Step by Step runs one of the most successful not-for-profit counselling services for young people in the South of England. We provide transformative support that helps young people build resilience, confidence, and lasting change - with outstanding outcomes, remarkable feedback, and waiting times that are typically weeks rather than months.
Our Counselling service is a vital part of Step by Step’s early intervention approach. We know that mental health issues can escalate when unsupported; by providing timely, accessible support, we help young people manage emotional challenges before they reach crisis point.
Step by Step offers fully funded counselling for young people aged 11 to 25 in Surrey and Hampshire. We deliver talking therapy in a confidential, safe space that helps young people explore emotions, develop coping skills, and build resilience. Sessions are delivered by a team of qualified counsellors, all of whom are trauma-informed trained and carefully supervised within our established professional framework.
Our offer includes:
Our results from the last financial year demonstrate a counselling service that works for young people:
This is counselling that makes a difference: quickly, safely, and at scale. Our therapeutic outcomes are among the strongest in the voluntary sector.
We invest in our people and our process. Young people are matched carefully with counsellors based on needs and preferences. We ensure consistent support, professional supervision, and a safe, welcoming environment where young people feel seen and heard.
We take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously and work closely with other organisations to ensure that every young person’s safety and wellbeing is prioritised at every stage.
Step by Step counselling is proven to work for young people, those that care for them and our communities.
If you're supporting a young person who may benefit from counselling, find out about our referral routes.
If you're a journalist or researcher looking for evidence-led insight into what works in youth mental health - we’re ready to share our experience.
“My counsellor really listened to me and didn’t judge me. I trusted her and felt I could talk about anything.”
