ABSTRACT
Sometimes, it is necessary to refer the patient back to their general practice in order for them to access other National Health Service therapies, such as cognitive analytic therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, or systemic therapy. Humanistic and experiential psychotherapies, art therapy, music therapy, and drama therapy are also sometimes available. If the counsellor can keep DNAs and cancellations to a minimum, it goes without saying that this will have a positive impact upon the effectiveness of counselling and the waiting list. Motivation can be a thorny issue, since many patients presenting for counselling in the primary care setting find themselves in the position of needing counselling because they lack motivation in their lives. Telephone contact with the patient by the counsellor can allay his/her initial anxiety when they realize that they are dealing with an ordinary human being who is prepared to listen to and hear any difficulties they may have in attending.
