"I am really depressed." "I feel terribly guilty." "I'm just so angry. I am so hurt and I can't forgive." "I suffer from panic attacks." "My marriage is in difficulties." "I have recently lost my friend." "I can't find meaning to life anymore. I have lost my faith." "Please can you help me?"

These are typical of the distressed pleas made to counsellors at the Oxford Christian Institute for Counselling (OCIC). Cries for help come from people who do not know where else to turn, or from those who do not want to be a burden to their family and friends.

OCIC has been a registered charity for over 20 years, holding confidential counselling sessions in peaceful surroundings.

Last year, the OCIC team of eight voluntary counsellors provided over 800 counselling hours to adults who were either or facing a crisis or were in need of advice.

Counsellors are often asked whether it is necessary to be Christian to receive the counselling that OCIC offers. The answer is a definite no, explained the charity's director, Ray Atwood.

"We offer counselling to people of any faith or none, or who have had one and lost it, or are currently wrestling with spiritual concerns and questions about the ultimate meaning of life," said Ray.

"Some are disillusioned with the traditional church and are looking for answers elsewhere. OCIC's objective is simply to provide a safe and accepting place in which to explore change."

A former client said: "We all probably know the therapeutic value of having someone sit down and listen to our story: to some of its pain and joys, and to accompany us on the journey of inner exploration that can lead to change, growth and resolution."

Although all of OCIC's experienced counsellors give their services voluntarily, they have been trained to meet the demanding professional requirements of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists, of which OCIC is a member.

This enables them to address a wide range of problems and OCIC tries to minimise the waiting time for appointments.

Some clients attend for just a few sessions in order to address an issue, others for longer to address deeper emotional or spiritual questions.

Clients contact them directly, or are referred by their GPs, or by their church. There is a standard rate for the counselling, but OCIC has a limited bursary fund to help those in financial difficulties.

OCIC is not part of the NHS. Its funding comes solely from counselling fees, individual and church donations and from occasional grant-making bodies.

The charity has recently moved its offices to the Old High Street in Headington. For details of its services call 01865 308889 or see www.ocic.org.uk