Available Counselling in Birmingham

Nour El Masry
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
1 Endorsed
You may be seeking support for anxiety, low mood, overwhelming emotions, or difficulties in relationships. Perhaps you feel stuck in repeating patterns, struggle with self-confidence, or carry the impact of past experiences. Psychotherapy offers a safe space to explore thoughts and feelings, helping you gain self-understanding and develop healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.
You may be seeking support for anxiety, low mood, overwhelming emotions, or difficulties in relationships. Perhaps you feel stuck in repeating patterns, struggle with self-confidence, or carry the impact of past experiences. Psychotherapy offers a safe space to explore thoughts and feelings, helping you gain self-understanding and develop healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.
0121 817 7071 View 0121 817 7071
Rukhsar Murtaza
Counsellor, MBABCP
I support overthinkers find their calm and confidence, clients who usually feel exhausted from anxiety and feel on edge. My approach involves allowing my clients to reach their goals ideally within 6 to 12 sessions by introducing strategies to improve their life-style, self-esteem and worrying. I also specialise in anger management and long term conditions (LTC) affecting our mental health. Feeling overwhelmed by our emotions can seem daunting, however learning how to deal with our mental health is important as this allows us to reach a positive mindset.
I support overthinkers find their calm and confidence, clients who usually feel exhausted from anxiety and feel on edge. My approach involves allowing my clients to reach their goals ideally within 6 to 12 sessions by introducing strategies to improve their life-style, self-esteem and worrying. I also specialise in anger management and long term conditions (LTC) affecting our mental health. Feeling overwhelmed by our emotions can seem daunting, however learning how to deal with our mental health is important as this allows us to reach a positive mindset.
0121 817 7905 View 0121 817 7905
Andrea Ellis
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
I provide specialist, compassionate evidence-based therapy for children, young people, and adults. I support people experiencing a range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, stress, PTSD and emotional distress. I also offer post-diagnostic support for those who are neuro-diverse. I work as one of the two partners of Mind Matters. Please see our website for full details of what we offer.
I provide specialist, compassionate evidence-based therapy for children, young people, and adults. I support people experiencing a range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, stress, PTSD and emotional distress. I also offer post-diagnostic support for those who are neuro-diverse. I work as one of the two partners of Mind Matters. Please see our website for full details of what we offer.
0121 816 0312 View 0121 816 0312
Busayo Aboderin
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Hello, I’m Busayo, and welcome to my profile. You may be here because you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or unsure about what comes next. Reaching out for support can feel daunting, but you don’t have to face things alone. I offer a warm, supportive, and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly and feel heard. My training and experience have shaped my belief in the importance of walking alongside people as they navigate life’s challenges. If you choose me as your therapist, I’ll work alongside you at your own pace, creating a space where you can simply be yourself, knowing that all parts of you are welcome.
Hello, I’m Busayo, and welcome to my profile. You may be here because you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or unsure about what comes next. Reaching out for support can feel daunting, but you don’t have to face things alone. I offer a warm, supportive, and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly and feel heard. My training and experience have shaped my belief in the importance of walking alongside people as they navigate life’s challenges. If you choose me as your therapist, I’ll work alongside you at your own pace, creating a space where you can simply be yourself, knowing that all parts of you are welcome.
0121 661 3682 View 0121 661 3682
Saima Afzal
Counsellor, MA, MNCPS Acc.
Hi, I’m a qualified and experienced counsellor passionate about helping individuals overcome life’s challenges. I have worked with people from all walks of life, guiding them through difficulties such as mental health disorders, addiction, childhood trauma, bereavement, abuse, and self-development. I also specialise in spiritual and religious counselling, providing support to those struggling with faith-related concerns, including religious OCD. I understand how deeply personal and complex these experiences can be, and I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can freely explore your thoughts and emotions.
Hi, I’m a qualified and experienced counsellor passionate about helping individuals overcome life’s challenges. I have worked with people from all walks of life, guiding them through difficulties such as mental health disorders, addiction, childhood trauma, bereavement, abuse, and self-development. I also specialise in spiritual and religious counselling, providing support to those struggling with faith-related concerns, including religious OCD. I understand how deeply personal and complex these experiences can be, and I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can freely explore your thoughts and emotions.
0121 816 0639 View 0121 816 0639
Navid Vaziri
Psychologist, MSc, FMBPsS
1 Endorsed
I'm an experienced psychologist counsellor. Whatever is going on in your life, I offer a safe space for you to explore your difficulties in depth and work towards lasting change. You may be struggling with anxiety, depression, self esteem or family issues, or have something you want to make sense of. Perhaps you've tried counselling before and now want to explore your issues more deeply. I will listen and work collaboratively with you in a CBT way to help you reach a better understanding of yourself and what may be getting in the way of you making changes - so that you can live a fuller life on your own terms.
I'm an experienced psychologist counsellor. Whatever is going on in your life, I offer a safe space for you to explore your difficulties in depth and work towards lasting change. You may be struggling with anxiety, depression, self esteem or family issues, or have something you want to make sense of. Perhaps you've tried counselling before and now want to explore your issues more deeply. I will listen and work collaboratively with you in a CBT way to help you reach a better understanding of yourself and what may be getting in the way of you making changes - so that you can live a fuller life on your own terms.
0121 817 2206 View 0121 817 2206
Menka Sura
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Every now and then life puts in front of us some obstacles that can be difficult to overcome without support. When left to our own accords these hurdles can often take us on a downward spiral, and lead us to feel insufficient, insecure, anxious, stressed or even depressed. It may be a familiar relationship that brings in the challenge or a social, behavioural, financial or work related issue. The worries that keep you up at night may be due to many reasons but if they are taking over and leave you feeling isolated in life, it might be time to seek support from someone who can help navigate through the difficult period.
Every now and then life puts in front of us some obstacles that can be difficult to overcome without support. When left to our own accords these hurdles can often take us on a downward spiral, and lead us to feel insufficient, insecure, anxious, stressed or even depressed. It may be a familiar relationship that brings in the challenge or a social, behavioural, financial or work related issue. The worries that keep you up at night may be due to many reasons but if they are taking over and leave you feeling isolated in life, it might be time to seek support from someone who can help navigate through the difficult period.
01564 336618 View 01564 336618
Dr Lorna Nelson
Psychologist, PsychD, CPsychol
I offer appointments in-person on Mondays, and have limited availability for video appointments on Friday mornings.
I am an experienced, HCPC registered, Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience working in the NHS as a qualified psychologist. In this time, I have supported individuals, families, young people, and staff teams in various settings. This includes community and inpatient mental health services, and within paediatrics and neonatal care, in both London and the West Midlands. I have worked therapeutically with a range of emotional difficulties, including anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, PTSD, and birth trauma.
I offer appointments in-person on Mondays, and have limited availability for video appointments on Friday mornings.
I am an experienced, HCPC registered, Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience working in the NHS as a qualified psychologist. In this time, I have supported individuals, families, young people, and staff teams in various settings. This includes community and inpatient mental health services, and within paediatrics and neonatal care, in both London and the West Midlands. I have worked therapeutically with a range of emotional difficulties, including anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, PTSD, and birth trauma.
0121 285 6975 View 0121 285 6975
Hello, I’m Sharon Abbott — a BAPT-registered play therapist with over 20 years’ experience working with children and families. My journey began in education, where I spent over 15 years as a primary and special educational needs teacher, supporting children from a wide range of backgrounds. In 2019, I began my MSc in Play Therapy and have since worked therapeutically with children aged 2 to 15, in both primary and secondary settings. I specialise in supporting children facing emotional and behavioural challenges: anxiety, trauma responses, family breakdown, bereavement etc.
Hello, I’m Sharon Abbott — a BAPT-registered play therapist with over 20 years’ experience working with children and families. My journey began in education, where I spent over 15 years as a primary and special educational needs teacher, supporting children from a wide range of backgrounds. In 2019, I began my MSc in Play Therapy and have since worked therapeutically with children aged 2 to 15, in both primary and secondary settings. I specialise in supporting children facing emotional and behavioural challenges: anxiety, trauma responses, family breakdown, bereavement etc.
0121 816 0691 View 0121 816 0691
Ana Hristov
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Adult sessions are £50 (50 minutes, online with flexible evening availability).
There are times when life feels harder than it should, and it can be difficult to know what to do next. You might be a parent worried about your child and unsure how best to support them. Or perhaps you’ve started to notice the root of some unhealthy patterns in your own life but feel stuck about what to do with that insight. Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious or simply need a safe place to talk. Whatever brings you here, this is a space without judgement where you can feel heard, understood, and supported.
Adult sessions are £50 (50 minutes, online with flexible evening availability).
There are times when life feels harder than it should, and it can be difficult to know what to do next. You might be a parent worried about your child and unsure how best to support them. Or perhaps you’ve started to notice the root of some unhealthy patterns in your own life but feel stuck about what to do with that insight. Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious or simply need a safe place to talk. Whatever brings you here, this is a space without judgement where you can feel heard, understood, and supported.
0121 816 0275 View 0121 816 0275
VanEssence Counselling & Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Online Only
EMDR Therapy available.
Stress, anxiety, depression is no longer such a taboo subject, yet we often tell ourselves, I can cope with this myself or maybe nobody will want to listen because nobody has time, or how about I’m too ashamed and I blame myself so I will cope with this by myself...... Well I am here to offer you the space to speak the unspoken and explore worrying thoughts together. The problem might be a recent incident that has left you feeling unsettled or a long standing concern deep rooted in unresolved trauma that has affected you e.g. sleepless nights, social anxiety, fear, relationship issue, performance at work, mood, self worth.
EMDR Therapy available.
Stress, anxiety, depression is no longer such a taboo subject, yet we often tell ourselves, I can cope with this myself or maybe nobody will want to listen because nobody has time, or how about I’m too ashamed and I blame myself so I will cope with this by myself...... Well I am here to offer you the space to speak the unspoken and explore worrying thoughts together. The problem might be a recent incident that has left you feeling unsettled or a long standing concern deep rooted in unresolved trauma that has affected you e.g. sleepless nights, social anxiety, fear, relationship issue, performance at work, mood, self worth.
0121 752 2680 View 0121 752 2680
Dr Michael Swift
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Hi, I'm Dr Mike! I value authenticity and transparency in the therapy room. I became a therapist to empower you to make positive and lasting change. I'll be honest, I won't have all the answers, but I'm never afraid to accompany you on the journey to find them. In my practice, I am a compassionate and knowledgeable integrative psychotherapist who has worked in health care organizations for over 10 years. I mainly specialize in the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and third wave therapy approaches for a range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression, specific phobias, OCD and health anxiety.
Hi, I'm Dr Mike! I value authenticity and transparency in the therapy room. I became a therapist to empower you to make positive and lasting change. I'll be honest, I won't have all the answers, but I'm never afraid to accompany you on the journey to find them. In my practice, I am a compassionate and knowledgeable integrative psychotherapist who has worked in health care organizations for over 10 years. I mainly specialize in the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and third wave therapy approaches for a range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression, specific phobias, OCD and health anxiety.
01564 335986 View 01564 335986
Clair Ellinor
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
I have experience in working with people with anxiety, depression, issues surrounding grief, self-esteem and confidence. I also work with more specific issues such as those that arise from being part of the ‘sandwich generation’ as well as peri-menopause and menopause.
I have experience in working with people with anxiety, depression, issues surrounding grief, self-esteem and confidence. I also work with more specific issues such as those that arise from being part of the ‘sandwich generation’ as well as peri-menopause and menopause.
01564 335093 View 01564 335093
Carl Flynn Msc Bsc Pg Dip
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Are you feeling depressed, anxious, scared, confused, angry, used and abused? Do you need someone to speak with, who will explore your concerns with you and support you to achieve greater balance and happiness in your life? Call me to help you create a brighter future.
Are you feeling depressed, anxious, scared, confused, angry, used and abused? Do you need someone to speak with, who will explore your concerns with you and support you to achieve greater balance and happiness in your life? Call me to help you create a brighter future.
0121 726 1276 View 0121 726 1276
Juliet F Neeson
Counsellor, MBACP
Online Only
As an inclusive therapist working with adults and children, I provide a safe, compassionate space where clients feel heard, respected, and accepted without judgement. People come to therapy for many reasons, including anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, emotional overwhelm, or life transitions. I believe the therapeutic relationship is central to healing. By building trust, safety, and connection, I support clients in exploring their experiences, developing resilience, and moving forward with greater confidence and self-understanding.
As an inclusive therapist working with adults and children, I provide a safe, compassionate space where clients feel heard, respected, and accepted without judgement. People come to therapy for many reasons, including anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, emotional overwhelm, or life transitions. I believe the therapeutic relationship is central to healing. By building trust, safety, and connection, I support clients in exploring their experiences, developing resilience, and moving forward with greater confidence and self-understanding.
0121 270 4621 View 0121 270 4621
Bobby Sura
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
2 Endorsed
Seeing a Psychologist can be daunting, especially for the first time. My aim is to build a trusting relationship in which you can feel at ease in negotiating the challenges you are facing. Whether it's symptom change, or deeper exploration to address the root of your needs, I can draw on a wide psychological knowledge base developed over almost 3 decades of clinical practice, to support you.
Seeing a Psychologist can be daunting, especially for the first time. My aim is to build a trusting relationship in which you can feel at ease in negotiating the challenges you are facing. Whether it's symptom change, or deeper exploration to address the root of your needs, I can draw on a wide psychological knowledge base developed over almost 3 decades of clinical practice, to support you.
01564 334801 View 01564 334801
Joy Stewart
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Creative and or talking approaches are available with the client’s best interests at heart.
MyReset Counselling was named after a client who said counselling was his “reset button”. I am here to offer support to clients who live in or have lived experience of being in the care system. Other clients may be living with the impact of trauma, separation and loss, attachment needs or bereavement. Others may be exploring their cultural identity. I enjoy seeing people move towards achieving the changes they identify for themselves.
Creative and or talking approaches are available with the client’s best interests at heart.
MyReset Counselling was named after a client who said counselling was his “reset button”. I am here to offer support to clients who live in or have lived experience of being in the care system. Other clients may be living with the impact of trauma, separation and loss, attachment needs or bereavement. Others may be exploring their cultural identity. I enjoy seeing people move towards achieving the changes they identify for themselves.
0121 816 1239 View 0121 816 1239
Avaly Jones
Psychotherapist, COSRT General
I'm available during the daytime and evenings during the week.
I am an experienced therapist with specialities that include relationship and psychosexual therapy. I have worked for 20 years in this field both in private practice as well as in organisations such as Relate. I have a real passion for the work I do and I’m committed towards helping clients to work through their difficulties in a safe and non-judgemental environment. I understand we all have to face challenging moments in life, and so I provide a space for you to work through these challenges and find healthy ways and practical tools to change or manage them.
I'm available during the daytime and evenings during the week.
I am an experienced therapist with specialities that include relationship and psychosexual therapy. I have worked for 20 years in this field both in private practice as well as in organisations such as Relate. I have a real passion for the work I do and I’m committed towards helping clients to work through their difficulties in a safe and non-judgemental environment. I understand we all have to face challenging moments in life, and so I provide a space for you to work through these challenges and find healthy ways and practical tools to change or manage them.
0121 312 1491 View 0121 312 1491
Katie Simpson
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
I'm Katie, a dual accredited CBT therapist and counsellor in King's Heath, Birmingham — specialising in anxiety, life transitions, and psychological support for people using GLP-1 weight loss medications (Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic). Has your body or your life recently changed in ways your mind hasn't caught up with yet? Whether you're navigating the psychological shifts of weight loss medication, recovering from burnout, managing anxiety, or rebuilding after a major life change — I can help you find your feet again.
I'm Katie, a dual accredited CBT therapist and counsellor in King's Heath, Birmingham — specialising in anxiety, life transitions, and psychological support for people using GLP-1 weight loss medications (Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic). Has your body or your life recently changed in ways your mind hasn't caught up with yet? Whether you're navigating the psychological shifts of weight loss medication, recovering from burnout, managing anxiety, or rebuilding after a major life change — I can help you find your feet again.
View
Andrew Peter Murray
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
You have made it this far because you have realised that this issue is now causing you emotional or psychological pain.  You owe it to yourself to take the next step and go and reach out for help whether it be with myself or another therapist.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed by trauma, caught in cycles of anxiety or depression, or struggling to navigate the complexities of your relationships—you’re not alone. And you don’t have to face it all without support. With years of clinical experience, I offer a safe, skilled, and compassionate space to help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface—and begin the process of healing
You have made it this far because you have realised that this issue is now causing you emotional or psychological pain.  You owe it to yourself to take the next step and go and reach out for help whether it be with myself or another therapist.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed by trauma, caught in cycles of anxiety or depression, or struggling to navigate the complexities of your relationships—you’re not alone. And you don’t have to face it all without support. With years of clinical experience, I offer a safe, skilled, and compassionate space to help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface—and begin the process of healing
0121 726 4750 View 0121 726 4750

See more therapy options for Birmingham

How do I find a therapist near me who is accepting new patients?
Finding a therapist who is actively accepting new patients can feel overwhelming, so it can be helpful to narrow your search down as much as possible. Use the Psychology Today Therapy Directory to search specifically for therapists who are in your area and who are accepting new patients right now, so you are not wasting time reaching out to providers who have a closed waitlist. From there, you can narrow your search further by therapist characteristics, specialty, and whether you prefer in-person or online appointments. Once you find someone who looks like a good fit, you can reach out directly to confirm their availability and request an initial consultation.

How long does it typically take to get an appointment with a therapist?
Wait times for therapists in the UK vary widely depending on whether you go through the NHS or seek private care. Through the NHS, wait times typically range from a few weeks to several months depending on your area and the urgency of your referral. Private therapists are generally available much faster, often within a few days to a couple of weeks. Wait times also differ by therapist type. Counsellors tend to be more widely available than clinical psychologists, who hold a doctoral degree and are fewer in number. In addition, therapists who specialise in trauma, eating disorders, or child and adolescent therapy also tend to have longer wait times due to the limited number of professionals relative to demand.

What are my options if no therapists near me are accepting new patients right now?
If you are having difficulty finding a local therapist with availability, there are a few steps you can take. First, consider expanding your search to include online therapy, not just providers in your immediate geographic location. Online therapy has made it possible to see a licensed therapist in your area without needing to travel, and in many cases online providers have shorter wait times than local in-person practices. Second, your GP can serve as a helpful bridge while you wait. They can conduct an initial evaluation and, in some cases, connect you with local mental health services more quickly than a self-referral would. Third, if your symptoms feel urgent, community mental health services may be available regardless of your ability to pay for private care. They can offer psychiatric assessment, crisis intervention, and medication management to help stabilise your situation in the interim while you wait for a longer-term therapist.