My boyfriend of 8 1/2 years broke up with me couple weeks ago,I'm devesated,I really thought we were made for each other,he is going to counselling at the moment & says he wants to sort things on his own,we still are on great terms,we chat on the phone,he's been round our place colecting his things,I would like to think that maybe in the future we could get back together,any advice for me I finding it really hard to accept that its over and want to at least have some hope

Until he sorts out his own issues it would be best if you try to let go. That false hope you have will not do any good to you
If he decides to move on and you having that hope will tear you apart in the end.
Let go.It will be hard at first but you will get used to it, you will find even someone better if you won't be with him. Don't spend your life,your time just hoping for getting back together with him.

How old are you that he has been your boyfriend for that long?
Getting back together depends on how he does with his counseling. What he learns about himself if he wants to come back to you.
You should go on with your life not waiting and expecting things to change with him.