counselling

When you are faced with an unplanned pregnancy, it is important that you have access to non-directive support if you would like it to help you explore the various options available to you.

Our Dr Marie counselling line provides anonymous, non-judgemental, confidential support in the privacy of your own home.

Our counsellors are trained specifically in decision based counselling and at all times promote a women’s right to choose, not a specific outcome.

Recognising women’s right to choice also applies to whether or not to have counselling regarding a termination of pregnancy. Many women choose not to have counselling when faced with an unplanned pregnancy and Dr Marie respects this decision.  

For women who want to discuss their situation and explore their options in more detail, decision-making counselling, counselling around the abortion procedure and partner/family counselling are available.

Support is also on offer for women who feel the need for further assistance or simply want to talk to someone about their feelings after having an abortion.

Counselling phone lines are staffed by specifically trained staff, calls are free of charge and counselling appointments can conveniently be made online.

Services available

Telephone counselling services on offer include:

• Decision-making counselling.
• Counselling around the abortion procedure.
• Partner/family counselling.
• Post abortion counselling.

Services are available to all women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and the cost of a telephone counselling session is free of charge.

Referrals are also available to those wishing to speak with other counselling services outside of Marie Stopes and our counsellors are trained in recognising circumstances where a referral to a specialist counsellor may be advised.

The counselling session – what to expect

Counselling sessions are typically 30 - 60 minutes in duration. Most clients will feel able to make a decision after one session, while some clients may wish to have follow up appointments. During the phone call, the counsellor will:

• Support your own decision making process.
• Provide a confidential and private service to discuss your personal situation and explore your emotions.
• Assist you and your partner in finding common ground.
• Respect your right to choose at all times.
• Offer support for you following a termination if needed.

In helping you work through the decision making process, the counsellor may explore the following areas with you in more detail:

• How you felt when you first found out you were pregnant.
• Whether you want to have a child with your current partner.
• The emotional, practical and financial support you expect to receive from your friends and family.
• Whether you feel you can cope on your own without the support of your family and friends.
• Whether you feel you have anyone you can talk to about your situation.
• How you your religious beliefs make you feel about having an abortion.
• How your partner feels about the pregnancy.
• How you feel having a child will affect your future relationships.
• How you feel having a child will affect your future career.
• How you feel having an abortion will affect your relationship.

Make a booking

Bookings can be made by calling 1800 003 707 or by completing an online booking request

Interpreter services are available on request