Counselling in London
I have lived & worked in London most of my life. I am an experienced & qualified psychotherapist/coaching psychologist mostly working with a mix of cognitive behavioural therapy CBT & Psychodynamic theory. I have seen countless clients improve with these techniques over the years. I work efficiently to reach goals quickly, valuing time, cultivating motivation, and improving clients' sense of control. Most importantly, my role is active and seeks to first establish what the problems are, focusing therapy around these issues, and targeting them directly. I find this far more effective than relying solely on talking and listening.
I have lived & worked in London most of my life. I am an experienced & qualified psychotherapist/coaching psychologist mostly working with a mix of cognitive behavioural therapy CBT & Psychodynamic theory. I have seen countless clients improve with these techniques over the years. I work efficiently to reach goals quickly, valuing time, cultivating motivation, and improving clients' sense of control. Most importantly, my role is active and seeks to first establish what the problems are, focusing therapy around these issues, and targeting them directly. I find this far more effective than relying solely on talking and listening.
Through crisis, we have the opportunity to grow and develop towards our full potential as human beings. My aim as a psychotherapist is to help you face life's difficulties and to explore ways of dealing with them. While I have many years of experience and training in therapy and counselling, I believe that you hold the power to heal yourself and have the answers to your problems within you. Our work together will largely be based on finding these answers, whilst giving you the tools to deal with your inner and outer struggles.
Through crisis, we have the opportunity to grow and develop towards our full potential as human beings. My aim as a psychotherapist is to help you face life's difficulties and to explore ways of dealing with them. While I have many years of experience and training in therapy and counselling, I believe that you hold the power to heal yourself and have the answers to your problems within you. Our work together will largely be based on finding these answers, whilst giving you the tools to deal with your inner and outer struggles.
My approach is one of deep listening to what you bring. I offer gentle and caring support coupled with the belief in your inherent ability to heal. I work collaboratively, not giving advice but offering alternative perspectives and possibilities, interpretations, and a sense of containment and emotional holding. I believe that sustainable and safe change takes time and I follow the pace set by the client and work within their window of tolerance, which may change from session to session.
My approach is one of deep listening to what you bring. I offer gentle and caring support coupled with the belief in your inherent ability to heal. I work collaboratively, not giving advice but offering alternative perspectives and possibilities, interpretations, and a sense of containment and emotional holding. I believe that sustainable and safe change takes time and I follow the pace set by the client and work within their window of tolerance, which may change from session to session.
I have worked in addictions for over 20 years, typically I have supported clients to reduce alcohol use. I have supported clients with mild to moderate depression and or anxiety, All clients are individual and come with different goals in therapy, this can be to reduce substances and learn how to cope with emotions that come up. I have also worked with clients who have suffered bereavement or any type of loss.
I have worked in addictions for over 20 years, typically I have supported clients to reduce alcohol use. I have supported clients with mild to moderate depression and or anxiety, All clients are individual and come with different goals in therapy, this can be to reduce substances and learn how to cope with emotions that come up. I have also worked with clients who have suffered bereavement or any type of loss.
The Connected Self Therapy
Counsellor, MA, BACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
London E15 (Online Only)
Hi, it’s nice to meet you, my name is Pavan and I founded The Connected Self Therapy. We all need a place where we feel safe, heard and empowered to talk about the things that matter to us. Somewhere, that we can talk about everything from unhelpful patterns of behaviour, anxiety, trauma to feeling stuck. As, a Counsellor, EMDR therapist, Embodiment coach, NLP and Hypnotherapy practitioner, I’m here to provide a space just for you, where you can be vulnerable and explore what is happening in your life to enable you to build a secure sense of self that supports you through any challenging moments.
Hi, it’s nice to meet you, my name is Pavan and I founded The Connected Self Therapy. We all need a place where we feel safe, heard and empowered to talk about the things that matter to us. Somewhere, that we can talk about everything from unhelpful patterns of behaviour, anxiety, trauma to feeling stuck. As, a Counsellor, EMDR therapist, Embodiment coach, NLP and Hypnotherapy practitioner, I’m here to provide a space just for you, where you can be vulnerable and explore what is happening in your life to enable you to build a secure sense of self that supports you through any challenging moments.
Talking is the key. Hearing oneself speak is essential to getting to know oneself and deepening the primary relationship with ourselves. I will invite you to tell your story, how you got where you are today, what you are feeling and what you don’t want to be feeling. Being heard and witnessed is also essential in the healing process. As an ‘Integrative therapist’, I draw upon a combination of ideas and techniques, and I work with you as a whole person, paying attention to both the physical and psychological processes and how they are connecting together.
Talking is the key. Hearing oneself speak is essential to getting to know oneself and deepening the primary relationship with ourselves. I will invite you to tell your story, how you got where you are today, what you are feeling and what you don’t want to be feeling. Being heard and witnessed is also essential in the healing process. As an ‘Integrative therapist’, I draw upon a combination of ideas and techniques, and I work with you as a whole person, paying attention to both the physical and psychological processes and how they are connecting together.
I am an integrative psychotherapist and Somatic Experiencing practitioner. What does this mean? I have extensive training in supporting people of all ages to feel more themselves, whether this is through helping them to recover from traumatic events, reducing current anxiety and depression symptoms or increasing their overall sense of purpose and joy.
I am an integrative psychotherapist and Somatic Experiencing practitioner. What does this mean? I have extensive training in supporting people of all ages to feel more themselves, whether this is through helping them to recover from traumatic events, reducing current anxiety and depression symptoms or increasing their overall sense of purpose and joy.
I am a Family & Systemic Psychotherapist and Social Worker, with over 14 years experience. There are times in our lives when we are presented with challenges that requires support in order for us to be able to make sense of our experiences. I am interested in thinking about how our relationships, patterns of behaviour and early experiences have contributed to the current narratives we hold about ourselves. My first profession as a Social Worker means that I am guided by ideas around social Justice, empowerment, advocacy and anti-racist practice. I am able to work with a diverse range of people.
I am a Family & Systemic Psychotherapist and Social Worker, with over 14 years experience. There are times in our lives when we are presented with challenges that requires support in order for us to be able to make sense of our experiences. I am interested in thinking about how our relationships, patterns of behaviour and early experiences have contributed to the current narratives we hold about ourselves. My first profession as a Social Worker means that I am guided by ideas around social Justice, empowerment, advocacy and anti-racist practice. I am able to work with a diverse range of people.
I'm a qualified and registered psychotherapist with experience working within the charity sector. I've worked with children & families for many years, which has given me a deep understanding of childhood experiences and how they carry through into adult life. Through this I have develop great empathy and understanding of the struggles and overwhelming feelings one has when thinking about their past and present life experiences, thoughts, and feelings. I have helped my clients gain greater understanding of themselves, identify the past and present links and enabled them to make sense of them, and work with them in the present moment.
I'm a qualified and registered psychotherapist with experience working within the charity sector. I've worked with children & families for many years, which has given me a deep understanding of childhood experiences and how they carry through into adult life. Through this I have develop great empathy and understanding of the struggles and overwhelming feelings one has when thinking about their past and present life experiences, thoughts, and feelings. I have helped my clients gain greater understanding of themselves, identify the past and present links and enabled them to make sense of them, and work with them in the present moment.
If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you are not in a good place. Maybe slightly off the track, struggling to make sense of your thoughts and feelings, or perhaps completely overwhelmed. You may need support, guidance, or just an empathetic other who can give you their undivided attention in a safe place where you don’t need to censor yourself. I have an MSc in psychodynamic psychotherapy and counselling. I work at the NHS both as an adult psychotherapist at a complex trauma unit, and as a perinatal psychotherapist working with pregnant women, and vulnerable parents and their infants and toddlers.
If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you are not in a good place. Maybe slightly off the track, struggling to make sense of your thoughts and feelings, or perhaps completely overwhelmed. You may need support, guidance, or just an empathetic other who can give you their undivided attention in a safe place where you don’t need to censor yourself. I have an MSc in psychodynamic psychotherapy and counselling. I work at the NHS both as an adult psychotherapist at a complex trauma unit, and as a perinatal psychotherapist working with pregnant women, and vulnerable parents and their infants and toddlers.
I offer a safe, non-judging and confidential therapeutic space where thoughts and feelings can be shared and explored. The therapeutic journey I believe can serve as an opportunity to uncover one’s inner resources and resilience, as well as an opportunity to discover new and more flexible ways of relating to oneself, others and life. My psychotherapy training is in a mindfulness based approach called Core Process Psychotherapy (CPP). This particular approach integrates concepts of mindfulness and awareness with modern psychological perspectives and theories.
I offer a safe, non-judging and confidential therapeutic space where thoughts and feelings can be shared and explored. The therapeutic journey I believe can serve as an opportunity to uncover one’s inner resources and resilience, as well as an opportunity to discover new and more flexible ways of relating to oneself, others and life. My psychotherapy training is in a mindfulness based approach called Core Process Psychotherapy (CPP). This particular approach integrates concepts of mindfulness and awareness with modern psychological perspectives and theories.
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You are special and unique. The ReWise Project focuses on Mental Health, Wellbeing and Emotional Recovery. We offer counselling and support groups to anybody who need therapeutic support. We strongly believe in the holistic approach and think that only with this movement, transformation and long lasting results can be achieved and, most importantly, maintained. We facilitate our clients to move forward with a sense of direction, clarity, inspiration and self-confidence. We will work with you to assess and find your hidden resources, skills, capabilities and inner strength that you might not even been aware of.
You are special and unique. The ReWise Project focuses on Mental Health, Wellbeing and Emotional Recovery. We offer counselling and support groups to anybody who need therapeutic support. We strongly believe in the holistic approach and think that only with this movement, transformation and long lasting results can be achieved and, most importantly, maintained. We facilitate our clients to move forward with a sense of direction, clarity, inspiration and self-confidence. We will work with you to assess and find your hidden resources, skills, capabilities and inner strength that you might not even been aware of.
I am a trauma informed therapeutic counsellor working with body mind connection in a counselling setting. I believe that everyone has an innate ability to heal and therefore I strive to create a warm and compassionate space for my clients to access this healing.
I am a trauma informed therapeutic counsellor working with body mind connection in a counselling setting. I believe that everyone has an innate ability to heal and therefore I strive to create a warm and compassionate space for my clients to access this healing.
Dr Alison Pak completed her BSc (Hons) at University College, London, a Masters in Social and Developmental Psychology at the University of Cambridge, and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at University College, London. She has experience working in various NHS settings and in private practice, and is currently based in a practice in South West London. Dr Pak draws on a range of therapeutic models (e.g., Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy), often including creativity as one of her core competencies.
Dr Alison Pak completed her BSc (Hons) at University College, London, a Masters in Social and Developmental Psychology at the University of Cambridge, and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at University College, London. She has experience working in various NHS settings and in private practice, and is currently based in a practice in South West London. Dr Pak draws on a range of therapeutic models (e.g., Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy), often including creativity as one of her core competencies.
As a psychotherapeutic counsellor, I will encourage awareness, and facilitate change, using transactional analysis psychotherapy tools and drawing on my rich personal life experience and previous work with clients. I work with a broad range of clients who come to me with anxiety, depression, addiction, grief and loss, relationship, work issues, stress, and low self-esteem.
As a psychotherapeutic counsellor, I will encourage awareness, and facilitate change, using transactional analysis psychotherapy tools and drawing on my rich personal life experience and previous work with clients. I work with a broad range of clients who come to me with anxiety, depression, addiction, grief and loss, relationship, work issues, stress, and low self-esteem.
There are times in everyone's life when things can feel overwhelming. At others, we can find ourselves repeating unhelpful or destructive patterns in our behaviour or relationships. At these difficult, and sometimes very distressing times, therapy can, quite literally, be a life-saver. For others, therapy can be an exciting and challenging space for personal development, growth and exploration. I have worked in the field of mental health for over 20 years. I work in both the NHS and as a consultant in Private Practice. I am also a senior tutor at the Minster Centre a pre-eminent training organisation for Psychotherapists.
There are times in everyone's life when things can feel overwhelming. At others, we can find ourselves repeating unhelpful or destructive patterns in our behaviour or relationships. At these difficult, and sometimes very distressing times, therapy can, quite literally, be a life-saver. For others, therapy can be an exciting and challenging space for personal development, growth and exploration. I have worked in the field of mental health for over 20 years. I work in both the NHS and as a consultant in Private Practice. I am also a senior tutor at the Minster Centre a pre-eminent training organisation for Psychotherapists.
My integrative training and years of experience enables me to draw on a range of psychological therapies in my work with children, adults, couples and families. I work with a range of difficulties including depressions, anxiety, trauma and relationship difficulties.
My integrative training and years of experience enables me to draw on a range of psychological therapies in my work with children, adults, couples and families. I work with a range of difficulties including depressions, anxiety, trauma and relationship difficulties.
As a certified Person-centred therapist and counsellor, I use a pluralistic a approach to help my clients start their journey of self-discovery, to find their true voice, and empower themselves to follow their path courageously and meaningfully.
As a certified Person-centred therapist and counsellor, I use a pluralistic a approach to help my clients start their journey of self-discovery, to find their true voice, and empower themselves to follow their path courageously and meaningfully.
I am an integrative psychotherapist who offers a safe and supportive space to talk about whatever is going on in your life.
I am an integrative psychotherapist who offers a safe and supportive space to talk about whatever is going on in your life.
Sometimes our problems feel too huge or too painful, sometimes they feel too small to believe they will be taken seriously. Sometimes they just feel too weird, or embarrassing. I welcome you wherever you find yourself, without judgment or expectation. As we work together to unpick the issues you feel are in question, my hope for you is that you will make new discoveries about your sense of yourself. We will explore your present experience, bring your patterns of relating into your awareness, tracing how your past impacts your present, so that you can find your own unique way through the maze and noise, rebuilding your self-love.
Sometimes our problems feel too huge or too painful, sometimes they feel too small to believe they will be taken seriously. Sometimes they just feel too weird, or embarrassing. I welcome you wherever you find yourself, without judgment or expectation. As we work together to unpick the issues you feel are in question, my hope for you is that you will make new discoveries about your sense of yourself. We will explore your present experience, bring your patterns of relating into your awareness, tracing how your past impacts your present, so that you can find your own unique way through the maze and noise, rebuilding your self-love.
See more therapy options for London
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in London
3,000+
Average cost per session
£75
Counsellors in London who prioritize treating:
91% | Anxiety |
86% | Depression |
84% | Self Esteem |
81% | Relationship Issues |
79% | Stress |
66% | Trauma and PTSD |
63% | Bereavement |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
70% | Aviva |
64% | AXA PPP |
57% | Vitality |
How Counsellors in London see their clients
75% | In Person and Online | |
25% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
24% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in London?
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.