Counselling in Houghton Regis
![Photo of Oliver John Whitefield, BACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f6909842-bed0-4082-abb7-d22c69c5a2dc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sometimes life’s challenges can feel like too much to handle alone. At those times it can help to have someone professional to talk to in confidence - I offer an understanding, supportive space in which we can work through lifes challenges together. My approach to psychotherapy is both affirming and challenging; supporting you to feel valued and heard whilst enabling you to move past avoidance and fear.
Sometimes life’s challenges can feel like too much to handle alone. At those times it can help to have someone professional to talk to in confidence - I offer an understanding, supportive space in which we can work through lifes challenges together. My approach to psychotherapy is both affirming and challenging; supporting you to feel valued and heard whilst enabling you to move past avoidance and fear.
![Photo of Oliver John Whitefield, BACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33c25bb9-6e53-4bdb-8ae7-8bd8b174c5d0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sometimes life’s challenges can feel like too much to handle alone. At those times it can help to have someone professional to talk to in confidence - I offer an understanding, supportive space in which we can work through lifes challenges together. My approach to psychotherapy is both affirming and challenging; supporting you to feel valued and heard whilst enabling you to move past avoidance and fear.
Sometimes life’s challenges can feel like too much to handle alone. At those times it can help to have someone professional to talk to in confidence - I offer an understanding, supportive space in which we can work through lifes challenges together. My approach to psychotherapy is both affirming and challenging; supporting you to feel valued and heard whilst enabling you to move past avoidance and fear.
![Photo of Rachel Jacqueline Honeyford, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5fe360f7-2621-4b10-8fcf-ebfd233173a5/1/320x400.jpeg)
You may have reached the place where you feel the need to share how you are feeling and thinking to make sense of your experiences, and that's where I can help. I work by providing a safe, confidential space where people can bring their feelings and thoughts and work at their own pace. My aim is to be supportive, gentle and compassionate while helping people see aspects of their situation they haven't already considered. I aim to adapt my approach to every unique individual's particular wishes, needs and circumstances.
You may have reached the place where you feel the need to share how you are feeling and thinking to make sense of your experiences, and that's where I can help. I work by providing a safe, confidential space where people can bring their feelings and thoughts and work at their own pace. My aim is to be supportive, gentle and compassionate while helping people see aspects of their situation they haven't already considered. I aim to adapt my approach to every unique individual's particular wishes, needs and circumstances.
![Photo of Renata Karlinskaite, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/90c4dc66-8838-4d72-a42d-11d7afeb42c6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Helping You to Build Healthy Self-esteem, Feel Free From Past Constraints, and Make Positive Changes! Offering online video and phone counselling, self-esteem psychotherapy and hypnotherapy sessions. As a Counsellor, I use an integrative approach to counselling, which means I go according to the client's needs and keep the therapy client centred. Alongside counselling and self-esteem coaching, I offer hypnotherapy as an effective way for reaching out the subconscious mind and targeting a specific problem. You can find more info on my website www.renatatherapies.org
Helping You to Build Healthy Self-esteem, Feel Free From Past Constraints, and Make Positive Changes! Offering online video and phone counselling, self-esteem psychotherapy and hypnotherapy sessions. As a Counsellor, I use an integrative approach to counselling, which means I go according to the client's needs and keep the therapy client centred. Alongside counselling and self-esteem coaching, I offer hypnotherapy as an effective way for reaching out the subconscious mind and targeting a specific problem. You can find more info on my website www.renatatherapies.org
![Photo of Clive Deeks, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ae25c27e-492d-415d-bb30-32e8b7ad891a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Back in the nineties when I went to my first counselling session when it seemed the only option left that I could face. In the UK back then ‘therapy’ was almost taboo and I was scared to tell a soul. Thank goodness I quickly felt safe enough to confide in my counsellor and to share with her my deepest fears for my sanity, my marriage, my high pressure job and indeed, my future (if there was to be one). I can’t remember too much about those sessions now but I always felt better just for having shared. Nowadays through counselling I help people to find and to love their inner selves, to handle whatever life throws at them and to grow.
Back in the nineties when I went to my first counselling session when it seemed the only option left that I could face. In the UK back then ‘therapy’ was almost taboo and I was scared to tell a soul. Thank goodness I quickly felt safe enough to confide in my counsellor and to share with her my deepest fears for my sanity, my marriage, my high pressure job and indeed, my future (if there was to be one). I can’t remember too much about those sessions now but I always felt better just for having shared. Nowadays through counselling I help people to find and to love their inner selves, to handle whatever life throws at them and to grow.
![Photo of Laura Duffy, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51dbc131-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, my name is Laura and I started my practice in 2014. My passion is helping people who suffer with depression and anxiety, having personal experience with both. I enjoy finding new and creative ways of helping people to find their happiness and be at one with themselves. We are all different and as such all need a different approach, we are not broken and certainly do not need fixing. We can all at some point need someone to talk to about an imbalance in our lives and by using various techniques proven to be effective you will be able to find that balance and achieve the life you want to live not only now but also in the future.
Hi, my name is Laura and I started my practice in 2014. My passion is helping people who suffer with depression and anxiety, having personal experience with both. I enjoy finding new and creative ways of helping people to find their happiness and be at one with themselves. We are all different and as such all need a different approach, we are not broken and certainly do not need fixing. We can all at some point need someone to talk to about an imbalance in our lives and by using various techniques proven to be effective you will be able to find that balance and achieve the life you want to live not only now but also in the future.
![Photo of Tracey Morison, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26711c84-6a90-4034-a96b-7b7aa4b29505/1/320x400.jpeg)
Looking for counsellor can be a daunting prospect I offer a supportive , accepting , professional and confidential Therapeutic Counselling Service where you can be yourself. Small steps can lead to big changes and you have made the first sometimes difficult step to seek help . I understand we all have bad days sometimes , in which days just don’t seem to end and where stress and anxiety can affect our whole way of being . I have many years of experience working with individuals and couples and I understand the difficulties faced and the mixed emotions that can be felt .
Looking for counsellor can be a daunting prospect I offer a supportive , accepting , professional and confidential Therapeutic Counselling Service where you can be yourself. Small steps can lead to big changes and you have made the first sometimes difficult step to seek help . I understand we all have bad days sometimes , in which days just don’t seem to end and where stress and anxiety can affect our whole way of being . I have many years of experience working with individuals and couples and I understand the difficulties faced and the mixed emotions that can be felt .
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Sithembisile Thembie Mapingire, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c2e3d7b-1d7d-4020-a148-16765e22d9c2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life is a journey that can be challenging and overwhelming. Sometimes presenting you with unexpected difficult experiences that require you to talk to someone outside of yourself, friends, and family. Acknowledging you need help and getting the right counselor is half the battle won. I will support you to express and explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential environment. Depression, anxiety, uncertainty, fear, trauma, bereavement, and abuse can leave you feeling helpless and alone. That is when you need to talk to a counselor and feel understood.
Life is a journey that can be challenging and overwhelming. Sometimes presenting you with unexpected difficult experiences that require you to talk to someone outside of yourself, friends, and family. Acknowledging you need help and getting the right counselor is half the battle won. I will support you to express and explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential environment. Depression, anxiety, uncertainty, fear, trauma, bereavement, and abuse can leave you feeling helpless and alone. That is when you need to talk to a counselor and feel understood.
![Photo of Kath Attwood - Kath Attwood couples & Individual counsellor, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/371bf952-b593-4864-9014-7952a044d48e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Taking the first steps to talk can be daunting for anyone, and change is not always easy. Looking at your life and experiences can bring up deep feelings and emotions. But finding the right counsellor for you is so important , as I honestly believe it creates the freedom to self-development and grow as an individual. I am an experienced counsellor in private practice for over 7years . I work as an integrative therapist which means I can draw upon a number of theories and approaches to help me understand my clients needs. I work with couples and individuals exploring , anxiety , loss, trauma, betrayal , addiction, and so much more .
Taking the first steps to talk can be daunting for anyone, and change is not always easy. Looking at your life and experiences can bring up deep feelings and emotions. But finding the right counsellor for you is so important , as I honestly believe it creates the freedom to self-development and grow as an individual. I am an experienced counsellor in private practice for over 7years . I work as an integrative therapist which means I can draw upon a number of theories and approaches to help me understand my clients needs. I work with couples and individuals exploring , anxiety , loss, trauma, betrayal , addiction, and so much more .
![Photo of Paulette Adams, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0de35507-60da-407f-8e2f-674c79688b7f/3/320x400.jpeg)
There are times in our lives when our ability to cope alone is significantly diminished. You may be there right now. Perhaps negative experiences from the past, or significant life changing experiences have altered the way you think, feel, or behave. You want to move forward, but just can't seem to break the cycle of shame, guilt and fear? You may be unsure who you can trust? My personal experience and faith in God's transforming power fuels my passion to come alongside the hurting, wounded, confused, lonely and voiceless as I witness broken lives being restored.
There are times in our lives when our ability to cope alone is significantly diminished. You may be there right now. Perhaps negative experiences from the past, or significant life changing experiences have altered the way you think, feel, or behave. You want to move forward, but just can't seem to break the cycle of shame, guilt and fear? You may be unsure who you can trust? My personal experience and faith in God's transforming power fuels my passion to come alongside the hurting, wounded, confused, lonely and voiceless as I witness broken lives being restored.
![Photo of Fiona Beckford, MA, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2dd6aef1-27ec-4e92-9f54-c70522c6f77b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Fiona Beckford
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Luton LU4 (Online Only)
I enjoy working with individuals, couples and family estrangements, particularly with relationship and communication breakdowns. I also have clients who identify as dual heritage and wish to explore 'who am I?' in their cultural context to address any relationship breakdown. I also support clients who have been traumatised and for those who are happy to engage, set personal development homework, so clients can witness their own progress. And as a Christian therapist, who is guided by the teachings of the Bible, I enjoy working ethiclly and opening, treating all clients with compassion, kindness and care.
I enjoy working with individuals, couples and family estrangements, particularly with relationship and communication breakdowns. I also have clients who identify as dual heritage and wish to explore 'who am I?' in their cultural context to address any relationship breakdown. I also support clients who have been traumatised and for those who are happy to engage, set personal development homework, so clients can witness their own progress. And as a Christian therapist, who is guided by the teachings of the Bible, I enjoy working ethiclly and opening, treating all clients with compassion, kindness and care.
![Photo of Rafal Jan Komorowski, MSc, GMBPsS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9b1df76d-76a7-4194-99d8-a06a06da63de/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Psychologist specializing in Clinical Psychology. I graduated Master of Sciences (MSC), (mgr) from the Institute of Psychology at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. I also completed a psychotherapy course at PCI College in Dublin. I am a certified CBT Psychotherapist with a Professional Certificate CBT Therapy. I also completed a professional course in Neurolinguistic Therapy at the Institute of Neurolinguistics in Warsaw. I participated in many additional courses and workshops to improve my interests and professional qualifications. I am currently in the HCPC registration process. I am member of The BPS and The PTP.
I am a Psychologist specializing in Clinical Psychology. I graduated Master of Sciences (MSC), (mgr) from the Institute of Psychology at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. I also completed a psychotherapy course at PCI College in Dublin. I am a certified CBT Psychotherapist with a Professional Certificate CBT Therapy. I also completed a professional course in Neurolinguistic Therapy at the Institute of Neurolinguistics in Warsaw. I participated in many additional courses and workshops to improve my interests and professional qualifications. I am currently in the HCPC registration process. I am member of The BPS and The PTP.
![Photo of Sumeet Grover, MUKCP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b50ad8a-0460-44fe-b59d-c3221e91ebab/1/320x400.jpeg)
The experience of coming for therapy is an opportunity for you to discover for the first (or subsequent) time in life that you can let go of all the judgements, the fear and hesitation, and begin to talk about what is bothering you. We become wounded within a sense of connectedness - in families, relationships, friendships and society - and paradoxically it is within a sense of connectedness that we can begin to heal. Healing the emotional brain takes time, but it is a creative and deeply fulfilling process that brings wonderful gifts with itself. I help my clients to begin to feel more balanced and calm within their mind and body.
The experience of coming for therapy is an opportunity for you to discover for the first (or subsequent) time in life that you can let go of all the judgements, the fear and hesitation, and begin to talk about what is bothering you. We become wounded within a sense of connectedness - in families, relationships, friendships and society - and paradoxically it is within a sense of connectedness that we can begin to heal. Healing the emotional brain takes time, but it is a creative and deeply fulfilling process that brings wonderful gifts with itself. I help my clients to begin to feel more balanced and calm within their mind and body.
![Photo of Inga Krzyzanowska de Sloan, MA, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74ae58f5-b525-4161-a823-8167cac85570/2/320x400.jpeg)
Inga Krzyzanowska de Sloan
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dunstable LU5
I'm a fully qualified, HCPC registered Art Psychotherapist based from MK / Luton, but I work throughout the Home Counties. I utilise a creative process with clients who present with a wide range of difficulties such as low mood, attachment or relational issues, trauma, psychosis, personality disorders, self-harming behaviours, low self-esteem and anxiety disorders. Art Psychotherapy can enable you to stabilise moods, explore unconscious processes and make progress toward recovery. Using art materials encourages you to express feelings which are difficult to express in words, in a safe, compassionate, non-judgemental space.
I'm a fully qualified, HCPC registered Art Psychotherapist based from MK / Luton, but I work throughout the Home Counties. I utilise a creative process with clients who present with a wide range of difficulties such as low mood, attachment or relational issues, trauma, psychosis, personality disorders, self-harming behaviours, low self-esteem and anxiety disorders. Art Psychotherapy can enable you to stabilise moods, explore unconscious processes and make progress toward recovery. Using art materials encourages you to express feelings which are difficult to express in words, in a safe, compassionate, non-judgemental space.
![Photo of Janice Teh, UKCP Trainee, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f89baa5-e220-4769-8b3b-f41755951f07/2/320x400.jpeg)
I offer therapy to individuals aged 18+ in the Dunstable and Milton Keynes areas. I can help you explore any emotional difficulties you may have. Sometimes we don't know why we keep reacting to others the way we do. We just know we don't want to feel the way we feel anymore. Perhaps you seem to have everything together on the surface but underneath you feel overwhelmed, and you worry about what others might think of you if they knew the truth. You may have been trying to figure this out on your own but get frustrated because nothing seems to work. Maybe you feel that your issue is too insignificant and others have bigger problems.
I offer therapy to individuals aged 18+ in the Dunstable and Milton Keynes areas. I can help you explore any emotional difficulties you may have. Sometimes we don't know why we keep reacting to others the way we do. We just know we don't want to feel the way we feel anymore. Perhaps you seem to have everything together on the surface but underneath you feel overwhelmed, and you worry about what others might think of you if they knew the truth. You may have been trying to figure this out on your own but get frustrated because nothing seems to work. Maybe you feel that your issue is too insignificant and others have bigger problems.
![Photo of Inge Robinson - Turning Leaf Counselling UK, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17e4db40-e57c-406c-9f77-0365cb59a0ec/1/320x400.jpeg)
Turning Leaf Counselling UK
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dunstable LU6 (Online Only)
Do you regularly find yourself overwhelmed by the stresses and struggles in your life? Do you ask yourself, will I ever be 'better' or 'normal' (what is normal, I hear you say) how do you experience 'yourself' are you happy with who you are, or would you like to change? Are there people in your life whose behaviour towards you is overwhelming or disruptive, do you find it hard to say 'no' to these individuals? Are you anxious or worried about the future, or even the present and how you are coping with life? If this is you, I believe I can help, and work with you to turn things around and give you the tools to change.
Do you regularly find yourself overwhelmed by the stresses and struggles in your life? Do you ask yourself, will I ever be 'better' or 'normal' (what is normal, I hear you say) how do you experience 'yourself' are you happy with who you are, or would you like to change? Are there people in your life whose behaviour towards you is overwhelming or disruptive, do you find it hard to say 'no' to these individuals? Are you anxious or worried about the future, or even the present and how you are coping with life? If this is you, I believe I can help, and work with you to turn things around and give you the tools to change.
![Photo of Ella Sherlock, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d8f30368-74ee-4542-b31d-7b9556dbc2d4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ella is an experienced Clinical Psychologist and specialist in helping people live well with a range of physical and mental health conditions. She will provide space to listen to your story whilst assessing your needs. You will be able to create an individualised treatment plan together. Ella will help you to understand what is happening in your mind and body and feel more empowered to cope. The treatments she offers are drawn from up-to-date research in line with the latest national NICE guidance. Ella will work with you to address your self-defined goals and she will show you some psychological tools to help you track the changes.
Ella is an experienced Clinical Psychologist and specialist in helping people live well with a range of physical and mental health conditions. She will provide space to listen to your story whilst assessing your needs. You will be able to create an individualised treatment plan together. Ella will help you to understand what is happening in your mind and body and feel more empowered to cope. The treatments she offers are drawn from up-to-date research in line with the latest national NICE guidance. Ella will work with you to address your self-defined goals and she will show you some psychological tools to help you track the changes.
![Photo of Elaine Jenkins, MBACP Accred, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5bf00862-f48d-4ef4-b9ab-18e2d33aec97/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, and welcome to my profile. Being an experienced counsellor of 15 years, I can support you to heal and grow. Counselling is not just about the 'problem', but also about your self awareness, your personal self development and strengthening your ability to cope when times are tough. Anxiety, depression, addictions, relationships challenges, low self esteem, intrusive thoughts, overthinking, to name but a few, are all reactions of your own life experiences from a young age. Counselling explores this, and as a professional Integrative Therapist, together, we can work towards healing old wounds. Encouraging life in presence.
Hello, and welcome to my profile. Being an experienced counsellor of 15 years, I can support you to heal and grow. Counselling is not just about the 'problem', but also about your self awareness, your personal self development and strengthening your ability to cope when times are tough. Anxiety, depression, addictions, relationships challenges, low self esteem, intrusive thoughts, overthinking, to name but a few, are all reactions of your own life experiences from a young age. Counselling explores this, and as a professional Integrative Therapist, together, we can work towards healing old wounds. Encouraging life in presence.
![Photo of Geeta McElwee, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/beaf7587-dc55-44fe-8db0-92eb42d208ac/2/320x400.jpeg)
From time to time, we all need a little support to help us navigate through the tough times. I believe that everyone's experience is unique and I am committed to providing a confidential and understanding environment where you can feel truly heard and valued. I work with a wide range of issues which include trauma, depression, post natal depression, anxiety, low mood, low self esteem, anger, relationship challenges, social anxiety, school related stress and confidence issues. Alongside my private practice, I am a school counsellor and also work with an agency offering counselling to survivors of sexual assault and abuse.
From time to time, we all need a little support to help us navigate through the tough times. I believe that everyone's experience is unique and I am committed to providing a confidential and understanding environment where you can feel truly heard and valued. I work with a wide range of issues which include trauma, depression, post natal depression, anxiety, low mood, low self esteem, anger, relationship challenges, social anxiety, school related stress and confidence issues. Alongside my private practice, I am a school counsellor and also work with an agency offering counselling to survivors of sexual assault and abuse.
![Photo of Colin Keith Johnson, ACC-AC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ff30a87f-1376-4089-8871-30610d0ab4c0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Life can at times seem overwhelming and if that's true for you then meeting with a caring, supportive counsellor can really help. Maybe you've experienced a loss or there's a trauma from your past which is still disturbing you. Perhaps you're struggling with anxiety, lack of confidence or you just want space to work through your feelings and why you behave in the way you do. You could be someone who doesn’t want to talk in depth about a past event, if so, you could benefit from EMDR therapy where traumatic memories are processed through guided eye movements. Whatever the issue is I am a good listener and want to help if I can.
Life can at times seem overwhelming and if that's true for you then meeting with a caring, supportive counsellor can really help. Maybe you've experienced a loss or there's a trauma from your past which is still disturbing you. Perhaps you're struggling with anxiety, lack of confidence or you just want space to work through your feelings and why you behave in the way you do. You could be someone who doesn’t want to talk in depth about a past event, if so, you could benefit from EMDR therapy where traumatic memories are processed through guided eye movements. Whatever the issue is I am a good listener and want to help if I can.
See more therapy options for Houghton Regis
Nearby Searches for Houghton Regis
- Ampthill
- Berkhamsted
- Bourne End
- Bovingdon
- Dunstable
- Harpenden
- Hitchin
- Leighton Buzzard
- Luton
- Redbourn
- Tring
- Woburn
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Houghton Regis
< 10
Counsellors in Houghton Regis who prioritize treating:
86% | Depression |
86% | Anxiety |
86% | Bereavement |
86% | Self Esteem |
86% | Stress |
71% | Sleep or Insomnia |
57% | Relationship Issues |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Gender breakdown
58% | Female | |
42% | Male |
How Counsellors in Houghton Regis see their clients
86% | In Person and Online | |
14% | Online Only |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Houghton Regis?
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.