Counselling in South Kensington, London
![Photo of Tara Gallagher. Talking Therapy. Emdr. Couples Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b87e9b8-6544-4a8a-bbc8-44a4214324e9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tara Gallagher. Talking Therapy. Emdr. Couples Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Kensington, London SW7
Since 2009, I've been committed to supporting clients in their healing journey by offering talking therapy and conducting over 4000 successful EMDR sessions. Specialised training with Esther Perel enriches my marriage counselling approach, exploring issues like freedom versus security, struggles with intimacy and connection, emotional shutdowns, conflicts over finances and recurring arguments. In therapy, we start by understanding your story's narrative. We unravel underlying beliefs like "I'm not good enough," "It's my fault," and "I'm unsafe." Together, we collaborate to establish secure attachment and facilitate repair.
Since 2009, I've been committed to supporting clients in their healing journey by offering talking therapy and conducting over 4000 successful EMDR sessions. Specialised training with Esther Perel enriches my marriage counselling approach, exploring issues like freedom versus security, struggles with intimacy and connection, emotional shutdowns, conflicts over finances and recurring arguments. In therapy, we start by understanding your story's narrative. We unravel underlying beliefs like "I'm not good enough," "It's my fault," and "I'm unsafe." Together, we collaborate to establish secure attachment and facilitate repair.
![Photo of Kasia Aleksandra Richter - Wellbeing Strategist , MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c2dcc6db-df07-4964-8c56-cc6dbc350e2b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Change brings opportunity, all you need to know is how to navigate through it. This process can feel overwhelming. I can help. I am offering help to people experiencing difficulties going through a career transition or experiencing chronic stress and burnout. I am author of " Burnout Recovery Guide For Female Entrepreneurs", available on Amazon. My clients can also benefit from a holistic experience of wellbeing retreats for busy decision-makers and action takers, offering them safe space to recharge.
Change brings opportunity, all you need to know is how to navigate through it. This process can feel overwhelming. I can help. I am offering help to people experiencing difficulties going through a career transition or experiencing chronic stress and burnout. I am author of " Burnout Recovery Guide For Female Entrepreneurs", available on Amazon. My clients can also benefit from a holistic experience of wellbeing retreats for busy decision-makers and action takers, offering them safe space to recharge.
![Photo of Lee Martin: Mbacp(Sen.accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip Emdr(Accred), MA, MBACP Snr. Accred, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40ff4f42-a644-4483-a2e1-970ec1072b59/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lee Martin: Mbacp(Sen.accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip Emdr(Accred)
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
South Kensington, London SW7 (Online Only)
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
![Photo of Monica Susanne Mason, MA, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54a7d508-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Monica Susanne Mason
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
South Kensington, London SW7
Modern life in a big city like London can be exciting but also unsettling at times. It is easy to sometimes feel overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, alone and at loss of where to start. Therapy can help in times of uncertainty. By exploring your thoughts and feelings from both past and present, links can be made to increase your understanding and thereby helping you moving forward. Increased self knowledge and insight can be crucial in forming close and authentic relationships with others, often bringing higher self esteem as a result. Therapy can be a good support and give you hope when you are going through a difficult time.
Modern life in a big city like London can be exciting but also unsettling at times. It is easy to sometimes feel overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, alone and at loss of where to start. Therapy can help in times of uncertainty. By exploring your thoughts and feelings from both past and present, links can be made to increase your understanding and thereby helping you moving forward. Increased self knowledge and insight can be crucial in forming close and authentic relationships with others, often bringing higher self esteem as a result. Therapy can be a good support and give you hope when you are going through a difficult time.
![Photo of Bozena Skarbek-Cielecka, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d5861f7c-5d48-4754-8a0c-a7c8c4435f2b/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a UKCP accredited psychodynamic psychotherapist holding a membership with the College of Psychoanalysis and Jungian Analysis. My main modality is psychodynamic, although I integrate different approaches such as art, music therapy and body awareness work. I prefer to work collaboratively to help us choose the best approach that will meet your needs. I have a high degree of skill and understanding of underlying issues and difficulties that may not be obvious to you. I practice in a warm, empathetic, and compassionate way.
I am a UKCP accredited psychodynamic psychotherapist holding a membership with the College of Psychoanalysis and Jungian Analysis. My main modality is psychodynamic, although I integrate different approaches such as art, music therapy and body awareness work. I prefer to work collaboratively to help us choose the best approach that will meet your needs. I have a high degree of skill and understanding of underlying issues and difficulties that may not be obvious to you. I practice in a warm, empathetic, and compassionate way.
![Photo of Alisa Serik, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3130bd0-e21b-444c-be22-fe5570ab5b68/2/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Alisa Serik, and I am a psychologist and psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapist. My work involves utilizing psychoanalytic methods to help my clients achieve a deep understanding of their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is a profound and intensive form of talk therapy that enables the exploration of the origins of emotional issues and facilitates their fundamental transformation.
My name is Alisa Serik, and I am a psychologist and psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapist. My work involves utilizing psychoanalytic methods to help my clients achieve a deep understanding of their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is a profound and intensive form of talk therapy that enables the exploration of the origins of emotional issues and facilitates their fundamental transformation.
![Photo of Victoria Smith, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/529106ee-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a qualified and registered Integrative Counsellor with many years experience working with those suffering from anxiety, depression, stress, adolescent issues, trauma, anger management, relationship problems and much more. I offer solution focused short-term counselling or long-term open ended psychotherapy. I work in a supportive, caring and non-judgemental manner and offer a safe space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings.
I am a qualified and registered Integrative Counsellor with many years experience working with those suffering from anxiety, depression, stress, adolescent issues, trauma, anger management, relationship problems and much more. I offer solution focused short-term counselling or long-term open ended psychotherapy. I work in a supportive, caring and non-judgemental manner and offer a safe space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings.
![Photo of Patrick Hentsch, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e5a273f6-f4a1-443a-b292-50453267d8b3/1/320x400.jpeg)
My purpose is to guide and facilitate my clients toward an empowered, spiritually connected, and self-directed life. Individuals who are discouraged by, and feel powerless over their impulsivity and compulsions, battle against their own behaviors, emotions, and thoughts, and who have lost their connection to living in joy, are those I feel compassionately called to serve.
My purpose is to guide and facilitate my clients toward an empowered, spiritually connected, and self-directed life. Individuals who are discouraged by, and feel powerless over their impulsivity and compulsions, battle against their own behaviors, emotions, and thoughts, and who have lost their connection to living in joy, are those I feel compassionately called to serve.
![Photo of Coralie Tauty, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ee365d3c-4a54-4b08-a439-6a02c0187c33/3/320x400.jpeg)
Coralie Tauty
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
South Kensington, London SW7 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
What if you could experience pleasurable sex without worries, pain, shame, or sexual function difficulties? What if you could be supported in healing from sexual trauma? What if you could set healthy boundaries and communicate your needs and preferences? What if you could explore, understand, and enjoy your sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual desire, and eroticism? Perhaps you don’t know what’s wrong but you’re feeling anxious or confused about intimacy. Perhaps you've identified beliefs or past experiences that stop you from enjoying your sexuality. I invite you to get in touch with me for psychosexual therapy.
What if you could experience pleasurable sex without worries, pain, shame, or sexual function difficulties? What if you could be supported in healing from sexual trauma? What if you could set healthy boundaries and communicate your needs and preferences? What if you could explore, understand, and enjoy your sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual desire, and eroticism? Perhaps you don’t know what’s wrong but you’re feeling anxious or confused about intimacy. Perhaps you've identified beliefs or past experiences that stop you from enjoying your sexuality. I invite you to get in touch with me for psychosexual therapy.
![Photo of Cristina Codognato, MUKCP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e57a9f95-37c3-4127-a4ec-36c1e4b8a7fb/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a qualified psychoanalytic psychotherapist accredited with UKCP. I have many years of experience in working with all kinds of emotional difficulties, including depression and anxiety. I have a pluralistic approach, which enables me to draw upon a broad range of theories and psychoanalytic perspectives in the process of therapy. I have also studied for many years at Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, and I have experience in parenting issues and working with mothers and new babies.
I am a qualified psychoanalytic psychotherapist accredited with UKCP. I have many years of experience in working with all kinds of emotional difficulties, including depression and anxiety. I have a pluralistic approach, which enables me to draw upon a broad range of theories and psychoanalytic perspectives in the process of therapy. I have also studied for many years at Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, and I have experience in parenting issues and working with mothers and new babies.
![Photo of Jo-Anne Karlsson, MSc, GMBPsS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47006e7c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
A confidential, non-judgmental space where you can explore positive and challenging aspects of your life and any change you wish to explore or make. I have personal experience in sexual, physical, emotional and mental abuse; divorce; living with a Narcissist; step-parenting and living in an Ex-pat community. The approaches I predominantly use are Solution Focused, Bowenian Systemic approach, Brainspotting or Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP). All approaches work with clients, though I have found 'Walk and Talk' or EFP best for adolescents or those suffering with PTSD or Trauma, along with Brainspotting.
A confidential, non-judgmental space where you can explore positive and challenging aspects of your life and any change you wish to explore or make. I have personal experience in sexual, physical, emotional and mental abuse; divorce; living with a Narcissist; step-parenting and living in an Ex-pat community. The approaches I predominantly use are Solution Focused, Bowenian Systemic approach, Brainspotting or Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP). All approaches work with clients, though I have found 'Walk and Talk' or EFP best for adolescents or those suffering with PTSD or Trauma, along with Brainspotting.
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![Photo of Luca d'Avanzo, MA, BPC, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/38221297-3af6-4b50-8ca1-52edf38b7182/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am trained as an Adult Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist (British Psychotherapy Foundation) as well as a Child/Adolescent Psychotherapist (Tavistock Clinic in London). The breadth of my training allows me to explore a client's experience at a deeper level, understanding with them how their life's experiences have shaped their feelings and relationships today. There are many ways of encapsulating what psychotherapy provides but for me it boils down to finding relief through self-understanding and from this comes choice and the possibility of living life differently. I work with individuals, couples as parents and families.
I am trained as an Adult Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist (British Psychotherapy Foundation) as well as a Child/Adolescent Psychotherapist (Tavistock Clinic in London). The breadth of my training allows me to explore a client's experience at a deeper level, understanding with them how their life's experiences have shaped their feelings and relationships today. There are many ways of encapsulating what psychotherapy provides but for me it boils down to finding relief through self-understanding and from this comes choice and the possibility of living life differently. I work with individuals, couples as parents and families.
![Photo of Henrietta Rose Whitfield, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5696a115-931b-46ce-8837-fa60ac0998b2/3/320x400.jpeg)
Henrietta Rose Whitfield
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
South Kensington, London SW7
Life and relationships are not easy to navigate, and if you’re experiencing anxiety and depression, or going through difficult times, things can feel overwhelming. I understand how difficulties cause you to lose your sense of control, your overall wellbeing and even your sense of who you are. These are normal experiences, but if you’re struggling to feel a basic sense of joy about being you, or if your relationships are causing you more pain than pleasure, then it might be time to seek help. It can be difficult to imagine how talking therapy can help, but together we can work towards symptomatic relief and the freedom to be youself.
Life and relationships are not easy to navigate, and if you’re experiencing anxiety and depression, or going through difficult times, things can feel overwhelming. I understand how difficulties cause you to lose your sense of control, your overall wellbeing and even your sense of who you are. These are normal experiences, but if you’re struggling to feel a basic sense of joy about being you, or if your relationships are causing you more pain than pleasure, then it might be time to seek help. It can be difficult to imagine how talking therapy can help, but together we can work towards symptomatic relief and the freedom to be youself.
![Photo of Madeleine Vieira, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e9085183-445c-40b3-9f9f-6a1e8c8b6377/1/320x400.jpeg)
Madeleine Vieira
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
South Kensington, London SW7
Dr. Madeleine Vieira is a Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychologist specialised in Anxiety Disorders and has also extensively worked with the following: Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, ADD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Third Culture Kids' Issues, Grief, Family Change, Cultural Adaptation, Transitions, Friendships, Academic Achievement, Learning Difficulties, Behavioural Difficulties, Illness, Social Isolation, Teenager / Adolescent Issues.
Dr. Madeleine Vieira is a Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychologist specialised in Anxiety Disorders and has also extensively worked with the following: Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, ADD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Third Culture Kids' Issues, Grief, Family Change, Cultural Adaptation, Transitions, Friendships, Academic Achievement, Learning Difficulties, Behavioural Difficulties, Illness, Social Isolation, Teenager / Adolescent Issues.
![Photo of Rosana Silva, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1aced909-2ac4-448d-97f3-7909217be2b7/1/320x400.jpeg)
I’m an experienced psychotherapist & counsellor offering individual therapy; I provide both short-term and open-ended therapy. Alongside my private practice, I work at a community counselling in Waterloo. I have experience working with a wide range of issues and have helped people from various nationalities, backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, genders, and sexual orientations. I have previously worked at the Holloway prison in London, YMCA, for institutions in Greece, India, and Nepal. My extensive experience working with various people and presentations supports my understanding and compassion of mental and physical conditions.
I’m an experienced psychotherapist & counsellor offering individual therapy; I provide both short-term and open-ended therapy. Alongside my private practice, I work at a community counselling in Waterloo. I have experience working with a wide range of issues and have helped people from various nationalities, backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, genders, and sexual orientations. I have previously worked at the Holloway prison in London, YMCA, for institutions in Greece, India, and Nepal. My extensive experience working with various people and presentations supports my understanding and compassion of mental and physical conditions.
![Photo of Christelle Ntow, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/30c60ac4-d669-4267-815a-09ecf540ef7e/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am an Integrative therapist trained in working with individuals and couples. I understand what it feels like to feel isolated and alone with your problems, I also understand what it feels like to be weary of seeking external support and the worry that may come with trying to find the ‘right’ therapist. I have a passion for supporting people from all walks of life, and together we can work towards you learning more about yourself and being able to use that knowledge to improve the way you manage difficult situations and emotions.
I am an Integrative therapist trained in working with individuals and couples. I understand what it feels like to feel isolated and alone with your problems, I also understand what it feels like to be weary of seeking external support and the worry that may come with trying to find the ‘right’ therapist. I have a passion for supporting people from all walks of life, and together we can work towards you learning more about yourself and being able to use that knowledge to improve the way you manage difficult situations and emotions.
![Photo of Dr Sandra Couto, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5311b15b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Sandra Couto
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
South Kensington, London SW7
Do you ever feel worried, stuck, lost, hopeless, lonely, lethargic, anxious, unable to sleep – less able to cope with life in general? Does this affect your ability to enjoy relationships, work, everyday life? Most of us experience challenging times at various stages of our lives but we don’t have to be alone with this. Psychological therapy offers a safe place that helps you to understand and overcome your issues. I will work with you as a team to understand symptoms, underlying issues, their causes and maintenance specific to you. We will find ways forward to relieving symptoms and distress and improving your wellbeing.
Do you ever feel worried, stuck, lost, hopeless, lonely, lethargic, anxious, unable to sleep – less able to cope with life in general? Does this affect your ability to enjoy relationships, work, everyday life? Most of us experience challenging times at various stages of our lives but we don’t have to be alone with this. Psychological therapy offers a safe place that helps you to understand and overcome your issues. I will work with you as a team to understand symptoms, underlying issues, their causes and maintenance specific to you. We will find ways forward to relieving symptoms and distress and improving your wellbeing.
![Photo of Ashleen Neeson, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/511da44f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sometimes life can be challenging and we don’t know where to turn. Maybe you and your loved ones are fighting a lot or perhaps not communicating at all? Do you always think the worst about a situation or yourself? Are you comfortable in your own skin? You may want to become more confident or assertive in expressing yourself, saying what you really think without fear. Maybe past events or traumas are preventing you from moving forward and living the happy life that you want. No matter what your situation is, counselling can help create a safe space for you to feel free and help you through even the most difficult of times.
Sometimes life can be challenging and we don’t know where to turn. Maybe you and your loved ones are fighting a lot or perhaps not communicating at all? Do you always think the worst about a situation or yourself? Are you comfortable in your own skin? You may want to become more confident or assertive in expressing yourself, saying what you really think without fear. Maybe past events or traumas are preventing you from moving forward and living the happy life that you want. No matter what your situation is, counselling can help create a safe space for you to feel free and help you through even the most difficult of times.
![Photo of Robin Lefever - Promis Clinics](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46c9794c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
We offer intensive residential treatment with 24-hour nursing and medical care alongside psychological, psychotherapeutic and psychiatric services all within a caring and stylish homely environment.
We offer intensive residential treatment with 24-hour nursing and medical care alongside psychological, psychotherapeutic and psychiatric services all within a caring and stylish homely environment.
![Photo of Nuray Ozben Avsar - NOATerapi - Nuray Ozben Avsar, MA, GMBPsS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6a62aae8-f0c7-4d00-a84d-f221694d5dd8/2/320x400.jpeg)
NOATerapi - Nuray Ozben Avsar
Psychologist, MA, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
South Kensington, London SW7
Nuray Ozben Avsar completed her undergraduate degree in Psychological Counseling at Bogazici University and obtained her postgraduate in Psychology. She is a mental health professional practicing for the past 15 years. Mrs. Avsar is highly skilled in working with people across all age groups, including, children, teenagers, adults and older adults who are experiencing a various type of cognitive, behavioural, emotional and physical difficulties such as trauma, anxiety, depression, phobias, low-self-esteem, loss and adjustment difficulties, eating disorders, social anxiety, emotional dysregulation, panic disorder, perfectionism..
Nuray Ozben Avsar completed her undergraduate degree in Psychological Counseling at Bogazici University and obtained her postgraduate in Psychology. She is a mental health professional practicing for the past 15 years. Mrs. Avsar is highly skilled in working with people across all age groups, including, children, teenagers, adults and older adults who are experiencing a various type of cognitive, behavioural, emotional and physical difficulties such as trauma, anxiety, depression, phobias, low-self-esteem, loss and adjustment difficulties, eating disorders, social anxiety, emotional dysregulation, panic disorder, perfectionism..
See more therapy options for South Kensington, London
Nearby Searches for South Kensington, London
- Bayswater
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- Earls Court
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- Kensington
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- West Kensington
- Westbourne Green
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in South Kensington, London
100+
Average cost per session
£80
Counsellors in South Kensington, London who prioritize treating:
95% | Anxiety |
91% | Depression |
90% | Self Esteem |
84% | Relationship Issues |
84% | Stress |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
65% | Bereavement |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
71% | Aviva |
71% | AXA PPP |
56% | Vitality |
How Counsellors in South Kensington, London see their clients
73% | In Person and Online | |
27% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
77% | Female | |
22% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in South Kensington, 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.