Counselling in London
Dr Lesley Aitcheson
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London W1K
Waitlist for new clients
I work with an emphasis on creating a safe and confidential environment to encourage emotional growth and to allow you to resolve problems and make changes in order to lead a more fulfilled life. Therapy can help you to understand and resolve your difficulties by providing the time and space to reflect and to consider how the events of the past have contributed to your current situation. Psychodynamic psychotherapy is based on the idea that our unconscious fears, desires and needs impact on our conscious life. I will work with you to allow feelings which are hidden, for whatever reason, to come to the fore and be understood.
I work with an emphasis on creating a safe and confidential environment to encourage emotional growth and to allow you to resolve problems and make changes in order to lead a more fulfilled life. Therapy can help you to understand and resolve your difficulties by providing the time and space to reflect and to consider how the events of the past have contributed to your current situation. Psychodynamic psychotherapy is based on the idea that our unconscious fears, desires and needs impact on our conscious life. I will work with you to allow feelings which are hidden, for whatever reason, to come to the fore and be understood.
We all encounter difficult times in life. The loss of loved ones, relationship breakdown, difficulties at work, and poor physical health, for example, may have a huge impact on our ability to function. During these times we may find it difficult to cope and struggle to know what to do to feel better.
We all encounter difficult times in life. The loss of loved ones, relationship breakdown, difficulties at work, and poor physical health, for example, may have a huge impact on our ability to function. During these times we may find it difficult to cope and struggle to know what to do to feel better.
Seeking therapy is a sign of courage in the depths of conflict. Currently, you may be troubled or overwhelmed, not knowing what is happening either within you, your partner or communicatively between your couple. To be understood and appreciated while conveying the same qualities to another person is an essential component of any satisfying relationship, but it is one that takes an emotional commitment from those involved in finding a resolution. The question I often ask my clients is, "Can you bear the difference of the other, or even tolerate the possibility that they may have a different perspective to the one in your mind?"
Seeking therapy is a sign of courage in the depths of conflict. Currently, you may be troubled or overwhelmed, not knowing what is happening either within you, your partner or communicatively between your couple. To be understood and appreciated while conveying the same qualities to another person is an essential component of any satisfying relationship, but it is one that takes an emotional commitment from those involved in finding a resolution. The question I often ask my clients is, "Can you bear the difference of the other, or even tolerate the possibility that they may have a different perspective to the one in your mind?"
I am a highly qualified Humanistic Integrative Psychotherapist, A Psycho-sexual and Relationship Therapist and an Addictions Specialist who helps individuals, couples, families and groups gain the psychological awareness to improve health and well-being.
I am a highly qualified Humanistic Integrative Psychotherapist, A Psycho-sexual and Relationship Therapist and an Addictions Specialist who helps individuals, couples, families and groups gain the psychological awareness to improve health and well-being.
I am an integrative therapist working with clients of various ages and cultural backgrounds, who have felt depressed and lonely, experienced different levels of anxiety, had relationship issues, suffered from trauma and loss, and searched for meaning and identity. I have a unique understanding of ADHD, as I have supported young adults and adults with ADHD with issues related to conflict resolution, motivation, impulsivity and self-esteem. I also have experience with helping those recovering from toxic and or narcissistic abuse in parental/romantic relationships.
I am an integrative therapist working with clients of various ages and cultural backgrounds, who have felt depressed and lonely, experienced different levels of anxiety, had relationship issues, suffered from trauma and loss, and searched for meaning and identity. I have a unique understanding of ADHD, as I have supported young adults and adults with ADHD with issues related to conflict resolution, motivation, impulsivity and self-esteem. I also have experience with helping those recovering from toxic and or narcissistic abuse in parental/romantic relationships.
Dr Gulshan Vazir
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London N6
I am a HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist working in North London. I offer short and long-term therapy for various issues in the areas of adjustment and stress/coping concerns (home, school, work), mental health (i.e. anxiety, depression, PTSD), relationship based difficulties (working with couples and families), severe mental health illness including bipolar, personality disorders and addictions. My training includes Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy and Existential Therapy. I also have experience in physical health conditions and end of life care.
I am a HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist working in North London. I offer short and long-term therapy for various issues in the areas of adjustment and stress/coping concerns (home, school, work), mental health (i.e. anxiety, depression, PTSD), relationship based difficulties (working with couples and families), severe mental health illness including bipolar, personality disorders and addictions. My training includes Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy and Existential Therapy. I also have experience in physical health conditions and end of life care.
My approach is psychoanalytic, with an emphasis on the meaningful relationship between the patient and the analyst, who curiously engage with the painful problem, symptom, or difficult behaviour. Both client and therapist work together to make valuable improvements to the client’s emotional world, within a stable, consistent setting.
My approach is psychoanalytic, with an emphasis on the meaningful relationship between the patient and the analyst, who curiously engage with the painful problem, symptom, or difficult behaviour. Both client and therapist work together to make valuable improvements to the client’s emotional world, within a stable, consistent setting.
Congratulations on taking the initiative to explore how you might nurture your mental health and well-being, whether you wish to improve personal or professional relationships, reach your full potential, achieve a better work-life balance, manage the challenges of working in stressful environments, cope with loss, stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, prejudice and unconscious bias, or to gain a deeper understanding of your feelings, thoughts and behaviours. I offer a safe and confidential space to work collaboratively with you to help you understand how unconscious, internal processes may be holding you hostage.
Congratulations on taking the initiative to explore how you might nurture your mental health and well-being, whether you wish to improve personal or professional relationships, reach your full potential, achieve a better work-life balance, manage the challenges of working in stressful environments, cope with loss, stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, prejudice and unconscious bias, or to gain a deeper understanding of your feelings, thoughts and behaviours. I offer a safe and confidential space to work collaboratively with you to help you understand how unconscious, internal processes may be holding you hostage.
If you are feeling stuck in certain behaviours or emotional responses I can work with you to support growth and change. I will endeavour to work with all of your intersections: culture, origins, and gender/sexual creativity. Sex positive, I have facilitated clients, including students, who identify as gender queer, trans and pansexual, tackling depression and anxiety amongst other issues.
If you are feeling stuck in certain behaviours or emotional responses I can work with you to support growth and change. I will endeavour to work with all of your intersections: culture, origins, and gender/sexual creativity. Sex positive, I have facilitated clients, including students, who identify as gender queer, trans and pansexual, tackling depression and anxiety amongst other issues.
If you find yourself grappling with intense stress, anxiety, or depression, and feel trapped in patterns that disrupt your well-being, I'm here to offer a safe and supportive environment. Together, we'll work towards easing emotional turmoil and striving for inner peace and equilibrium in your life. I'll assist you in reclaiming mastery over your thoughts and emotions, fostering resilience, and guiding you towards a more enriching and purposeful existence.
If you find yourself grappling with intense stress, anxiety, or depression, and feel trapped in patterns that disrupt your well-being, I'm here to offer a safe and supportive environment. Together, we'll work towards easing emotional turmoil and striving for inner peace and equilibrium in your life. I'll assist you in reclaiming mastery over your thoughts and emotions, fostering resilience, and guiding you towards a more enriching and purposeful existence.
You might feel overwhelmed by life's complexities and struggle with patterns tied to early experiences and family dynamics, yet you feel these alone don’t fully capture your current challenges. You seek a therapeutic relationship that explores the effect onto you of both personal experiences and socio-political dynamics; one that addresses issues like anxiety, depression, and self-esteem, while examining the systemic forces limiting your potential.
You might feel overwhelmed by life's complexities and struggle with patterns tied to early experiences and family dynamics, yet you feel these alone don’t fully capture your current challenges. You seek a therapeutic relationship that explores the effect onto you of both personal experiences and socio-political dynamics; one that addresses issues like anxiety, depression, and self-esteem, while examining the systemic forces limiting your potential.
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My name is Diana Mukasa, and I am an integrative counsellor dedicated to supporting clients across the lifespan, from childhood through to adulthood. My approach combines various therapeutic techniques to tailor the counselling experience to each individual's unique needs, fostering growth, healing, and resilience.With extensive experience in managing anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, and everyday challenges, I strive to create a safe and empathetic environment where clients feel heard and understood. I believe in the importance of a holistic approach to mental health, addressing not just the symptoms but also the underlying cause.
My name is Diana Mukasa, and I am an integrative counsellor dedicated to supporting clients across the lifespan, from childhood through to adulthood. My approach combines various therapeutic techniques to tailor the counselling experience to each individual's unique needs, fostering growth, healing, and resilience.With extensive experience in managing anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, and everyday challenges, I strive to create a safe and empathetic environment where clients feel heard and understood. I believe in the importance of a holistic approach to mental health, addressing not just the symptoms but also the underlying cause.
I am a qualified Psychodynamic counsellor. My training and personal experience have led me to believe people are connected with and influenced by society, cultures, and so on. By forming a safe and trusting relationship in therapy, we can see how past and existing connections unknowingly impact you and gain a deeper insight into your problems and a greater awareness of your own self and your way of relating. Discovering self can be scary and I strive to follow you at your own pace. Being a queer woman and a therapist with an ethnic minority background have deepened my understanding of isolation and marginalisation.
I am a qualified Psychodynamic counsellor. My training and personal experience have led me to believe people are connected with and influenced by society, cultures, and so on. By forming a safe and trusting relationship in therapy, we can see how past and existing connections unknowingly impact you and gain a deeper insight into your problems and a greater awareness of your own self and your way of relating. Discovering self can be scary and I strive to follow you at your own pace. Being a queer woman and a therapist with an ethnic minority background have deepened my understanding of isolation and marginalisation.
تمرکز حرفه ای من بر ارتقاء سلامت روانی فرد و بهبود روابط است و بر ارائه راهکارهای کارآمد در زمینههای متنوع برای حل مسائل روانشناختی تأکید دارم. علاقهمندی من به ایجاد ارتباط اثربخش با مراجعین و بهبود کیفیت زندگی افراد است
تمرکز حرفه ای من بر ارتقاء سلامت روانی فرد و بهبود روابط است و بر ارائه راهکارهای کارآمد در زمینههای متنوع برای حل مسائل روانشناختی تأکید دارم. علاقهمندی من به ایجاد ارتباط اثربخش با مراجعین و بهبود کیفیت زندگی افراد است
I am a qualified Child, Adolescent, Adult and Family Psychotherapist, working in South West London. I offer confidential weekly psychotherapy for children, young people, adults and families, in a non-judgemental and supportive space, where clients can feel safe in expressing their feelings and experiences. Clients are encouraged to be their authentic selves and to explore both internal and external conflicts at a pace which suits them. I have an integrative approach and so I am able to offer therapy based on the individual needs of clients. Approaches I use include, Psychodynamic, Systemic and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
I am a qualified Child, Adolescent, Adult and Family Psychotherapist, working in South West London. I offer confidential weekly psychotherapy for children, young people, adults and families, in a non-judgemental and supportive space, where clients can feel safe in expressing their feelings and experiences. Clients are encouraged to be their authentic selves and to explore both internal and external conflicts at a pace which suits them. I have an integrative approach and so I am able to offer therapy based on the individual needs of clients. Approaches I use include, Psychodynamic, Systemic and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
I am an experienced CBT therapist and integrative counsellor/psychotherapist working in private practice for Anxiety, Trauma, Personality Disorder, Depression, family mediation.I use mindfulness with my clients to help them to become more aware of the present moment and in acknowledging feelings and thoughts as they come and go.It’s been accepted as a useful therapy for anxiety and depression for years, and research suggests it's effective when practising reflection on yourself, switching off your auto pilot in order to discover your real feelings, and this can have an positive influence on our well being.
I am an experienced CBT therapist and integrative counsellor/psychotherapist working in private practice for Anxiety, Trauma, Personality Disorder, Depression, family mediation.I use mindfulness with my clients to help them to become more aware of the present moment and in acknowledging feelings and thoughts as they come and go.It’s been accepted as a useful therapy for anxiety and depression for years, and research suggests it's effective when practising reflection on yourself, switching off your auto pilot in order to discover your real feelings, and this can have an positive influence on our well being.
My specialist areas in therapy are: trauma and recovery, eating disorders and disordered eating, intergenerational trauma, depression, anxiety, racial identity, cultural identity, grief and anger, and navigating interpersonal relationships.
My specialist areas in therapy are: trauma and recovery, eating disorders and disordered eating, intergenerational trauma, depression, anxiety, racial identity, cultural identity, grief and anger, and navigating interpersonal relationships.
Let me help you build a life you do not want to escape from. In my style of therapy and coaching, I provide an authentic and safe space where you can be yourself. I offer understanding, compassion and a reassuring touch of normality to the challenges we all face. I recognise the importance of growth and transformation. I don't shy away from challenging unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, helping you to explore different perspectives, and holding you accountable for the goals you set. It's a balanced approach, one that can be firm when necessary, yet always rooted in genuine care and support.
Let me help you build a life you do not want to escape from. In my style of therapy and coaching, I provide an authentic and safe space where you can be yourself. I offer understanding, compassion and a reassuring touch of normality to the challenges we all face. I recognise the importance of growth and transformation. I don't shy away from challenging unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, helping you to explore different perspectives, and holding you accountable for the goals you set. It's a balanced approach, one that can be firm when necessary, yet always rooted in genuine care and support.
As a Chartered Clinical Psychologist I practice ISTDP (Intensive Short- Term Dynamic Psychotherapy), which is a highly effective evidence based 'attachment focused therapy' that rapidly addresses your underlying issues at an emotional level. This allows you to pay closer attention to yourself and your emotions in ‘healthier’ ways, enabling you to experience your emotions to their fullest and allowing a natural healing process to occur. This not only brings symptomatic relief but more importantly it enables you to use your feelings to guide your decision making in all areas of your life, allowing you to blossom and reach your full
As a Chartered Clinical Psychologist I practice ISTDP (Intensive Short- Term Dynamic Psychotherapy), which is a highly effective evidence based 'attachment focused therapy' that rapidly addresses your underlying issues at an emotional level. This allows you to pay closer attention to yourself and your emotions in ‘healthier’ ways, enabling you to experience your emotions to their fullest and allowing a natural healing process to occur. This not only brings symptomatic relief but more importantly it enables you to use your feelings to guide your decision making in all areas of your life, allowing you to blossom and reach your full
Hello, I'm Libby. I am a trained counsellor and psychotherapist. Life can be overwhelming and we can all find ourselves at times struggling and unsure how to move forward. My job is to listen to you with compassion, openness and curiosity and to help you come to a better understanding of yourself and your situation. I offer a supportive, confidential space for you to make sense of your life, reflect on your feelings and patterns of behaviour and practice new ways of being in a safe environment.
Hello, I'm Libby. I am a trained counsellor and psychotherapist. Life can be overwhelming and we can all find ourselves at times struggling and unsure how to move forward. My job is to listen to you with compassion, openness and curiosity and to help you come to a better understanding of yourself and your situation. I offer a supportive, confidential space for you to make sense of your life, reflect on your feelings and patterns of behaviour and practice new ways of being in a safe environment.
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:
90% | Anxiety |
85% | Depression |
84% | Self Esteem |
81% | Relationship Issues |
79% | Stress |
66% | Trauma and PTSD |
62% | Bereavement |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
69% | Aviva |
64% | AXA PPP |
56% | Vitality |
How Counsellors in London see their clients
74% | In Person and Online | |
26% | 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.