About Authentic Pathways

Authentic Pathways is a compassionate counselling referral and coordination service. We help individuals, couples, families and organisations connect with qualified counsellors who best match their needs, values, and goals. Our aim is to make accessing support simple, personalised and stress-free.

Who can use your service?

Anyone seeking emotional, mental-health, or wellbeing support is welcome. We assist adults, young people, couples, families, and workplaces looking for reliable counselling options.

Where are we based?

Our Associates are across the Northwest. Some work in person, others work online. The bios pages include this information about each of our Assoicates.

How do you contact us?

WhatsApp: 07704862736 or complete our contact form.

Our Counselling Network

What types of professionals do you work with?

We partner with accredited counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists, and specialised mental-health practitioners. Every professional in our network is vetted for experience, qualifications, and a commitment to providing compassionate, client-centred care.

What issues do your counsellors support?

Our network includes practitioners experienced in generalised issues such as anxiety, depression and stress. 

Many also have specialised knowledge in a range of areas such as neurodivergence, LGBTQIA+, couples/families issues, trauma, chronic illness and more.

The information that we show for each therapist provides an overview of specialities on the left of their profile.

How does the Referral Process Work

How do I get started?

Begin by completing our brief online enquiry form. We only take minimum information from you through our online enquiry form to protect you sharing sensitive personal information online.

How do you match me with a counsellor?

When we receive your form, a coordinator (who is also a qualified counsellor) will contact you to gather some      information about your enquiry. As they are a counsellor, you can be assured that you will be speaking to someone who will understand your reason for contacting us and will handle your enquiry with care.  

Based on your goals, concerns, location, accessibility needs, and preferred therapeutic style, we will hand-select counsellors who are well-suited to support you.  With your consent, we will take care of connecting you with therapists who are (1) appropriate to work with your enquiry and (2) available.

How long does matching take?

As soon as we are speaking with you, we will be considering the therapists who may fit your needs. 

Our Associate practitioners are asked to respond as soon as they can within their working business days so that we can respond to you quickly, typically, you’ll receive your referral options within 1–3 business days. If your needs are more specialised, matching may take slightly longer—but we’ll always keep you updated.

What if my counsellor doesn’t feel like the right fit?

That’s completely okay. A good therapeutic relationship is essential. If your first match isn’t quite right, we’re happy to revisit this with you and give some new recommendations—no judgment and no extra pressure.

Fees & Accessibility

Do you charge for the referral service?

For the counselling services, the fees are a set price so that you know what to expect to pay. There are no additional costs including for the referral service.

How much do counselling sessions cost?

Session fees for counselling are visible on the service pages. Our Associates have agreed to a flat rate fee for a 50-minute counselling session. 

Are low-cost or concession rates available?

We have left this to the discretion of each therapist as it is impossible and inappropriate for us (Authentic Pathways) to determine what is affordable for each therapist to be in practice. 

Appointments & Session Options

Do counsellors offer online sessions?

Yes. Many of the practitioners we work with offer online video or phone sessions, making support accessible no matter where you are.

Do I have a choice about meeting my counsellor in person or online.

Absolutely. Our counsellors have told us whether they work in person, online or both.  We'll help with this when we speak with you in our first calls.

Privacy & Confidentiality

Is my information confidential?

Yes. Your privacy is extremely important to us. All information you share is handled securely and only passed on to counsellors with your explicit consent. Counsellors in our network follow strict professional confidentiality standards.

Will anyone be notified that I’m seeking counselling?

No. We do not inform employers, doctors, or family members unless you request or require this.

Suitability & Crisis Support

Is Authentic Pathways suitable for urgent or crisis situations?

If you are in immediate need to speak with someone because you are worried for your safety, please ring 999 or Samaritans 116 123.

We are not a crisis service and we are unable to provide immediate or emergency support.  Once the immediate situation has passed, we can help you connect with ongoing counselling.

Additional Services

Do you support organisations or workplaces?

Yes. We help workplaces create wellbeing pathways, provide staff referral options and can connect with counsellors who specialise in organisational and employee support.

Do you offer resources or self-help tools?

This will be something to discuss with your therapist. There are many resources available on the internet, for  example, but this does not mean they will be the right tool for you at this moment in time. They will help you identify what is helpful for you and your specific hopes, wants and needs.

Do you still have questions?

We’re want to help so if you still have questions, please reach out, and a member of our team will do their best to help.