Counselling in Bristol
Here to support you through many different issues. I have helped people who are struggling with a sense of what I call ‘stuckness’, in their life. Are you feeling trapped in a job that doesn’t inspire you to get up every morning? Are you feeling imprisoned in life’s routine and experiencing a sense of emptiness, but are unsure of how to fill that void? Are you quietly asking yourself, ‘Who am I?’ You are not alone. I have supported people with these difficulties. In a world that seems to be telling us how to look, how to act and even how to feel, it’s no wonder we can find ourselves feeling lost and confused. I can help.
Here to support you through many different issues. I have helped people who are struggling with a sense of what I call ‘stuckness’, in their life. Are you feeling trapped in a job that doesn’t inspire you to get up every morning? Are you feeling imprisoned in life’s routine and experiencing a sense of emptiness, but are unsure of how to fill that void? Are you quietly asking yourself, ‘Who am I?’ You are not alone. I have supported people with these difficulties. In a world that seems to be telling us how to look, how to act and even how to feel, it’s no wonder we can find ourselves feeling lost and confused. I can help.
I specialise in LGBTQ+ affirming, trauma-informed therapy for adults and young people aged 16+. You may be feeling overwhelmed by the effects of trauma, struggling with identity, or wanting a space where you can be fully yourself without having to explain or defend who you are. I also support clients with relationship difficulties, anxiety, low mood and life transitions.
I specialise in LGBTQ+ affirming, trauma-informed therapy for adults and young people aged 16+. You may be feeling overwhelmed by the effects of trauma, struggling with identity, or wanting a space where you can be fully yourself without having to explain or defend who you are. I also support clients with relationship difficulties, anxiety, low mood and life transitions.
I’m a consultant clinical psychologist with 30 years’ experience in frontline mental health services. I've created, developed and run a leading NHS service from scratch, and until recently I was a national specialty adviser to NHS England – the most senior clinical role in my field. I also have a small private practice, with a limited amount of slots available, open to people - often in midlife - who are feeling stuck in their work or relationships, and who want to change their lives for the better.
I’m a consultant clinical psychologist with 30 years’ experience in frontline mental health services. I've created, developed and run a leading NHS service from scratch, and until recently I was a national specialty adviser to NHS England – the most senior clinical role in my field. I also have a small private practice, with a limited amount of slots available, open to people - often in midlife - who are feeling stuck in their work or relationships, and who want to change their lives for the better.
We all experience difficulties at certain times in our lives. It can take a lot of courage to ask for support when we are feeling down, anxious, or facing a crisis. Finding the right therapist is not easy, but I believe that looking for one is already a step forward.
We all experience difficulties at certain times in our lives. It can take a lot of courage to ask for support when we are feeling down, anxious, or facing a crisis. Finding the right therapist is not easy, but I believe that looking for one is already a step forward.
I facilitate space that allows co-created sessions, that suit the individual needs of those that I work with. There is no pressure to make art within the sessions but there is always a selection of art materials, alongside other creative tools to aid exploration of your inner world. Through the therapy, my clients are able to build a stronger sense of who they are and of the patterns that have formed in their lives and to consequently, begin to make the changes in their life and in their relationships that they desire. My work is also informed by Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS).
I facilitate space that allows co-created sessions, that suit the individual needs of those that I work with. There is no pressure to make art within the sessions but there is always a selection of art materials, alongside other creative tools to aid exploration of your inner world. Through the therapy, my clients are able to build a stronger sense of who they are and of the patterns that have formed in their lives and to consequently, begin to make the changes in their life and in their relationships that they desire. My work is also informed by Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS).
People often reach out to therapy when they are ready for change. Some people do not even know what those changes might be yet. Your journey with therapy is very personal and you might be interested in understanding yourself better, or simply want a safe and confidential space to talk, get things off your mind. Whatever your thoughts are right now, I imagine you are hoping for something to be different in your life. I work extensively with Attachment, Trauma, Grief, Anxiety, Depression, Chronic Illness and Chronic Pain. How different could your life feel if you could develop the understanding needed to reconnect with yourself?
People often reach out to therapy when they are ready for change. Some people do not even know what those changes might be yet. Your journey with therapy is very personal and you might be interested in understanding yourself better, or simply want a safe and confidential space to talk, get things off your mind. Whatever your thoughts are right now, I imagine you are hoping for something to be different in your life. I work extensively with Attachment, Trauma, Grief, Anxiety, Depression, Chronic Illness and Chronic Pain. How different could your life feel if you could develop the understanding needed to reconnect with yourself?
My work centres on understanding the emotional meaning behind behaviour, particularly when feelings are complex, overwhelming, or difficult to express. I am especially interested in how early experiences, relationships, and neurodiversity shape a child or young person’s inner world and sense of self. I bring extensive experience of working with neurodiverse children and young people, as well as those supported by CAMHS and in specialist, mainstream, and independent educational settings. This breadth of experience informs a thoughtful, reflective approach, attuned to each young person’s individual developmental and emotional needs.
My work centres on understanding the emotional meaning behind behaviour, particularly when feelings are complex, overwhelming, or difficult to express. I am especially interested in how early experiences, relationships, and neurodiversity shape a child or young person’s inner world and sense of self. I bring extensive experience of working with neurodiverse children and young people, as well as those supported by CAMHS and in specialist, mainstream, and independent educational settings. This breadth of experience informs a thoughtful, reflective approach, attuned to each young person’s individual developmental and emotional needs.
So often in our lives we reach a place where we are struggling in some capacity or another. It may be a deep-rooted issue that goes back to childhood, a past relationship or a trauma. It may be some destructive behaviour such as a form of self-harm or an eating disorder. It may be a negative thought process that is having an impact on our daily life. Whatever the issue, I believe counselling can help. Having a place where we can allow ourselves time and a calm space to think, talk and work things out can be absolutely priceless.
So often in our lives we reach a place where we are struggling in some capacity or another. It may be a deep-rooted issue that goes back to childhood, a past relationship or a trauma. It may be some destructive behaviour such as a form of self-harm or an eating disorder. It may be a negative thought process that is having an impact on our daily life. Whatever the issue, I believe counselling can help. Having a place where we can allow ourselves time and a calm space to think, talk and work things out can be absolutely priceless.
I am a psychotherapist based in Bristol currently working towards full UKCP registration. My training is in contemporary relational gestalt. I aim to work collaboratively in a journey of discovery to bring about new awareness and a fuller experience of life. I offer warmth and creativity to support this process. My professional background is with diverse groups and individuals with varying and unique experiences and support needs. This has included work with Mind and the NHS.
I am a psychotherapist based in Bristol currently working towards full UKCP registration. My training is in contemporary relational gestalt. I aim to work collaboratively in a journey of discovery to bring about new awareness and a fuller experience of life. I offer warmth and creativity to support this process. My professional background is with diverse groups and individuals with varying and unique experiences and support needs. This has included work with Mind and the NHS.
Hello, I'm Sarah, a person-centred, integrative counsellor. We all have times when we struggle with what life brings our way. This could be overwhelm and anxiety, low mood, family or relationship issues, or a traumatic experience or season that is affecting your ability to live life to the full. Sometimes we struggle to view ourselves in a positive way but don't know how to change. At times we can question what our place is in the world, and even what life is all about. Counselling can help.
Hello, I'm Sarah, a person-centred, integrative counsellor. We all have times when we struggle with what life brings our way. This could be overwhelm and anxiety, low mood, family or relationship issues, or a traumatic experience or season that is affecting your ability to live life to the full. Sometimes we struggle to view ourselves in a positive way but don't know how to change. At times we can question what our place is in the world, and even what life is all about. Counselling can help.
Hi, I’m Monica, a trauma-informed Integrative Psychotherapist with 30 years’ experience and a 15-year online-only practice. My integrative approach draws on Internal Family Systems, Attachment theory and Transactional Analysis, grounded in traditional talking therapy. Supporting adults 1:1 UK-wide and internationally, I address a range of issues, including relationship difficulties, trauma (childhood or recent), abuse, depression, anxiety, stress, and bereavement. I also work extensively with English-speaking expats and NGO/humanitarian professionals navigating the transitions and pressures of global life.
Hi, I’m Monica, a trauma-informed Integrative Psychotherapist with 30 years’ experience and a 15-year online-only practice. My integrative approach draws on Internal Family Systems, Attachment theory and Transactional Analysis, grounded in traditional talking therapy. Supporting adults 1:1 UK-wide and internationally, I address a range of issues, including relationship difficulties, trauma (childhood or recent), abuse, depression, anxiety, stress, and bereavement. I also work extensively with English-speaking expats and NGO/humanitarian professionals navigating the transitions and pressures of global life.
Perhaps you are struggling to communicate your needs within a particular relationship in your life; or feel “stuck” in repetitive communication patterns with others. Perhaps you have been struggling with your own mental health, and are noticing how this is impacted by, and impacts upon your position in certain close relationships. As an individual, couple, or family, I can explore with you different ways of understanding and communicating about those things which may be troubling you. I believe that therapy can help us to tap into our own resources and solutions to problems which maybe feel more difficult to discover alone.
Perhaps you are struggling to communicate your needs within a particular relationship in your life; or feel “stuck” in repetitive communication patterns with others. Perhaps you have been struggling with your own mental health, and are noticing how this is impacted by, and impacts upon your position in certain close relationships. As an individual, couple, or family, I can explore with you different ways of understanding and communicating about those things which may be troubling you. I believe that therapy can help us to tap into our own resources and solutions to problems which maybe feel more difficult to discover alone.
A large part of my work focuses on eating disorders, anxiety, trauma, neurodivergence and emetephobia, but I also work with a wide range of presenting issues.
You may feel overwhelmed or anxious, or find yourself stuck in patterns that are difficult to change. You might struggle with your relationship with your body and/or food, control, self-criticism, or feel disconnected from yourself or others. You may recognise past experiences continue to affect how you think, feel, or relate.
Therapy can be a space to talk things through at your own pace, work towards your goals, and no longer feel that you need to hold this on your own.
A large part of my work focuses on eating disorders, anxiety, trauma, neurodivergence and emetephobia, but I also work with a wide range of presenting issues.
You may feel overwhelmed or anxious, or find yourself stuck in patterns that are difficult to change. You might struggle with your relationship with your body and/or food, control, self-criticism, or feel disconnected from yourself or others. You may recognise past experiences continue to affect how you think, feel, or relate.
Therapy can be a space to talk things through at your own pace, work towards your goals, and no longer feel that you need to hold this on your own.
I completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2004 and have worked in NHS adult psychological therapies services since that time. I have worked as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Lead Clinician for an NHS service in West London before re-locating to the South-West and working in private practice.
I completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2004 and have worked in NHS adult psychological therapies services since that time. I have worked as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Lead Clinician for an NHS service in West London before re-locating to the South-West and working in private practice.
You’re exhausted from trying so hard and still feeling like it’s not enough. You replay every mistake, worry about what others think, and fear you’ll always fall short. Sound familiar? I’m Tom, and I help overthinkers, perfectionists, and the self-doubting break free from anxiety and low self-esteem. Together, we’ll cut through the noise, challenge the thoughts holding you back, and build a life where you feel confident, capable, and enough. Ready to stop surviving and start thriving? Let’s get to work.
You’re exhausted from trying so hard and still feeling like it’s not enough. You replay every mistake, worry about what others think, and fear you’ll always fall short. Sound familiar? I’m Tom, and I help overthinkers, perfectionists, and the self-doubting break free from anxiety and low self-esteem. Together, we’ll cut through the noise, challenge the thoughts holding you back, and build a life where you feel confident, capable, and enough. Ready to stop surviving and start thriving? Let’s get to work.
I am interested in helping women understand how their inner and outer worlds interact and how the experience of being female in a patriarchal society shapes our emotional lives. If there a specific life event or relationship you would like to address, or painful experiences in your past that you need to safely talk through or you find yourself feeling unhappy, anxious or stuck, I may be able to help.
I am interested in helping women understand how their inner and outer worlds interact and how the experience of being female in a patriarchal society shapes our emotional lives. If there a specific life event or relationship you would like to address, or painful experiences in your past that you need to safely talk through or you find yourself feeling unhappy, anxious or stuck, I may be able to help.
I’m Claire. I am a Senior Accredited Counsellor providing safe and supportive online counselling sessions. I work with a wide range of people but I specialise in working with individuals from the LGBTQ+ and GSRD community, those who are neurodivergent (or think they might be) as well as Millennials and Gen Z-ers.
I’m Claire. I am a Senior Accredited Counsellor providing safe and supportive online counselling sessions. I work with a wide range of people but I specialise in working with individuals from the LGBTQ+ and GSRD community, those who are neurodivergent (or think they might be) as well as Millennials and Gen Z-ers.
At points in life we can all experience suffering. Sometimes it's hard to understand what's going on, things start to feel out of control or tough to manage alone. We could be left feeling confused, lonely, disconnected from ourselves and unfulfilled in our lives. Naturally, we want to move forward to a place we can be ourselves in the world. Whether it's working through a traumatic experience, relationship difficulties, abuse, depression, anxiety, addiction, grief or even making a tough decision, therapy is a great place to start.
At points in life we can all experience suffering. Sometimes it's hard to understand what's going on, things start to feel out of control or tough to manage alone. We could be left feeling confused, lonely, disconnected from ourselves and unfulfilled in our lives. Naturally, we want to move forward to a place we can be ourselves in the world. Whether it's working through a traumatic experience, relationship difficulties, abuse, depression, anxiety, addiction, grief or even making a tough decision, therapy is a great place to start.
Dr Harriet Challoner
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
As a psychologist, I combine professional expertise and rigorous training with compassion and warmth, to support you with tailored, meaningful therapy.
I believe that the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client is the most important and effective factor in successful therapy, and I do not see people as labels. You may know exactly what you want help with or perhaps there's a mix of issues bringing you to therapy. Either way, we can explore what you need most now and come up with a plan to help you feel better and support positive change and growth.
As a psychologist, I combine professional expertise and rigorous training with compassion and warmth, to support you with tailored, meaningful therapy.
I believe that the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client is the most important and effective factor in successful therapy, and I do not see people as labels. You may know exactly what you want help with or perhaps there's a mix of issues bringing you to therapy. Either way, we can explore what you need most now and come up with a plan to help you feel better and support positive change and growth.
Do you replay your baby's birth over and over like a video you can't turn off?
Do you find yourself constantly checking if your baby is still breathing?
Do you feel numb, like you're going through the motions of parenthood but feel nothing?
Do you avoid pregnant friends, baby showers, or conversations about birth altogether?
Do you shudder at the thought of another pregnancy?
I've always been passionate about working with trauma. My focus on birth trauma and baby loss deepened through my work within an NHS Maternal Mental Health Service, where I saw firsthand how many parents suffer in silence after a difficult birth or loss.
Do you replay your baby's birth over and over like a video you can't turn off?
Do you find yourself constantly checking if your baby is still breathing?
Do you feel numb, like you're going through the motions of parenthood but feel nothing?
Do you avoid pregnant friends, baby showers, or conversations about birth altogether?
Do you shudder at the thought of another pregnancy?
I've always been passionate about working with trauma. My focus on birth trauma and baby loss deepened through my work within an NHS Maternal Mental Health Service, where I saw firsthand how many parents suffer in silence after a difficult birth or loss.
See more therapy options for Bristol
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Bristol
1,000+
Average cost per session
£65
Counsellors in Bristol who prioritize treating:
| 90% | Anxiety |
| 84% | Depression |
| 81% | Self Esteem |
| 76% | Stress |
| 75% | Relationship Issues |
| 67% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 67% | Complex PTSD |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 69% | Aviva |
| 63% | AXA PPP |
| 55% | Bupa |
How Counsellors in Bristol see their clients
| 75% | In Person and Online | |
| 25% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 71% | Female | |
| 28% | Male | |
| 1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Bristol?
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.