualified counsellors and couples counselling. Full details are on our Next steps and FAQs page.
Do I need a diagnosis or referral to start counselling?
No. You can contact Heart to Heart directly, without a referral, whatever you would like support with.
How soon can I be seen?
This depends on current availability at each site. Contact the team directly for an up to date idea of waiting times.
Can I choose between face to face, phone and video sessions?
Yes. You can discuss your preferred format when you first get in touch, and change it later if needed.
