I don't know where people get the idea that it's difficult to get counselling in the UK. Counselling is now big in the UK (and it's provided free at the point of service if you're referred by your GP). I know at least six people who are training to enter that profession and it's a long haul at about five years (almost as long as training to be a doctor). People can't get enough of it - they love it, it's the new universal panacea.

Personally I think it's a big con. All they do is listen, they're not allowed to give advice, and half the time they're off sick, according to friends who have been sent for a consultation. They're only human beings, not magicians.

FG