Counselling in Chester

I am a warm, empathic counsellor working with the person-centred approach. I am registered with the BACP and primarily work with individuals. I have experience working with bereavement and loss, anxiety and low mood and trauma of all kinds, from childhood abuse to PTSD. I also have experience working with post addiction recovery.
I am a warm, empathic counsellor working with the person-centred approach. I am registered with the BACP and primarily work with individuals. I have experience working with bereavement and loss, anxiety and low mood and trauma of all kinds, from childhood abuse to PTSD. I also have experience working with post addiction recovery.

Hi, I'm Lisa and I am a person-centred therapist. I initially trained as a psychologist but more recently I qualified as a counsellor and psychotherapist. I have worked with a variety of issues, including mental health problems, ADHD, autism, relationship issues, dementia, and learning disabilities amongst others. Often there might be a combination of several difficulties which is impacting upon someone, and I am experienced in working with people where there are more complex issues.
Hi, I'm Lisa and I am a person-centred therapist. I initially trained as a psychologist but more recently I qualified as a counsellor and psychotherapist. I have worked with a variety of issues, including mental health problems, ADHD, autism, relationship issues, dementia, and learning disabilities amongst others. Often there might be a combination of several difficulties which is impacting upon someone, and I am experienced in working with people where there are more complex issues.

Hi, I’m Dr Nadia Balmain. Thank you for taking the time to look at my profile. I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and an accredited EMDR Practitioner. I have provided psychotherapy for over ten years both in the NHS and in private practice. I offer therapy for many different problems, but I have a special interest in providing therapy for PTSD, complex Trauma, Anxiety and Depression. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is the gold standard treatment for PTSD and is recommended by NICE guidelines. EMDR helps clients to process traumatic and distressing experiences which are causing the present-day symptoms.
Hi, I’m Dr Nadia Balmain. Thank you for taking the time to look at my profile. I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and an accredited EMDR Practitioner. I have provided psychotherapy for over ten years both in the NHS and in private practice. I offer therapy for many different problems, but I have a special interest in providing therapy for PTSD, complex Trauma, Anxiety and Depression. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is the gold standard treatment for PTSD and is recommended by NICE guidelines. EMDR helps clients to process traumatic and distressing experiences which are causing the present-day symptoms.

Do you feel stuck or lost for words to explain what has happened? Would you like to feel free from whatever seems to keep you stuck? I believe being creative connects us in a more powerful way than just using words. This is not about art, but creatively expressing our difficulties to bring freedom. As an art psychotherapist, we use creative ways to get to the root of a problem, allowing you to go at your own pace. us
Do you feel stuck or lost for words to explain what has happened? Would you like to feel free from whatever seems to keep you stuck? I believe being creative connects us in a more powerful way than just using words. This is not about art, but creatively expressing our difficulties to bring freedom. As an art psychotherapist, we use creative ways to get to the root of a problem, allowing you to go at your own pace. us

For some of us, it can take years to reach out for help and I understand that. When a client contacts me, I know its a big step. Regardless of your past, your family and your story, I believe that you have the ability to heal and thrive in your life. I am trained and experienced to sit with you to help you find YOUR answers. Together we go on a journey of discovery to see how you have got to where you are today but most importantly how you can find your power and strength to overcome your challenges. You deserve to be healthy, happy and at peace. You do not need to be in serious crisis to go for therapy.
For some of us, it can take years to reach out for help and I understand that. When a client contacts me, I know its a big step. Regardless of your past, your family and your story, I believe that you have the ability to heal and thrive in your life. I am trained and experienced to sit with you to help you find YOUR answers. Together we go on a journey of discovery to see how you have got to where you are today but most importantly how you can find your power and strength to overcome your challenges. You deserve to be healthy, happy and at peace. You do not need to be in serious crisis to go for therapy.

Are you struggling with disordered eating or an eating disorder? Through therapy we can explore your relationship with food and body image as you find freedom and self acceptance from distress related to eating, food, weight, weight stigma and body image issues. I understand the links between disordered eating and neurodivergence so adapt my approach to meet the needs of neurodivergent clients.
Are you struggling with disordered eating or an eating disorder? Through therapy we can explore your relationship with food and body image as you find freedom and self acceptance from distress related to eating, food, weight, weight stigma and body image issues. I understand the links between disordered eating and neurodivergence so adapt my approach to meet the needs of neurodivergent clients.

The issues that counsellors face are often complex and deeply personal. My experience of over 10 years in private practice and a third sector organisation has shown me the importance of each person deciding on their own needs and finding their own way through the issues they bring.
The issues that counsellors face are often complex and deeply personal. My experience of over 10 years in private practice and a third sector organisation has shown me the importance of each person deciding on their own needs and finding their own way through the issues they bring.

In Life certainly in the present days. We are bombarded with directions and advice as to how we should live our lives and this can be very confusing. Issues that we all have instead of being opened up and discussed are simply painted over emotionally to fit in with the expectations of modern living. It can feel a very lonely isolated place for many individuals with no one that they can truly open up to with the pain they may be feeling inside. Previously I have worked in the Armed Forces and Law enforcement. I certainly feel I have experience in working in these arenas, and the difficulties and stresses they can cause an individual.
In Life certainly in the present days. We are bombarded with directions and advice as to how we should live our lives and this can be very confusing. Issues that we all have instead of being opened up and discussed are simply painted over emotionally to fit in with the expectations of modern living. It can feel a very lonely isolated place for many individuals with no one that they can truly open up to with the pain they may be feeling inside. Previously I have worked in the Armed Forces and Law enforcement. I certainly feel I have experience in working in these arenas, and the difficulties and stresses they can cause an individual.

Is this what life was supposed to feel like?
Perhaps you’ve hit the milestones - building your career, nurturing relationships, and keeping a busy social life. From the outside, everything seems fine. But inside, something feels... off. You can’t shake the nagging feeling that life wasn’t supposed to feel this uncertain, this uninspiring, or this overwhelming.
Maybe the job you worked so hard for no longer excites you. Maybe your relationships are shifting, and you’re questioning what’s next. Or perhaps you’re simply wondering if this is all there is: is this it?
Is this what life was supposed to feel like?
Perhaps you’ve hit the milestones - building your career, nurturing relationships, and keeping a busy social life. From the outside, everything seems fine. But inside, something feels... off. You can’t shake the nagging feeling that life wasn’t supposed to feel this uncertain, this uninspiring, or this overwhelming.
Maybe the job you worked so hard for no longer excites you. Maybe your relationships are shifting, and you’re questioning what’s next. Or perhaps you’re simply wondering if this is all there is: is this it?

As a Sex & Relationship Specialist, I offer short term therapy for issues around sex and relationships problems. I specialise in Erection and Ejaculation Issues, Sex and Porn Addictions, Orgasm Difficulties, Low to No Sexual Desire, Pain during intercourse, Sexual Traumas, Kink, Fetish & BDSM Problems. Relationship areas I specialise in, including the above areas are Differences in Sexual Needs, Communication Issues and Open Relationships.
Online sessions are available Tuesdays to Wednesdays till 7pm, and Thursdays and Fridays till 3pm. I aim to respond to emails, within 24 hours during the week.
As a Sex & Relationship Specialist, I offer short term therapy for issues around sex and relationships problems. I specialise in Erection and Ejaculation Issues, Sex and Porn Addictions, Orgasm Difficulties, Low to No Sexual Desire, Pain during intercourse, Sexual Traumas, Kink, Fetish & BDSM Problems. Relationship areas I specialise in, including the above areas are Differences in Sexual Needs, Communication Issues and Open Relationships.
Online sessions are available Tuesdays to Wednesdays till 7pm, and Thursdays and Fridays till 3pm. I aim to respond to emails, within 24 hours during the week.

Hi I'm Emma and welcome to my profile,
I’m passionate about supporting people through life’s toughest challenges, and I truly believe that life is so much more fulfilling when we nurture positive, healthy relationships.
I love working with individuals who want to improve the quality of their relationships—whether that’s with friends, family, colleagues, life partners, or most importantly, themselves. You could think of me as a relationship counsellor, but just for you.
Hi I'm Emma and welcome to my profile,
I’m passionate about supporting people through life’s toughest challenges, and I truly believe that life is so much more fulfilling when we nurture positive, healthy relationships.
I love working with individuals who want to improve the quality of their relationships—whether that’s with friends, family, colleagues, life partners, or most importantly, themselves. You could think of me as a relationship counsellor, but just for you.

You're ready to understand why you feel the way you do, why patterns repeat, why you struggle with confidence, boundaries, or burnout. You want to lead more fully in your life, your work, your parenting, but something keeps getting in the way. If you're tired of surviving and ready to feel more grounded, seen, and empowered, I’m here. Together, we’ll explore your past gently, make sense of what’s happening in your body, and support real change from the inside out.
You're ready to understand why you feel the way you do, why patterns repeat, why you struggle with confidence, boundaries, or burnout. You want to lead more fully in your life, your work, your parenting, but something keeps getting in the way. If you're tired of surviving and ready to feel more grounded, seen, and empowered, I’m here. Together, we’ll explore your past gently, make sense of what’s happening in your body, and support real change from the inside out.

Do you struggle with anxiety and self-esteem that affects your day-to-day life, and your relationships? Do you feel overwhelmed by your emotions, and wonder whether you will ever be able to manage them? Do you hope to be able to gain a sense of control over your life? Now more than ever, people are feeling uncertain about their ability to connect to others and the world around them. If you can relate to these difficulties, I can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms to build a life of meaning and purpose. By working together, you will re-connect with your strengths to help you build greater resilience to help you flourish.
Do you struggle with anxiety and self-esteem that affects your day-to-day life, and your relationships? Do you feel overwhelmed by your emotions, and wonder whether you will ever be able to manage them? Do you hope to be able to gain a sense of control over your life? Now more than ever, people are feeling uncertain about their ability to connect to others and the world around them. If you can relate to these difficulties, I can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms to build a life of meaning and purpose. By working together, you will re-connect with your strengths to help you build greater resilience to help you flourish.

Hello my name is Collette. I have over 20 years’ experience in the field of mental health having worked in both the NHS and in business. I have a special interest in low self-esteem, trauma, including PTSD, depression, generalised anxiety, OCD, illness anxiety and phobias. I have an MSc in Advanced Practice of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), am also a qualified counsellor, counselling supervisor and EMDR practitioner (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing). I believe it’s a privilege to work with clients, supporting them to make the changes they seek and to achieve their goals from therapy.
Hello my name is Collette. I have over 20 years’ experience in the field of mental health having worked in both the NHS and in business. I have a special interest in low self-esteem, trauma, including PTSD, depression, generalised anxiety, OCD, illness anxiety and phobias. I have an MSc in Advanced Practice of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), am also a qualified counsellor, counselling supervisor and EMDR practitioner (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing). I believe it’s a privilege to work with clients, supporting them to make the changes they seek and to achieve their goals from therapy.

Mindful Psychology LTD is an independent private psychology practice. Our services are directed by Dr Amanda Kinsella and her team of counselling and clinical (HCPC) registered psychologists. All our psychologists have undergone rigorous doctorate training and bring together a wealth of experience from years of service and expertise within the NHS and the private sector. Within our individual clinical therapies we offer support to individuals and couples who seek solutions to their psychological and emotional difficulties. We offer a range of evidence based therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Relational psychotherapy.
Mindful Psychology LTD is an independent private psychology practice. Our services are directed by Dr Amanda Kinsella and her team of counselling and clinical (HCPC) registered psychologists. All our psychologists have undergone rigorous doctorate training and bring together a wealth of experience from years of service and expertise within the NHS and the private sector. Within our individual clinical therapies we offer support to individuals and couples who seek solutions to their psychological and emotional difficulties. We offer a range of evidence based therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Relational psychotherapy.

Hi my name is Andrea. I have over 17yrs experience of working within the mental health field. As a CBT therapist and EMDR practitioner I have experience of working with anxiety based difficulties, such as generalised anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, PTSD, health anxiety; and depressive presentations. I have a special interest in low self esteem and trauma. I provide a warm, compassionate and safe space to work towards change and improvements in your mental well-being. If you are ready to engage in therapy to work towards clear goals and areas of change, please get in touch.
Hi my name is Andrea. I have over 17yrs experience of working within the mental health field. As a CBT therapist and EMDR practitioner I have experience of working with anxiety based difficulties, such as generalised anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, PTSD, health anxiety; and depressive presentations. I have a special interest in low self esteem and trauma. I provide a warm, compassionate and safe space to work towards change and improvements in your mental well-being. If you are ready to engage in therapy to work towards clear goals and areas of change, please get in touch.

Do you feel like you're barely hanging in there, confused, overwhelmed or paralysed by fear; fear of moving forwards, fear of change, fear of someone else, fear of failure, fear of not being good enough, fear of not knowing who you really are? Are you looking for a therapist where you can be 100% yourself, where you don't have to pretend you feel OK or are getting better? Someone who will listen to you and you feel comfortable talking to? I don't have all the answers because I'm not you, but I'm with you on your journey. I'm a clinical hypnotherapist using psychotherapy to help you find the strength to make lasting changes
Do you feel like you're barely hanging in there, confused, overwhelmed or paralysed by fear; fear of moving forwards, fear of change, fear of someone else, fear of failure, fear of not being good enough, fear of not knowing who you really are? Are you looking for a therapist where you can be 100% yourself, where you don't have to pretend you feel OK or are getting better? Someone who will listen to you and you feel comfortable talking to? I don't have all the answers because I'm not you, but I'm with you on your journey. I'm a clinical hypnotherapist using psychotherapy to help you find the strength to make lasting changes

Hi (and thanks for taking the time to view my profile and learn a little more about me).
My name is Andy, I am a psychotherapist specialising in EMDR. I am a BACP accredited practitioner with over 15 years experience working therapeutically with young people and adults.
Prior to establishing Head Camp, I worked within the NHS (CAMHS), a well-established Chester based Psychology service, Children’s Services, and a highly subscribed school-based therapy service within North Wales.
Hi (and thanks for taking the time to view my profile and learn a little more about me).
My name is Andy, I am a psychotherapist specialising in EMDR. I am a BACP accredited practitioner with over 15 years experience working therapeutically with young people and adults.
Prior to establishing Head Camp, I worked within the NHS (CAMHS), a well-established Chester based Psychology service, Children’s Services, and a highly subscribed school-based therapy service within North Wales.

Hi, I’m Helen - a BABCP-accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist ('CBT') and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing ('EMDR') practitioner. I spent 15 years working within NHS mental health services. For the past 3 years, I have worked as a private practitioner. I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in CBT and an MSc in Applied Social Studies.
Hi, I’m Helen - a BABCP-accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist ('CBT') and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing ('EMDR') practitioner. I spent 15 years working within NHS mental health services. For the past 3 years, I have worked as a private practitioner. I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in CBT and an MSc in Applied Social Studies.

Hi I'm Donna, I am a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) practitioner. I have over 10 years’ experience of working in mental health services within the NHS, and more recently 3 years experience of working in private practice. I hold a Post Graduate Diploma in CBT, and a Psychology BSc first class honours degree.
Hi I'm Donna, I am a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) practitioner. I have over 10 years’ experience of working in mental health services within the NHS, and more recently 3 years experience of working in private practice. I hold a Post Graduate Diploma in CBT, and a Psychology BSc first class honours degree.
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Chester
100+
Average cost per session
£55
Counsellors in Chester who prioritize treating:
92% | Anxiety |
85% | Depression |
85% | Self Esteem |
78% | Stress |
68% | Relationship Issues |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
62% | Bereavement |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
58% | Bupa |
56% | Aviva |
51% | WPA |
How Counsellors in Chester see their clients
72% | In Person and Online | |
28% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
78% | Female | |
18% | Male | |
4% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Chester?
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.