Counselling in Brentwood

Dr Alexandra Priestner
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
2 Endorsed
Online Only
As a Clinical Psychologist, I offer compassionate, evidence‑based support for adults and young people navigating emotional challenges across all life transitions, also inclusive of fertility, pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. I work collaboratively to help you make sense of your experiences, reduce distress, and reconnect with your sense of self. My approach is warm, non‑judgmental and tailored to your needs, supporting resilience and wellbeing.
As a Clinical Psychologist, I offer compassionate, evidence‑based support for adults and young people navigating emotional challenges across all life transitions, also inclusive of fertility, pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. I work collaboratively to help you make sense of your experiences, reduce distress, and reconnect with your sense of self. My approach is warm, non‑judgmental and tailored to your needs, supporting resilience and wellbeing.
01277 674978 View 01277 674978
Philip Kemp Mbacp
Counsellor, MBACP
Brentwood CM15
You don’t have to carry the weight alone. Hi, I'm Phil.  Feeling low, anxious, or isolated can make you feel like a "black sheep". But in my experience—both professional and personal—these struggles aren't failures; they are part of being human. I provide a non-judgmental yet challenging space where your voice is truly heard. Together, we’ll tap into your innate resilience to help you move from surviving to flourishing.
You don’t have to carry the weight alone. Hi, I'm Phil.  Feeling low, anxious, or isolated can make you feel like a "black sheep". But in my experience—both professional and personal—these struggles aren't failures; they are part of being human. I provide a non-judgmental yet challenging space where your voice is truly heard. Together, we’ll tap into your innate resilience to help you move from surviving to flourishing.
01277 674133 View 01277 674133
Sarah Bunce
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
1 Endorsed
Brentwood CM15
My goal is to help you to manage the challenges that you face in life. Your issues may be around dealing with illness, loss and bereavement or extreme stress and anxiety - my specialist areas. I help you to become more confident, increasing your self esteem and self worth and finding ways to challenge your negative thinking. Counselling may not always change your circumstances, but I can help to cope with them better. My integrative approach means I use different styles depending on your needs. I offer a confidential, non-judgemental and safe space in which to explore your concerns. This can be short term or longer term work.
My goal is to help you to manage the challenges that you face in life. Your issues may be around dealing with illness, loss and bereavement or extreme stress and anxiety - my specialist areas. I help you to become more confident, increasing your self esteem and self worth and finding ways to challenge your negative thinking. Counselling may not always change your circumstances, but I can help to cope with them better. My integrative approach means I use different styles depending on your needs. I offer a confidential, non-judgemental and safe space in which to explore your concerns. This can be short term or longer term work.
01277 289622 View 01277 289622
Adam Penkul
Psychotherapist, MA
1 Endorsed
Brentwood CM13
I have a particular interest and expertise in working with anxiety and body dysmorphic disorder, the subject of my masters thesis and connected with my own history. I am one of a few a lived experience therapists working with this disorder. I also work with young men who are experiencing difficulties transitioning into healthy adulthood. Their issues often include self esteem, anger and life meaning and purpose. I also help individuals going through relationship challenges, working to bring clarity and resolution. Other areas of interest include grief, addiction, crises of meaning, spiritual emergence and emergency.
I have a particular interest and expertise in working with anxiety and body dysmorphic disorder, the subject of my masters thesis and connected with my own history. I am one of a few a lived experience therapists working with this disorder. I also work with young men who are experiencing difficulties transitioning into healthy adulthood. Their issues often include self esteem, anger and life meaning and purpose. I also help individuals going through relationship challenges, working to bring clarity and resolution. Other areas of interest include grief, addiction, crises of meaning, spiritual emergence and emergency.
01277 674239 View 01277 674239
Jennie Penkul
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Brentwood CM13
It is likely you are looking for support at a difficult time. I'm passionate about helping you if you have any kind of body image issues or anxiety. I also understand the need for supporting families in difficult times. I offer a warm therapeutic relationship which is thoughtfully tailored to your needs. I believe that therapy should be sensitive and boldly creative. I often include a variety of experiences into therapy sessions: things that I have found helpful myself. We all want to have a balance in our lives and to learn to calm the sometimes stormy waters of our mind. I hope to share ways of learning to do this with you.
It is likely you are looking for support at a difficult time. I'm passionate about helping you if you have any kind of body image issues or anxiety. I also understand the need for supporting families in difficult times. I offer a warm therapeutic relationship which is thoughtfully tailored to your needs. I believe that therapy should be sensitive and boldly creative. I often include a variety of experiences into therapy sessions: things that I have found helpful myself. We all want to have a balance in our lives and to learn to calm the sometimes stormy waters of our mind. I hope to share ways of learning to do this with you.
01277 420221 View 01277 420221
Mic Austen
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Brentwood CM14
I am a Trauma-informed, accredited UKCP psychotherapist and EMDR practitioner with 20+ yrs experience. I work with symptoms: depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, panic attacks, mistrust, hypervigilance, hopelessness, self-destructive behaviour, loss of sense of self. These are all symptoms of something deeper and we can work to alleviate these symptoms by working with the deeper issues that cause these. These symptoms are often caused by: abuse - sexual, psychological or emotional; neglect; loss; relationships; bullying; illness and many other 'normal' life events which can leave us not living our life fully.
I am a Trauma-informed, accredited UKCP psychotherapist and EMDR practitioner with 20+ yrs experience. I work with symptoms: depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, panic attacks, mistrust, hypervigilance, hopelessness, self-destructive behaviour, loss of sense of self. These are all symptoms of something deeper and we can work to alleviate these symptoms by working with the deeper issues that cause these. These symptoms are often caused by: abuse - sexual, psychological or emotional; neglect; loss; relationships; bullying; illness and many other 'normal' life events which can leave us not living our life fully.
07445 672295 View 07445 672295
David James Foxall
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
If you are feeling overwhelmed, want a change in your life, or would like to develop new coping skills, we can explore this together using a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach. We can work collaboratively to identify and understand the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that may be maintaining current difficulties, and begin to restructure unhelpful negative thinking patterns. Through this process, we can develop practical strategies to understand your emotional responses and support you in creating more adaptive behaviours.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, want a change in your life, or would like to develop new coping skills, we can explore this together using a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach. We can work collaboratively to identify and understand the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that may be maintaining current difficulties, and begin to restructure unhelpful negative thinking patterns. Through this process, we can develop practical strategies to understand your emotional responses and support you in creating more adaptive behaviours.
01277 674287 View 01277 674287
Hello and welcome, I am Marie, a person-centred counsellor. I am aware of how anxious you may feel asking for help, and coping with overwhelming feelings. Finding a safe, caring and non-judgemental space within a therapeutic relationship is the first step and a great relief. A space for you to explore your feelings, thoughts and experiences in an unbiased, supportive and confidential environment. I will help you to make sense of your past or present experiences, allowing you to become clear and confident.
Hello and welcome, I am Marie, a person-centred counsellor. I am aware of how anxious you may feel asking for help, and coping with overwhelming feelings. Finding a safe, caring and non-judgemental space within a therapeutic relationship is the first step and a great relief. A space for you to explore your feelings, thoughts and experiences in an unbiased, supportive and confidential environment. I will help you to make sense of your past or present experiences, allowing you to become clear and confident.
01277 674067 View 01277 674067
Caron Summers
Counsellor, MBACP
Brentwood CM14
Hello, my name is Caron I'm a Person Centred counsellor working with children, young people and adults covering a broad spectrum of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma and self esteem. I have a special interest in ADHD (children/adults) and also with people suffering from addiction. In viewing my page I'm assuming that you are at a crossroads? You may be struggling with life problems now or from the past, trying to cope with anxiety and depression and asking yourself, "How am I going to make my life better?
Hello, my name is Caron I'm a Person Centred counsellor working with children, young people and adults covering a broad spectrum of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma and self esteem. I have a special interest in ADHD (children/adults) and also with people suffering from addiction. In viewing my page I'm assuming that you are at a crossroads? You may be struggling with life problems now or from the past, trying to cope with anxiety and depression and asking yourself, "How am I going to make my life better?
01277 676042 View 01277 676042
Andy Powell
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Brentwood CM13
It can feel hard enough ordinarily, dealing with anxiety, stress and things we find difficult. And in recent times extra-ordinary pressures may have added to your concerns or dilemmas. The idea of seeing a therapist may seem daunting, but doing so allows you to explore and reflect on those aspects of life you're worried or unhappy about, rather than trying to work it all out on your own, in confusion, overwhelm or isolation. Let me support you, helping you find ways to be more connected to your inner strength, resillience and potential.
It can feel hard enough ordinarily, dealing with anxiety, stress and things we find difficult. And in recent times extra-ordinary pressures may have added to your concerns or dilemmas. The idea of seeing a therapist may seem daunting, but doing so allows you to explore and reflect on those aspects of life you're worried or unhappy about, rather than trying to work it all out on your own, in confusion, overwhelm or isolation. Let me support you, helping you find ways to be more connected to your inner strength, resillience and potential.
01277 674142 View 01277 674142
Tracy Ann Phillips
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MBACP
Brentwood CM15
I understand it is sometimes hard to make the step towards having therapy. If you are at a point in your life where you need support or guidance in bringing about change, I offer a non judgemental, confidential, compassionate and warm space. Through working together to resolve difficult experiences in various ways, you will begin to see life from a different perspective. This will enable you to understand yourself better, gain more confidence and calm anxieties and depression. I keep up to date with various courses's and reading for continuing professional development. I also work with the Police Firearms Officers Association.
I understand it is sometimes hard to make the step towards having therapy. If you are at a point in your life where you need support or guidance in bringing about change, I offer a non judgemental, confidential, compassionate and warm space. Through working together to resolve difficult experiences in various ways, you will begin to see life from a different perspective. This will enable you to understand yourself better, gain more confidence and calm anxieties and depression. I keep up to date with various courses's and reading for continuing professional development. I also work with the Police Firearms Officers Association.
020 8059 9925 View 020 8059 9925
Dave Ginn
Counsellor, MBACP
Brentwood CM15
You may be capable, dependable and used to keeping things going, yet find that criticism, disagreement or the fear of disappointing someone affects you more than others realise. You might go quiet, agree to keep the peace, avoid a necessary conversation or become defensive or angry after holding too much in. These patterns can intensify during work pressure, relationship difficulties, bereavement or major life changes. I offer face-to-face counselling in Shenfield, near Brentwood, for adults who want to understand what happens in these moments and find more choice in how they respond.
You may be capable, dependable and used to keeping things going, yet find that criticism, disagreement or the fear of disappointing someone affects you more than others realise. You might go quiet, agree to keep the peace, avoid a necessary conversation or become defensive or angry after holding too much in. These patterns can intensify during work pressure, relationship difficulties, bereavement or major life changes. I offer face-to-face counselling in Shenfield, near Brentwood, for adults who want to understand what happens in these moments and find more choice in how they respond.
01277 674826 View 01277 674826
Tracy Ann Phillips
Counsellor, PsychD, MUKCP
Brentwood CM15
I understand it is sometimes hard to make the step towards having therapy. If you are at a point in your life where you need support or guidance in bringing about change, I offer a non judgemental, confidential, compassionate and warm space. Through working together to resolve difficult experiences in various ways, you will begin to see life from a different perspective. This will enable you to understand yourself better, gain more confidence and calm anxieties and depression. I keep up to date with various courses's and reading for continuing professional development. I also work with the Police Firearms Officers Association.
I understand it is sometimes hard to make the step towards having therapy. If you are at a point in your life where you need support or guidance in bringing about change, I offer a non judgemental, confidential, compassionate and warm space. Through working together to resolve difficult experiences in various ways, you will begin to see life from a different perspective. This will enable you to understand yourself better, gain more confidence and calm anxieties and depression. I keep up to date with various courses's and reading for continuing professional development. I also work with the Police Firearms Officers Association.
01277 288671 View 01277 288671
Sarah Walker
Counsellor, MBACP
Brentwood CM15
Hello I’m Sarah, I'm a person-centred counsellor dedicated to supporting children and young adults aged 4-25. My approach is gentle and grounded in person-centred principles, offering a safe and authentic environment, allowing clients to lead the sessions in a manner that feels most comfortable to them. Whether it’s through: • play • creative expression • arts and crafts • open dialogue The choice of how to engage is entirely in the hands of the client. I provide a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental space where young individuals can explore their feelings and discuss the issues that matter to them. Clients can take their
Hello I’m Sarah, I'm a person-centred counsellor dedicated to supporting children and young adults aged 4-25. My approach is gentle and grounded in person-centred principles, offering a safe and authentic environment, allowing clients to lead the sessions in a manner that feels most comfortable to them. Whether it’s through: • play • creative expression • arts and crafts • open dialogue The choice of how to engage is entirely in the hands of the client. I provide a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental space where young individuals can explore their feelings and discuss the issues that matter to them. Clients can take their
01277 674939 View 01277 674939
Person-Centred Creative
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Online Only
Hello there, my name is Neil and I am a person-centred counsellor and offer a unique journey for my clients to find their own answers in a safe and non-judgmental way. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief or trauma that has left you feeling flat, stuck, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained, my non-directive approach is here for you to feel heard, understood and accepted. Whether you prefer short-term or long-term therapy, the focus will always be on your own needs and goals, allowing you to be yourself and process your thoughts, feelings and emotions.
Hello there, my name is Neil and I am a person-centred counsellor and offer a unique journey for my clients to find their own answers in a safe and non-judgmental way. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief or trauma that has left you feeling flat, stuck, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained, my non-directive approach is here for you to feel heard, understood and accepted. Whether you prefer short-term or long-term therapy, the focus will always be on your own needs and goals, allowing you to be yourself and process your thoughts, feelings and emotions.
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Steven Taylor
Counsellor, BACP
Online Only
Sometimes things build up gradually. Other times, something happens that leaves you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or not quite yourself. You might be struggling with anxiety, low mood, stress, anger, relationship problems, pornography addiction, low confidence, or simply finding it hard to make sense of what's going on. Whatever has brought you here, you don't have to have the right words or know exactly what the problem is. Therapy gives you the chance to talk things through at your own pace, in a confidential, non-judgemental space where you can be yourself.
Sometimes things build up gradually. Other times, something happens that leaves you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or not quite yourself. You might be struggling with anxiety, low mood, stress, anger, relationship problems, pornography addiction, low confidence, or simply finding it hard to make sense of what's going on. Whatever has brought you here, you don't have to have the right words or know exactly what the problem is. Therapy gives you the chance to talk things through at your own pace, in a confidential, non-judgemental space where you can be yourself.
01277 674501 View 01277 674501
NurtureNeuro
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Brentwood CM13
NurtureNeuro provides comprehensive Autism Assessments, ADHD Assessments, Learning Difficulty Assessments, Therapy, and Support Services. We provide an individualised holistic assessment, that encompasses you or your child's strengths as well as challenges, and provides an understanding of these, and strategies to help. Our assessments provide an additional understanding of psychological wellbeing.
NurtureNeuro provides comprehensive Autism Assessments, ADHD Assessments, Learning Difficulty Assessments, Therapy, and Support Services. We provide an individualised holistic assessment, that encompasses you or your child's strengths as well as challenges, and provides an understanding of these, and strategies to help. Our assessments provide an additional understanding of psychological wellbeing.
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Debbie L Wilson
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
1 Endorsed
Brentwood CM15
As an NCPS-accredited therapist, I work with both adults and young people, supporting clients compassionately in a non-judgmental space, customising therapy to meet each client's needs, whilst guiding them toward their goals at their own pace. I specialise in anger, stress, anxiety, grief, depression, relationships, and the impact of childhood trauma.  I offer an insight into CBT and share with clients the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviour, leading clients towards growth and improved emotional wellbeing.
As an NCPS-accredited therapist, I work with both adults and young people, supporting clients compassionately in a non-judgmental space, customising therapy to meet each client's needs, whilst guiding them toward their goals at their own pace. I specialise in anger, stress, anxiety, grief, depression, relationships, and the impact of childhood trauma.  I offer an insight into CBT and share with clients the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviour, leading clients towards growth and improved emotional wellbeing.
01277 674150 View 01277 674150
Clare Brentnall
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Brentwood CM15
My name is Clare, and I am a BACP accredited Psychodynamic Counsellor. You may be here for a variety of reasons, such as feeling anxious, depressed, stressed at work or perhaps you are having relationship difficulties. Sometimes, distressing memories from the past, challenging events in the present, or worries about the future may prevent us from living life as we would like to.
My name is Clare, and I am a BACP accredited Psychodynamic Counsellor. You may be here for a variety of reasons, such as feeling anxious, depressed, stressed at work or perhaps you are having relationship difficulties. Sometimes, distressing memories from the past, challenging events in the present, or worries about the future may prevent us from living life as we would like to.
01277 674634 View 01277 674634
Julie Leeper
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Brentwood CM15
Are you finding work stressful? Doing well in your job but finding it difficult? Maybe you’re not sure it’s what you really want to do. Is everything getting to you at the moment? It may look to the outside world that you’ve got a great life, but you're struggling. Have you experienced a loss? Perhaps a while back and everyone thinks you’re OK now but you still feel sad, angry and hopeless. Are you trying to do all the “right” things for your mental health – going to the gym, eating well – but still feel that things aren’t right?
Are you finding work stressful? Doing well in your job but finding it difficult? Maybe you’re not sure it’s what you really want to do. Is everything getting to you at the moment? It may look to the outside world that you’ve got a great life, but you're struggling. Have you experienced a loss? Perhaps a while back and everyone thinks you’re OK now but you still feel sad, angry and hopeless. Are you trying to do all the “right” things for your mental health – going to the gym, eating well – but still feel that things aren’t right?
01277 284541 View 01277 284541

See more therapy options for Brentwood

How does your Counsellor compare?

Number of Counsellors in Brentwood

80+

Average cost per session

£65

Counsellors in Brentwood who prioritize treating:

88% Anxiety
88% Self Esteem
85% Stress
83% Depression
75% Relationship Issues
66% Bereavement
61% Trauma and PTSD

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

74% Bupa
74% AXA PPP
70% Aviva

How Counsellors in Brentwood see their clients

85% In Person and Online
15% Online Only

Gender breakdown

78% Female
21% Male
1% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling

How can I find a therapist in Brentwood?

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

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.

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.

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.