Counselling in Bristol

Whatever issues you are facing right now, I offer a safe, confidential and judgement-free space in which we can reflect on them and, by better understanding your conflicts and experiences, grow in self-awareness and autonomy. I believe in the importance of building a trusting relationship with my clients, so that we can work together toward constructing meaningful relationships. Talking freely about whatever comes to mind is the main way to explore what is beyond our logical, rational mind.
Whatever issues you are facing right now, I offer a safe, confidential and judgement-free space in which we can reflect on them and, by better understanding your conflicts and experiences, grow in self-awareness and autonomy. I believe in the importance of building a trusting relationship with my clients, so that we can work together toward constructing meaningful relationships. Talking freely about whatever comes to mind is the main way to explore what is beyond our logical, rational mind.

As a counsellor, I offer a compassionate and supportive space for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of themselves and their experiences. My practice is grounded in the principles of Gestalt therapy, which emphasize awareness, presence, and the holistic nature of human experience. I believe that each person is unique and that my role is to facilitate your journey towards greater self-awareness and authenticity.
As a counsellor, I offer a compassionate and supportive space for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of themselves and their experiences. My practice is grounded in the principles of Gestalt therapy, which emphasize awareness, presence, and the holistic nature of human experience. I believe that each person is unique and that my role is to facilitate your journey towards greater self-awareness and authenticity.

I am an Integrative Psychotherapist and a counsellor with over 16 years of experience working as a therapist for the NHS and many Bristol-based charities, as well as running a private practice. I am experienced in providing support to clients from diverse backgrounds struggling with complex issues. My method is focused on understanding and supporting you. Whether you feel not good enough, overwhelmed, still dealing with childhood traumas, struggling with stress, low mood, anxiety, imposter syndrome, or low self-esteem; your therapeutic journey will always be tailored to your needs.
I am an Integrative Psychotherapist and a counsellor with over 16 years of experience working as a therapist for the NHS and many Bristol-based charities, as well as running a private practice. I am experienced in providing support to clients from diverse backgrounds struggling with complex issues. My method is focused on understanding and supporting you. Whether you feel not good enough, overwhelmed, still dealing with childhood traumas, struggling with stress, low mood, anxiety, imposter syndrome, or low self-esteem; your therapeutic journey will always be tailored to your needs.

Hi, I'm Cat, a state registered therapist with over 15 years of experience supporting people to overcome life’s challenges and lead rich and meaningful lives.
My approach is dynamic, action-oriented and compassion-focused and my aim is to help you break free from limiting beliefs and unhelpful patterns by supporting you to identify the life you truly want to lead whilst setting a clear road map to illicit real change.
Hi, I'm Cat, a state registered therapist with over 15 years of experience supporting people to overcome life’s challenges and lead rich and meaningful lives.
My approach is dynamic, action-oriented and compassion-focused and my aim is to help you break free from limiting beliefs and unhelpful patterns by supporting you to identify the life you truly want to lead whilst setting a clear road map to illicit real change.

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.

If you have experienced trauma as a result of your past and you find that is affecting you and your relationships in the present, I can help you gently explore these difficulties and support you to make the changes you need to make. Through childhood experiences and life events we try to fit into the world we live in. From very early on we tend to adapt ourselves to meet the needs of others, to be loved, liked and accepted. We twist and manage ourselves into expected ways of being and mask what is really going on for us. In doing this we lose the sense of who we are before we ever know.
If you have experienced trauma as a result of your past and you find that is affecting you and your relationships in the present, I can help you gently explore these difficulties and support you to make the changes you need to make. Through childhood experiences and life events we try to fit into the world we live in. From very early on we tend to adapt ourselves to meet the needs of others, to be loved, liked and accepted. We twist and manage ourselves into expected ways of being and mask what is really going on for us. In doing this we lose the sense of who we are before we ever know.

Hi, I’m Ash — a qualified psychologist offering one-to-one sessions alongside my work in the NHS and with third sector organisations.
Whatever the reason, if you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or searching for more meaning in your life, I’m here to help you explore those feelings and support you in creating meaningful change.
Together, we’ll build a shared understanding of your experiences and work at a pace and style that feels right for you. I’ve supported people of all ages through a wide range of challenges — including anxiety and stress, trauma/PTSD, hearing voices and other unshared experiences.
Hi, I’m Ash — a qualified psychologist offering one-to-one sessions alongside my work in the NHS and with third sector organisations.
Whatever the reason, if you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or searching for more meaning in your life, I’m here to help you explore those feelings and support you in creating meaningful change.
Together, we’ll build a shared understanding of your experiences and work at a pace and style that feels right for you. I’ve supported people of all ages through a wide range of challenges — including anxiety and stress, trauma/PTSD, hearing voices and other unshared experiences.

I am a specialist relationship and couples therapist having trained at Tavistock Relationships, the leading centre of excellence for couple psychotherapy. You might seek help with a life transition whether that is living together, becoming parents, blending families, retiring, or seek help with a specific issue such as emotional withdrawal or feeling insecure, sexual intimacy, an affair, bereavement, or facing illness. You might be struggling to communicate with your partner about your needs, feeling lonely or anxious within your relationship, or struggling to sustain a relationship with a partner, parent or sibling.
I am a specialist relationship and couples therapist having trained at Tavistock Relationships, the leading centre of excellence for couple psychotherapy. You might seek help with a life transition whether that is living together, becoming parents, blending families, retiring, or seek help with a specific issue such as emotional withdrawal or feeling insecure, sexual intimacy, an affair, bereavement, or facing illness. You might be struggling to communicate with your partner about your needs, feeling lonely or anxious within your relationship, or struggling to sustain a relationship with a partner, parent or sibling.
I work with people struggling with anxiety, depression and relationship issues. I am particularly interested in working with trauma, anger, depression and OCD but enjoy working with almost any problem.
I work with people struggling with anxiety, depression and relationship issues. I am particularly interested in working with trauma, anger, depression and OCD but enjoy working with almost any problem.

I am a UKCP registered Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapist-in-Training in my sixth year of study at the Bath Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling (BCPC). I work in Bristol and offer affordable therapy to adults. For me, psychotherapy is largely about creating more self-acceptance. This will look different depending on your needs, but in general it will involve a compassionate and empathetic exploration of your life experiences, and how they might influence your present circumstances, to see how each may be creating blocks in your life from a healthy expression of your feelings.
I am a UKCP registered Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapist-in-Training in my sixth year of study at the Bath Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling (BCPC). I work in Bristol and offer affordable therapy to adults. For me, psychotherapy is largely about creating more self-acceptance. This will look different depending on your needs, but in general it will involve a compassionate and empathetic exploration of your life experiences, and how they might influence your present circumstances, to see how each may be creating blocks in your life from a healthy expression of your feelings.

Thank you for coming onto my profile and taking time to read my information. Initially I will help you identify whether a systemic/relational approach is the right one for you. I am informed by my training in Systemic and Family Psychotherapy, I draw on many approaches within the psychotherapuetic field, and will meet you with kindness and compassion to enable us to work together towards a change within either yourself, your relationship or your family.
Thank you for coming onto my profile and taking time to read my information. Initially I will help you identify whether a systemic/relational approach is the right one for you. I am informed by my training in Systemic and Family Psychotherapy, I draw on many approaches within the psychotherapuetic field, and will meet you with kindness and compassion to enable us to work together towards a change within either yourself, your relationship or your family.

I am a clinical psychologist with substantial experience of working with individuals with personality difficulties (with or without a formal diagnosis of personality disorder), PTSD, and complex trauma. Other areas of clinical expertise include anxiety, burnout, low self-esteem, dissociation and low mood. In therapy I aim to bring compassion to the ways people have learned to cope with adversity and emotional pain. I welcome anyone who is looking to understand themselves and their coping styles better, and/or is seeking ways to break cycles and gain new skills to help them move forwards in their lives.
I am a clinical psychologist with substantial experience of working with individuals with personality difficulties (with or without a formal diagnosis of personality disorder), PTSD, and complex trauma. Other areas of clinical expertise include anxiety, burnout, low self-esteem, dissociation and low mood. In therapy I aim to bring compassion to the ways people have learned to cope with adversity and emotional pain. I welcome anyone who is looking to understand themselves and their coping styles better, and/or is seeking ways to break cycles and gain new skills to help them move forwards in their lives.

Hi, I'm Akin, a therapist specialising in psychodynamic, person-centred and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). I help people resolve issues related to anxiety, depression and stress, people who wish to experience change, healing and self-discovery. I offer the therapeutic time and space needed for you to freely process past or present experiences such as trauma, abuse or life crises. For you, such issues might be presenting in the form of low self-esteem, low self-confidence, low quality relationships or a need for anger management or support with addiction. Let's talk about what's brought you here and work on a way forward.
Hi, I'm Akin, a therapist specialising in psychodynamic, person-centred and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). I help people resolve issues related to anxiety, depression and stress, people who wish to experience change, healing and self-discovery. I offer the therapeutic time and space needed for you to freely process past or present experiences such as trauma, abuse or life crises. For you, such issues might be presenting in the form of low self-esteem, low self-confidence, low quality relationships or a need for anger management or support with addiction. Let's talk about what's brought you here and work on a way forward.

Welcome. During the 25 years I've been in therapy practice I've come to think of my way of working with individuals or couples as creating a unique space that is facilitating for recovery or growth. I draw on a wide range of techniques and approaches to fulfil this way of working (including the use of CBT tools). Psychotherapy and counselling with me is a confidential and non-judgemental process. I won’t tell you what to do but we will talk about whatever you need to talk about and we will work on ways of developing a useful route through your issues, however difficult. (My practice is neurodiverse informed and kink friendly).
Welcome. During the 25 years I've been in therapy practice I've come to think of my way of working with individuals or couples as creating a unique space that is facilitating for recovery or growth. I draw on a wide range of techniques and approaches to fulfil this way of working (including the use of CBT tools). Psychotherapy and counselling with me is a confidential and non-judgemental process. I won’t tell you what to do but we will talk about whatever you need to talk about and we will work on ways of developing a useful route through your issues, however difficult. (My practice is neurodiverse informed and kink friendly).

If you or your child are struggling to live your life the way you would like to because of anxiety or depression I am an accredited (BABCP) CBT therapist. This is an evidence-based approach recommended for those of us experiencing social anxiety, panic, health anxiety, OCD, phobias, generalised anxiety and worry. Using this approach we will develop a shared understanding of your difficulties (formulation) and identify factors that may be keeping these difficulties going in the present. You will develop practical tools for life that can be used to manage anxiety and low mood.
If you or your child are struggling to live your life the way you would like to because of anxiety or depression I am an accredited (BABCP) CBT therapist. This is an evidence-based approach recommended for those of us experiencing social anxiety, panic, health anxiety, OCD, phobias, generalised anxiety and worry. Using this approach we will develop a shared understanding of your difficulties (formulation) and identify factors that may be keeping these difficulties going in the present. You will develop practical tools for life that can be used to manage anxiety and low mood.

I have benefited myself from this type of therapy for 6 years. It has helped me to understand myself better and have more choices about how to respond in different situations. It also could treat depression, co-dependency, addiction, loss of purpose in life, life crisis, grief, perimenopausal, anger issues, and trauma.
I could hold space for diversity around sexuality and gender.
I have benefited myself from this type of therapy for 6 years. It has helped me to understand myself better and have more choices about how to respond in different situations. It also could treat depression, co-dependency, addiction, loss of purpose in life, life crisis, grief, perimenopausal, anger issues, and trauma.
I could hold space for diversity around sexuality and gender.

Hello, do you need space to talk? Together we can explore issues relating to bereavement, loss and grief, depression and anxiety, loneliness and isolation, low self-esteem and self-confidence, relationship issues or challenging family dynamics. I have special interest in working with bereavement, grief and loss and can help with what can be a very difficult time in your life. I gravitate towards psychodynamic approach to therapy and I will encourage you to be self-reflective, engage in self-exploration into your thoughts, feelings, emotions, experiences from early life, and the beliefs that you hold.
Hello, do you need space to talk? Together we can explore issues relating to bereavement, loss and grief, depression and anxiety, loneliness and isolation, low self-esteem and self-confidence, relationship issues or challenging family dynamics. I have special interest in working with bereavement, grief and loss and can help with what can be a very difficult time in your life. I gravitate towards psychodynamic approach to therapy and I will encourage you to be self-reflective, engage in self-exploration into your thoughts, feelings, emotions, experiences from early life, and the beliefs that you hold.

Who are you? Where are you going? If you're not sure, trauma could be translating. Ever felt your life isn't truly yours? That hollow ache might be past experiences echoing. Do these statements resonate; Pleasing others at your own cost Feeling like an imposter in your own life, Cycles of unfulfilling, toxic relationships" These aren't weaknesses, but your authentic self trying to break through. If you struggle with Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Deep Insecurities, these can all be signs that your present is not aligned with who you really are. That childhood trauma has hidden you away to keep you safe.
Who are you? Where are you going? If you're not sure, trauma could be translating. Ever felt your life isn't truly yours? That hollow ache might be past experiences echoing. Do these statements resonate; Pleasing others at your own cost Feeling like an imposter in your own life, Cycles of unfulfilling, toxic relationships" These aren't weaknesses, but your authentic self trying to break through. If you struggle with Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Deep Insecurities, these can all be signs that your present is not aligned with who you really are. That childhood trauma has hidden you away to keep you safe.

I am ready to work with you to create change. If you have been struggling with trauma, anxiety, or painful memories that won’t go away, you are not alone. Reaching out for help can be the hardest first step. I work with a range of difficulties: PTSD, low mood, anxiety, panic, phobias, self-esteem, self-criticism, birth trauma and difficult life experiences.
I also hold a specialist EMDR interest in working with people who experience anxiety, fears, trauma in relation to skiing. Perhaps you have experienced or witness a ski accident, or have anxiety with heights/chairlifts.
I am ready to work with you to create change. If you have been struggling with trauma, anxiety, or painful memories that won’t go away, you are not alone. Reaching out for help can be the hardest first step. I work with a range of difficulties: PTSD, low mood, anxiety, panic, phobias, self-esteem, self-criticism, birth trauma and difficult life experiences.
I also hold a specialist EMDR interest in working with people who experience anxiety, fears, trauma in relation to skiing. Perhaps you have experienced or witness a ski accident, or have anxiety with heights/chairlifts.

Hello,my name is Susan
No matter what you bring to counselling, I offer a kind, safe, welcoming space for you to explore your concerns at your own pace. Your counselling journey will be a unique reflection of you and your needs. You may already know what brings you to counselling or you may discover this on your journey
Counselling lends itself both to short-term work, for example, to help you identify current challenges and action changes and longer term work, if you wish perhaps to gain a better understanding of established behaviour patterns or how your childhood, relationships or past development can continue to impact you
Hello,my name is Susan
No matter what you bring to counselling, I offer a kind, safe, welcoming space for you to explore your concerns at your own pace. Your counselling journey will be a unique reflection of you and your needs. You may already know what brings you to counselling or you may discover this on your journey
Counselling lends itself both to short-term work, for example, to help you identify current challenges and action changes and longer term work, if you wish perhaps to gain a better understanding of established behaviour patterns or how your childhood, relationships or past development can continue to impact you
See more therapy options for Bristol
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Bristol
800+
Average cost per session
£60
Counsellors in Bristol who prioritize treating:
90% | Anxiety |
84% | Self Esteem |
83% | Depression |
78% | Relationship Issues |
76% | Stress |
68% | Trauma and PTSD |
59% | Bereavement |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
61% | Aviva |
59% | AXA PPP |
51% | Bupa |
How Counsellors in Bristol see their clients
74% | In Person and Online | |
26% | 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.