Counselling in Belfast
![Photo of Dr Rachel Reeves, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/068e9c8e-d3d0-4c82-82be-d569204374b9/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a qualified clinical psychologist with experience in working in both private practice and NHS services. I work with adults who experience a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, stress & burnout, OCD, emotional regulation difficulties and interpersonal difficulties. I have a specialist interest in supporting people who have experienced trauma either in their early life or more recent traumatic experiences. I aim to support people to develop a better understanding of themselves and how their life experiences may have contributed to any current symptoms or difficulties.
I am a qualified clinical psychologist with experience in working in both private practice and NHS services. I work with adults who experience a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, stress & burnout, OCD, emotional regulation difficulties and interpersonal difficulties. I have a specialist interest in supporting people who have experienced trauma either in their early life or more recent traumatic experiences. I aim to support people to develop a better understanding of themselves and how their life experiences may have contributed to any current symptoms or difficulties.
![Photo of Kathryn Mounstephen, BACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/24af9477-6a12-4c75-a3aa-c23f7d9bac87/2/320x400.jpeg)
Maybe you feel stuck, or life feels overwhelming. Perhaps there's something in your past you would like to make sense of, or a situation that is troubling you now. You long for someone to listen to your story and to "get" you. To journey with you as you make sense of what has happened, or is happening to you currently. Or you would just like to feel better! Most of all, you just want to move forward, to have peace. To hope again. I will hold that hope for you as we journey together. I offer a safe space to process, as well as a warm and empathetic presence. My goal is for you to feel seen, valued and find healing.
Maybe you feel stuck, or life feels overwhelming. Perhaps there's something in your past you would like to make sense of, or a situation that is troubling you now. You long for someone to listen to your story and to "get" you. To journey with you as you make sense of what has happened, or is happening to you currently. Or you would just like to feel better! Most of all, you just want to move forward, to have peace. To hope again. I will hold that hope for you as we journey together. I offer a safe space to process, as well as a warm and empathetic presence. My goal is for you to feel seen, valued and find healing.
![Photo of Claire McLaughlin, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ceb7910-bf90-4759-a123-9e918ed5e052/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a qualified integrative counsellor and psychotherapist. I am registered with the BACP and abide by their code of ethics. I have been a counsellor for five years with experience in employee assistance counselling, schools and the voluntary & community sector. I have worked with a range of issues including: anxiety & worry, assertiveness & communication issues, interpersonal difficulties, low mood, depression, anger, bereavement, loss, stress, identity issues, transition & adjustment, and self-esteem.
I am a qualified integrative counsellor and psychotherapist. I am registered with the BACP and abide by their code of ethics. I have been a counsellor for five years with experience in employee assistance counselling, schools and the voluntary & community sector. I have worked with a range of issues including: anxiety & worry, assertiveness & communication issues, interpersonal difficulties, low mood, depression, anger, bereavement, loss, stress, identity issues, transition & adjustment, and self-esteem.
![Photo of Alanna Kierans, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/542bc4d6-6dab-435c-87f8-42efe2e24dd6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alanna Kierans
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Belfast BT9
Not accepting new clients
I am an experienced and compassionate Clinical Psychologist dedicated to supporting people through times of challenge and emotional distress. Through our work together, we will reflect on your experiences to create an understanding of your difficulties that is informed by psychological theory. This understanding, along with clarification of your goals for therapy, will then guide your psychological therapy plan. My aim is always to provide you with the knowledge and skills to reach a point where you no longer need me!
I am an experienced and compassionate Clinical Psychologist dedicated to supporting people through times of challenge and emotional distress. Through our work together, we will reflect on your experiences to create an understanding of your difficulties that is informed by psychological theory. This understanding, along with clarification of your goals for therapy, will then guide your psychological therapy plan. My aim is always to provide you with the knowledge and skills to reach a point where you no longer need me!
![Photo of Leanne Kernohan, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49854561-752a-4a90-b544-fcf47d402d44/1/320x400.png)
Hi thanks for visiting my profile. I am a fully qualified integrative therapist and have experience delivering counselling within the voluntary and community sector(including Emerge counselling services and start 360).As a integrative therapist I use different theories to suit each clients needs and focus on what you would like to achieve from counselling. I work with a range of areas including depression, anxiety, addictions and self-esteem and relationship issues. My hope is to provide all my clients a safe non judgemental space to explore their issues. I am a BACP member and adhere to their guidelines.
Hi thanks for visiting my profile. I am a fully qualified integrative therapist and have experience delivering counselling within the voluntary and community sector(including Emerge counselling services and start 360).As a integrative therapist I use different theories to suit each clients needs and focus on what you would like to achieve from counselling. I work with a range of areas including depression, anxiety, addictions and self-esteem and relationship issues. My hope is to provide all my clients a safe non judgemental space to explore their issues. I am a BACP member and adhere to their guidelines.
![Photo of Janette (Jinny) Coalter, MA, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a70d806d-130a-4930-b6ef-9d9b62eae9b6/1/320x400.jpeg)
A BACP reg, Integrative Therapist, trained in Humanistic, Cognitive Behavioural and Psychodynamic approaches to therapy. I'm also undertaking an MA in Anthropology because my approach considers the impact of evolutionary psychology, cultural, and socioeconomical influences. How I work with clients is also underpinned by feminist, gender and queer theory. My aim is to facilitate a space for individuals to talk and explore problems and pain, but also heighten awareness and understanding about the blocks that are maintaining their sense of stagnation. By making what is unconscious conscious we begin to create an effective way forward.
A BACP reg, Integrative Therapist, trained in Humanistic, Cognitive Behavioural and Psychodynamic approaches to therapy. I'm also undertaking an MA in Anthropology because my approach considers the impact of evolutionary psychology, cultural, and socioeconomical influences. How I work with clients is also underpinned by feminist, gender and queer theory. My aim is to facilitate a space for individuals to talk and explore problems and pain, but also heighten awareness and understanding about the blocks that are maintaining their sense of stagnation. By making what is unconscious conscious we begin to create an effective way forward.
![Photo of Jenny Kathryn Parks, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc9f0493-a5fb-4a13-8e8f-6b9a02c30222/1/320x400.jpeg)
Thanks for stopping by. I'm an integrative therapist committed to providing a natural, gentle, empathetic, professional and safe space to all who come for therapy. I'm a fully registered member of the BACP. I understand that the human experience inevitability brings difficulty and challenge. In that sense, therapy is embedded in the very art of being human and it can be an empowering tool in helping us rebuild, restore or reintegrate our incredible capacity for resilience in the face of life's challenges.
Thanks for stopping by. I'm an integrative therapist committed to providing a natural, gentle, empathetic, professional and safe space to all who come for therapy. I'm a fully registered member of the BACP. I understand that the human experience inevitability brings difficulty and challenge. In that sense, therapy is embedded in the very art of being human and it can be an empowering tool in helping us rebuild, restore or reintegrate our incredible capacity for resilience in the face of life's challenges.
![Photo of Adam Getty - Northern Ireland Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, MBABCP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c4d0c27c-9161-4a75-b0c5-fa7354de628f/3/320x400.jpeg)
Northern Ireland Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Belfast BT9
At NICBT we believe that every client is individual. We will work together with you in order to help you understand your current difficulties and make steps forward to help you achieve your goals. We operate in Belfast, but our services are available to everyone in Northern Ireland, offering one to one therapy in a confidential and calm setting. NICBT is a self referral service that offers both Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). These are two of the most effective treatment methods for depressive and anxiety related difficulties.
At NICBT we believe that every client is individual. We will work together with you in order to help you understand your current difficulties and make steps forward to help you achieve your goals. We operate in Belfast, but our services are available to everyone in Northern Ireland, offering one to one therapy in a confidential and calm setting. NICBT is a self referral service that offers both Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). These are two of the most effective treatment methods for depressive and anxiety related difficulties.
![Photo of Carol Guinan, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a38d5fe6-5fcf-4fa5-b6e3-512fd97ddfcd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carol Guinan
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Belfast BT6
Waitlist for new clients
I work with individuals (18+) who are seeking to increase their self awareness and to better understand how they think, feel and act. My therapeutic approach can help you take notice of unhelpful relational patterns that feel automatic and cause distress, worry and self doubt. As you progress in therapy, you will feel more able to respond to stressors with greater flexibility and confidence. This frees you up to think and act in a manner that serves your needs better and helps you achieve the sustainable balance you seek.
I work with individuals (18+) who are seeking to increase their self awareness and to better understand how they think, feel and act. My therapeutic approach can help you take notice of unhelpful relational patterns that feel automatic and cause distress, worry and self doubt. As you progress in therapy, you will feel more able to respond to stressors with greater flexibility and confidence. This frees you up to think and act in a manner that serves your needs better and helps you achieve the sustainable balance you seek.
![Photo of Dr Casey McGivern, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/519ab1fc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Casey McGivern
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Belfast BT4 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a fully registered Clinical Psychologist working in East Belfast. My practice is situated conveniently by the M2 and M3 motorways and close to Belfast city centre. I have over 7 years' experience working in Clinical Psychology and the area of mental health with adults, children and families. I work with a range of issues such as trauma, OCD, anxiety, depression, grief and interpersonal relationship difficulties. I have a special interest in working with new parents and pregnant people in distress or encountering difficulty related to their parenting journey (birth trauma, postnatal depression etc.).
I am a fully registered Clinical Psychologist working in East Belfast. My practice is situated conveniently by the M2 and M3 motorways and close to Belfast city centre. I have over 7 years' experience working in Clinical Psychology and the area of mental health with adults, children and families. I work with a range of issues such as trauma, OCD, anxiety, depression, grief and interpersonal relationship difficulties. I have a special interest in working with new parents and pregnant people in distress or encountering difficulty related to their parenting journey (birth trauma, postnatal depression etc.).
![Photo of John Whinnery - Psychotherapist, MSc, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c98bca0e-1c90-4da2-9bec-a0e27be59a1c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you feeling stressed, anxious, worried, just plain stuck or uncertain about the future? We've all been there, isn't it just part of life? Hi, I'm John and I want to help you get out of the dark hole you've been living in lately, I want to help you find your way back to being your best self again. See, I've been in that dark hole and I know the way out, whether you suffer from chronic stress either through work or life, anxiety and/or depression, if your living with a debilitating phobia that's stopping you living a full and active life, I want to help you. Give me a call, I can help you just like I've helped hundreds of others.
Are you feeling stressed, anxious, worried, just plain stuck or uncertain about the future? We've all been there, isn't it just part of life? Hi, I'm John and I want to help you get out of the dark hole you've been living in lately, I want to help you find your way back to being your best self again. See, I've been in that dark hole and I know the way out, whether you suffer from chronic stress either through work or life, anxiety and/or depression, if your living with a debilitating phobia that's stopping you living a full and active life, I want to help you. Give me a call, I can help you just like I've helped hundreds of others.
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![Photo of Roberta Richmond, MBACP Snr. Accred, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2bb2dd34-f023-4385-a46c-167df4e9da31/2/320x400.png)
Hello, my name is Roberta Richmond I am a BACP Senior Accredited Counsellor with years of experience as a therapist, and managing one of Belfast's largest counselling charities. I am committed to providing counselling and coaching in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment. Many of us have times in our lives when things seem too much, and we feel overwhelmed, with difficulty coping. If you’re reading this, you may be at that point yourself, and thinking about having some counselling. You may have hit a difficult patch in your relationship and are looking for someone to help you and your partner sort things out,
Hello, my name is Roberta Richmond I am a BACP Senior Accredited Counsellor with years of experience as a therapist, and managing one of Belfast's largest counselling charities. I am committed to providing counselling and coaching in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment. Many of us have times in our lives when things seem too much, and we feel overwhelmed, with difficulty coping. If you’re reading this, you may be at that point yourself, and thinking about having some counselling. You may have hit a difficult patch in your relationship and are looking for someone to help you and your partner sort things out,
![Photo of Michael Paul Reilly, MBACP Accred, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc5842e0-bb1f-4b64-873f-e468526ed72b/2/320x400.jpeg)
How do you feel right now? Can you put a word to that feeling? Feelings can often go unchecked and we don't notice until we feel overwhelmed. In modern life we are constantly bombarded with information and feel pressure to make decisions. We anxiously think about the future and regretfully think of the past. Unable to find peace in the now. A therapist can act as a companion who can help you explore your feelings in a safe environment. Help you learn more about yourself. We all have aspects of our personality that we keep hidden from others and even ourselves. Together we can explore these aspects.
How do you feel right now? Can you put a word to that feeling? Feelings can often go unchecked and we don't notice until we feel overwhelmed. In modern life we are constantly bombarded with information and feel pressure to make decisions. We anxiously think about the future and regretfully think of the past. Unable to find peace in the now. A therapist can act as a companion who can help you explore your feelings in a safe environment. Help you learn more about yourself. We all have aspects of our personality that we keep hidden from others and even ourselves. Together we can explore these aspects.
![Photo of Veronica Keenan, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/30ea5940-5401-4320-8d6c-68392adf9c32/4/320x400.jpeg)
I have extensive experience working with adolescents, adults and older adults in both the public and private sector of mental health and well-being across Northern Ireland, Ireland and England. I work with clients with a range of mild to severe mental health and well-being problems from Depression, Anxiety to PTSD, whilst specialising in Health Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
I have extensive experience working with adolescents, adults and older adults in both the public and private sector of mental health and well-being across Northern Ireland, Ireland and England. I work with clients with a range of mild to severe mental health and well-being problems from Depression, Anxiety to PTSD, whilst specialising in Health Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
![Photo of Rachael Morrison, MSc, MBACP Accred, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7f1c915a-919a-4ed5-ad59-285e2a495e8a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Adults, children and adolescents all need a space to explore and express their experiences, and for some this tends to be more difficult as they struggle to understand what they're feeling, never mind find the words to describe them to someone. People often find that when they voice their experiences, feelings, and worries, and confide in a professional who can offer support and help them make sense of these, they feel heard, understood, and often a little lighter from sharing the weight of these. I aim to help my clients to feel that little bit lighter.
Adults, children and adolescents all need a space to explore and express their experiences, and for some this tends to be more difficult as they struggle to understand what they're feeling, never mind find the words to describe them to someone. People often find that when they voice their experiences, feelings, and worries, and confide in a professional who can offer support and help them make sense of these, they feel heard, understood, and often a little lighter from sharing the weight of these. I aim to help my clients to feel that little bit lighter.
![Photo of Ross George White - Strive2Thrive, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/723f7f56-46b4-4496-953a-cc2a2f072ebf/3/320x400.jpeg)
At times, we can find it difficult to cope with challenges that we are facing. In contending with these challenges, we can lose sight of what matters to us, which only serves to intensify our problems. Strive2Thrive is a clinical psychology service that provides evidence-based approaches to help you cope with difficult thoughts and emotions and get you back on track by reconnecting with what matters to you. Whether it is feelings of anxiety, low mood, managing life transitions, or dealing with trauma, Strive2Thrive can help. In addition to one-to-one therapy, we also offer support to couples experiencing relationship difficulties.
At times, we can find it difficult to cope with challenges that we are facing. In contending with these challenges, we can lose sight of what matters to us, which only serves to intensify our problems. Strive2Thrive is a clinical psychology service that provides evidence-based approaches to help you cope with difficult thoughts and emotions and get you back on track by reconnecting with what matters to you. Whether it is feelings of anxiety, low mood, managing life transitions, or dealing with trauma, Strive2Thrive can help. In addition to one-to-one therapy, we also offer support to couples experiencing relationship difficulties.
![Photo of Liam Reilly - Belfast Psychology Services Ltd, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/415cac8e-be7a-4421-9eda-7c55d08bf142/1/320x400.jpeg)
Belfast Psychology Services Ltd
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Belfast BT9
Welcome to Belfast Psychology Services. Please visit www.belfastpsychologyservices.com, go to the "book a consultation" page and schedule a date and time for your 15 minute call. Our therapists offer psychological support for a range of difficulties including stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, anger, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and trauma. Support is also offered for neurodevelopmental disorders including Tourette Syndrome (TS) and vocal and motor tics. In addition, the service offers diagnostic assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - 2 (ADOS-2).
Welcome to Belfast Psychology Services. Please visit www.belfastpsychologyservices.com, go to the "book a consultation" page and schedule a date and time for your 15 minute call. Our therapists offer psychological support for a range of difficulties including stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, anger, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and trauma. Support is also offered for neurodevelopmental disorders including Tourette Syndrome (TS) and vocal and motor tics. In addition, the service offers diagnostic assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - 2 (ADOS-2).
![Photo of Alison Jamieson, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/268ea7ab-c902-42a4-ad32-06aba40f2c60/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you struggle with anxiety or depression? Perhaps you find it difficult to stop or control worrying and you're feeling overwhelmed? I am passionate about working with people to improve how they feel. I offer safe & confidential talking therapy in a relaxed non-judgemental manner. Working together, I can help you explore evidence based ways to manage anxiety, depression, low self esteem, panic attacks or feeling sad. My core training is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and I incorporate evidence based treatment in my work with clients.
Do you struggle with anxiety or depression? Perhaps you find it difficult to stop or control worrying and you're feeling overwhelmed? I am passionate about working with people to improve how they feel. I offer safe & confidential talking therapy in a relaxed non-judgemental manner. Working together, I can help you explore evidence based ways to manage anxiety, depression, low self esteem, panic attacks or feeling sad. My core training is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and I incorporate evidence based treatment in my work with clients.
![Photo of Robert Topping, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5170385c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I recognise that it can be hard to take that first step in asking for help therefore I have provided some information about my professional background which may help you in your decision-making. I offer a confidential, non-judgemental counselling service for individuals, providing a regular space and time for you to explore life’s current difficulties. As an integrative counsellor I believe that there is no single approach that can treat each client in all situations. Rather, each client needs to be considered as a whole and counselling techniques must be tailored to the individual needs and personal circumstances.
I recognise that it can be hard to take that first step in asking for help therefore I have provided some information about my professional background which may help you in your decision-making. I offer a confidential, non-judgemental counselling service for individuals, providing a regular space and time for you to explore life’s current difficulties. As an integrative counsellor I believe that there is no single approach that can treat each client in all situations. Rather, each client needs to be considered as a whole and counselling techniques must be tailored to the individual needs and personal circumstances.
![Photo of Nicola Poskitt - Nicola Poskitt - NP Psychotherapy, MSc, PNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/efa69f31-a023-4ca2-9a8b-ecae17bbcc5b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nicola Poskitt - NP Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MSc, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Belfast BT9 (Online Only)
Hello & welcome to my profile! I offer a discounted 1st session for all clients & combining psycho-educational, psychodynamic, dialectical- and cognitive-behavioural, humanistic, sleep and body-based tools, I tailor treatment to your needs. I help clients feel safe to identify their triggers & process the stories underneath. We get these things well managed, and healthier coping strategies introduced, so clients can have increased self-awareness, self-esteem & self-care practices, as well as improved psychological, physical & social health & wellbeing. If you contact me via Psych Today, please check your junk/spam for my reply.
Hello & welcome to my profile! I offer a discounted 1st session for all clients & combining psycho-educational, psychodynamic, dialectical- and cognitive-behavioural, humanistic, sleep and body-based tools, I tailor treatment to your needs. I help clients feel safe to identify their triggers & process the stories underneath. We get these things well managed, and healthier coping strategies introduced, so clients can have increased self-awareness, self-esteem & self-care practices, as well as improved psychological, physical & social health & wellbeing. If you contact me via Psych Today, please check your junk/spam for my reply.
See more therapy options for Belfast
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Belfast
200+
Average cost per session
£50
Counsellors in Belfast who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
89% | Depression |
88% | Self Esteem |
80% | Stress |
74% | Relationship Issues |
69% | Bereavement |
68% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
53% | AXA PPP |
49% | Bupa |
46% | Aviva |
How Counsellors in Belfast see their clients
81% | In Person and Online | |
19% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
25% | Male |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Belfast?
Search for nearby therapists or counsellors by inputting your city, postcode, or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or postcode into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
Counsellors and Psychotherapists listed in the directory are members of the main professional associations, mainly the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). Most Psychologists in the directory are accredited members of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and/or are registered in the Health and Care Professions Council (HPCP).
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given that professional memberships are not a statutory requirement for psychotherapists and counsellors in the UK, certain qualified professionals or organisations may choose not to maintain such memberships despite possessing the necessary qualifications. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given that professional memberships are not a statutory requirement for psychotherapists and counsellors in the UK, certain qualified professionals or organisations may choose not to maintain such memberships despite possessing the necessary qualifications. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counsellor?
Counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists can all provide counselling or talking therapy and have credentials and experience that enable them to do so in the UK. Psychologists have earned a degree in psychology and many are members of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and have completed a postgraduate qualification in a specialism. Counsellors and Psychotherapists are not required to have a psychology degree, but to belong to a professional organisation such as the BACP or UKCP, they are required to have completed a training course as well as clinical and supervision hours.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the UK could be between £30 - £60 when seeing a counsellor and £60 - £150 and up when seeing a clinical psychologist. If you have private insurance, your plan may cover some if not all of your sessions. You should contact your insurance provider to determine if they provide coverage for therapy sessions and to determine what, if any, requirements they might have in order for your sessions to be covered, such as a referral from your GP or medical specialist.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. The NHS Talking therapies programme offers free of charge counselling for common mental health problems like anxiety and depression. The service is available to anyone registered with a GP, though you do not necessarily need to be referred by your GP and can refer yourself directly to a Talking therapies service. The service will provide different solutions, including group and individual therapy, for a limited number of sessions which are generally up to six.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. The NHS Talking therapies programme offers free of charge counselling for common mental health problems like anxiety and depression. The service is available to anyone registered with a GP, though you do not necessarily need to be referred by your GP and can refer yourself directly to a Talking therapies service. The service will provide different solutions, including group and individual therapy, for a limited number of sessions which are generally up to six.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your postcode.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Therapists who are part of a professional organisation such as the BACP, the UKCP, or BPS are bound by an ethical framework that requires them to uphold a confidentiality agreement. Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship and only under specific circumstances, such as when there has been participation in a criminal act or act of terror, or if there is potential or known harm to the client or others, will a therapist be obligated to break the agreement. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed during the initial consultation.