Counselling in Colchester

Photo of Annie Porteous-Butler - HEART Counselling, Counsellor, MBACP
HEART Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Not accepting new clients
My name is Annie, and I offer a warm, welcoming and non-judgemental space where I know you will feel safe enough to share what’s troubling you, what’s happened to you, and how you really feel. We all have times when we are struggling with the daily pressures of life… but this can be even worse when you are in pain but no one believes you. It’s at these times that it’s important to remember: It’s OK not to be OK. When it feels like friends and family simply don’t get it, finding someone who will listen and actively hear you can be transformative.
My name is Annie, and I offer a warm, welcoming and non-judgemental space where I know you will feel safe enough to share what’s troubling you, what’s happened to you, and how you really feel. We all have times when we are struggling with the daily pressures of life… but this can be even worse when you are in pain but no one believes you. It’s at these times that it’s important to remember: It’s OK not to be OK. When it feels like friends and family simply don’t get it, finding someone who will listen and actively hear you can be transformative.
01206 239994 View 01206 239994
Photo of Celia McLean, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Celia McLean
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Thank you for visiting my profile, navigating life can sometimes feel overwhelming. You may be struggling with feeling anxious or depressed. Maybe you struggle to prioritise yourself, always taking care of others needs ahead of your own, leaving you running on empty. Perhaps you feel overly responsible for others, always trying to fix their problems. Maybe past experiences have left you feeling ashamed, empty and unsure of who you are. Sometimes we need help to work through life’s challenges. I work with adults individually online and in person, gently helping them to make sense of their difficulties and find a way forwards.
Thank you for visiting my profile, navigating life can sometimes feel overwhelming. You may be struggling with feeling anxious or depressed. Maybe you struggle to prioritise yourself, always taking care of others needs ahead of your own, leaving you running on empty. Perhaps you feel overly responsible for others, always trying to fix their problems. Maybe past experiences have left you feeling ashamed, empty and unsure of who you are. Sometimes we need help to work through life’s challenges. I work with adults individually online and in person, gently helping them to make sense of their difficulties and find a way forwards.
01206 699917 View 01206 699917
Photo of Joanne Westwood, Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Joanne Westwood
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
You do not need to be experiencing a crisis to benefit from counselling. You may want to explore where you are in life, increase your self-awareness and engage in personal growth. Counselling can provide the opportunity to help you come to terms with and accept what can’t be changed, gain a clearer perspective on life or work through a difficult choice. The safe space is yours to bring as much or as little as you need.
You do not need to be experiencing a crisis to benefit from counselling. You may want to explore where you are in life, increase your self-awareness and engage in personal growth. Counselling can provide the opportunity to help you come to terms with and accept what can’t be changed, gain a clearer perspective on life or work through a difficult choice. The safe space is yours to bring as much or as little as you need.
020 3962 1267 View 020 3962 1267
Photo of Moira Henderson-Brown - MHBCounselling, Psychotherapist, MBACP
MHBCounselling
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hello and welcome to my profile page. I am available to support you in many ways though different obstacles that bring us to want to talk. As a Person-Centred therapist I am able to help you with Anxiety,Stress, Depression, Family problems, Work problems, Anger, Identity, Disability Acceptance, Grief and loss, Illness, Job loss, PTSD , Trauma, Ageing, and many more obstacles that are making life difficult. Through our sessions we can work together , and more I am here to listen.
Hello and welcome to my profile page. I am available to support you in many ways though different obstacles that bring us to want to talk. As a Person-Centred therapist I am able to help you with Anxiety,Stress, Depression, Family problems, Work problems, Anger, Identity, Disability Acceptance, Grief and loss, Illness, Job loss, PTSD , Trauma, Ageing, and many more obstacles that are making life difficult. Through our sessions we can work together , and more I am here to listen.
01206 699428 View 01206 699428
Photo of Christian U. Ilodibe, Counsellor, MBACP
Christian U. Ilodibe
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
I have BA (Hons) in Person-centred counselling, which has helped in my understanding of various issues we face in our daily lives, garnered during my training and working with various clients, and offering pastoral care to members of my local community. These issues may include but not limited to depression, anxiety, bereavement, stress, trauma, divorce, etc. I will work in an empathetic, non-directive and non-judgemental way to ensure you get what you need from counselling by openly discussing and making shared decisions with you, with the belief that different clients need different things at different times
I have BA (Hons) in Person-centred counselling, which has helped in my understanding of various issues we face in our daily lives, garnered during my training and working with various clients, and offering pastoral care to members of my local community. These issues may include but not limited to depression, anxiety, bereavement, stress, trauma, divorce, etc. I will work in an empathetic, non-directive and non-judgemental way to ensure you get what you need from counselling by openly discussing and making shared decisions with you, with the belief that different clients need different things at different times
01206 239172 View 01206 239172
Photo of Ian Rattray, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Ian Rattray
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Sometimes life can be difficult or challenging. Maybe you are struggling with feelings such as sadness, anxiety, anger, depression, stress, worry, guilt, or shame? Perhaps something has particularly knocked you sideways, your usual means to cope with life’s challenges no longer suffice or not the solution? Or do you find yourself feeling lost or empty, or caught up in a cycle of thinking or behaving that is affecting your emotional well being or making life, work or relationships difficult? Have you and your partner got into stuck ways of relating? Is this leaving you feeling hurt, sad or lonely? Are you hurting the ones you love?
Sometimes life can be difficult or challenging. Maybe you are struggling with feelings such as sadness, anxiety, anger, depression, stress, worry, guilt, or shame? Perhaps something has particularly knocked you sideways, your usual means to cope with life’s challenges no longer suffice or not the solution? Or do you find yourself feeling lost or empty, or caught up in a cycle of thinking or behaving that is affecting your emotional well being or making life, work or relationships difficult? Have you and your partner got into stuck ways of relating? Is this leaving you feeling hurt, sad or lonely? Are you hurting the ones you love?
01206 239995 View 01206 239995
Photo of Dan O'Donovan, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Dan O'Donovan
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hi, I’m Dan, a fully qualified person-centred counsellor/psychotherapist based in Colchester, Essex. I consider myself to be a compassionate, empathetic and driven person with a strong desire to help people. Are you struggling? Feeling lost? Stuck? Overwhelmed? Whether that be because of anxiety, depression, stress, trauma or whichever of life’s challenges is impacting your mental health and wellbeing. I am here to provide you with a safe confidential space for you to talk freely and explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace without judgment. I want you to feel listened to, empowered and supported to overcome this period.
Hi, I’m Dan, a fully qualified person-centred counsellor/psychotherapist based in Colchester, Essex. I consider myself to be a compassionate, empathetic and driven person with a strong desire to help people. Are you struggling? Feeling lost? Stuck? Overwhelmed? Whether that be because of anxiety, depression, stress, trauma or whichever of life’s challenges is impacting your mental health and wellbeing. I am here to provide you with a safe confidential space for you to talk freely and explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace without judgment. I want you to feel listened to, empowered and supported to overcome this period.
020 4572 3264 View 020 4572 3264
Photo of Dr Birgit Vote Cpsychol, Psychologist, DCounsPsych, CPsychol
Dr Birgit Vote Cpsychol
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, CPsychol
Verified Verified
I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist and have over 10 years experience offering psychological therapy services. I have worked with a wide variety of people, from all walks of life and ages and backgrounds in different therapeutic settings including private practice, within the NHS and the not-for-profit sector. I offer evidence-based therapy tailored to each individual’s needs for a range of difficulties, for example, anxiety, depression, excessive worry, trauma, anger, stress management, work issues, grief/loss or relationship problems.
I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist and have over 10 years experience offering psychological therapy services. I have worked with a wide variety of people, from all walks of life and ages and backgrounds in different therapeutic settings including private practice, within the NHS and the not-for-profit sector. I offer evidence-based therapy tailored to each individual’s needs for a range of difficulties, for example, anxiety, depression, excessive worry, trauma, anger, stress management, work issues, grief/loss or relationship problems.
01206 237461 View 01206 237461
Photo of Angelique Cox, Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Angelique Cox
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Are you struggling to communicate as a family or maybe discussions often end up as arguments ? Perhaps there’s been a significant event recently, for one or all of you, that’s had a big impact and needs talking through together ? Ill health, either physical or mental health, can really affect everyone and when this becomes overwhelming it’s usually helpful to have someone external to the family to process it all with.
Are you struggling to communicate as a family or maybe discussions often end up as arguments ? Perhaps there’s been a significant event recently, for one or all of you, that’s had a big impact and needs talking through together ? Ill health, either physical or mental health, can really affect everyone and when this becomes overwhelming it’s usually helpful to have someone external to the family to process it all with.
01206 489508 View 01206 489508
Photo of Carolyn Bowden, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Carolyn Bowden
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hi, I'm Carolyn. I'm guessing you've already scrolled through a load of profiles wondering how on earth you chose the right counsellor for you. Overwhelming isn’t it? You already know what's troubling you and what brings you here, be that anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, feelings of aloneness, grief and loss, past or present trauma or simply the feeling that something is "off" and you're not as happy as you could or should be. You've already done the hardest part - recognising you need somebody to talk to, now you just have to find the right somebody for you.
Hi, I'm Carolyn. I'm guessing you've already scrolled through a load of profiles wondering how on earth you chose the right counsellor for you. Overwhelming isn’t it? You already know what's troubling you and what brings you here, be that anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, feelings of aloneness, grief and loss, past or present trauma or simply the feeling that something is "off" and you're not as happy as you could or should be. You've already done the hardest part - recognising you need somebody to talk to, now you just have to find the right somebody for you.
01206 487846 View 01206 487846
Photo of Jessica Guise, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Jessica Guise
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
I offer a warm, compassionate therapeutic space where we will work together on whatever it is that has brought you to therapy. Therapy is deeply personal and every client arrives for different reasons. These may include; anxiety or depression, issues with self-esteem, lack of purpose, anger or addiction, problems in relationships or sex, loss, historic or current abuse, or a sense of being stuck.
I offer a warm, compassionate therapeutic space where we will work together on whatever it is that has brought you to therapy. Therapy is deeply personal and every client arrives for different reasons. These may include; anxiety or depression, issues with self-esteem, lack of purpose, anger or addiction, problems in relationships or sex, loss, historic or current abuse, or a sense of being stuck.
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Photo of Josh Taylor, Psychotherapist, BACP
Josh Taylor
Psychotherapist, BACP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hi I’m Josh, an integrative psychotherapist and yoga teacher. I specialise in aligning the body and mind. I deeply value the rights of all human beings and will actively support anyone feeling marginalised. Having experienced expected and unexpected loss I also understand the effects of grief. My background as a yoga instructor and personal trainer allows me to bring a unique perspective to therapy. Along with my prior training I have been influenced by Dr Bessel Van Der Kolk’s book The Body Keeps The Score. I incorporate mind-body connections, holistic expertise, and mindfulness techniques into my practice.
Hi I’m Josh, an integrative psychotherapist and yoga teacher. I specialise in aligning the body and mind. I deeply value the rights of all human beings and will actively support anyone feeling marginalised. Having experienced expected and unexpected loss I also understand the effects of grief. My background as a yoga instructor and personal trainer allows me to bring a unique perspective to therapy. Along with my prior training I have been influenced by Dr Bessel Van Der Kolk’s book The Body Keeps The Score. I incorporate mind-body connections, holistic expertise, and mindfulness techniques into my practice.
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Photo of Liz Somervell, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Liz Somervell
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
I am an experienced integrative counsellor here to help and support you through difficult times. I provide a caring, friendly and non-judgmental private space to enable you to reach a better understanding of yourself and others, and offer warm empathetic listening which I believe is essential in establishing a strong therapeutic relationship. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with adults and young people from all walks of life, exploring their thoughts, feelings and beliefs both past and present. I primarily use psychodynamic and person-centred approaches appropriate to the individual needs of the client.
I am an experienced integrative counsellor here to help and support you through difficult times. I provide a caring, friendly and non-judgmental private space to enable you to reach a better understanding of yourself and others, and offer warm empathetic listening which I believe is essential in establishing a strong therapeutic relationship. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with adults and young people from all walks of life, exploring their thoughts, feelings and beliefs both past and present. I primarily use psychodynamic and person-centred approaches appropriate to the individual needs of the client.
01206 417448 View 01206 417448
Photo of Liz Pickford, Counsellor, MBACP
Liz Pickford
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Your journey to reclaiming your Happiness could start here! As a qualified Counsellor & Restorative Mediator, I fully believe that everyone deserves to live their life to their full potential. I have experience of working with clients presenting with anxiety, trauma and attachment difficulties, shame, childhood sexual abuse, alcohol and substance misuse, bereavement, relationships and adoption. I also have over 25 years’ experience of working with children and families, and provide specialist support for Birth Families, Adoptive Families, & Looked After Children.
Your journey to reclaiming your Happiness could start here! As a qualified Counsellor & Restorative Mediator, I fully believe that everyone deserves to live their life to their full potential. I have experience of working with clients presenting with anxiety, trauma and attachment difficulties, shame, childhood sexual abuse, alcohol and substance misuse, bereavement, relationships and adoption. I also have over 25 years’ experience of working with children and families, and provide specialist support for Birth Families, Adoptive Families, & Looked After Children.
01255 448839 View 01255 448839
Photo of Luke Kayne, Counsellor, MBACP
Luke Kayne
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Do you feel overwhelming sadness or anxiety in your life? Do your relationships seem like a constant struggle for you? Perhaps you have guilt because you cannot manage your anger, or maybe you are experiencing difficultly processing a bereavement. It might be that life is just one enormous battle. We all experience difficult challenges that leave us feeling stuck, isolated, anxious or afraid. All of us. So why choose me? Choosing a therapist who has a broad life experience is extremely important.
Do you feel overwhelming sadness or anxiety in your life? Do your relationships seem like a constant struggle for you? Perhaps you have guilt because you cannot manage your anger, or maybe you are experiencing difficultly processing a bereavement. It might be that life is just one enormous battle. We all experience difficult challenges that leave us feeling stuck, isolated, anxious or afraid. All of us. So why choose me? Choosing a therapist who has a broad life experience is extremely important.
01206 636448 View 01206 636448
Photo of Sabrina Donnelly, Counsellor, MBACP
Sabrina Donnelly
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hi, I’m Sabrina a fully qualified person-centred counsellor based in Colchester. Registered with the BACP and also continuing self development. I can provide a safe confidential environment to talk freely. I can also offer online and telephone sessions. My aim is to support and guide you to a stronger sense of self.
Hi, I’m Sabrina a fully qualified person-centred counsellor based in Colchester. Registered with the BACP and also continuing self development. I can provide a safe confidential environment to talk freely. I can also offer online and telephone sessions. My aim is to support and guide you to a stronger sense of self.
01206 487842 View 01206 487842
Photo of Charlotte Price, Counsellor, MBACP
Charlotte Price
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Do you feel different? Or alone? Or like nobody really understands what you're dealing with? Do you feel like you’re trying your hardest, but it’s still not good enough? Do you want to feel better, or want life to be different, but you just don’t know how? Are you losing hope? Whatever brings you here, and whatever you’re struggling with, what matters to you will matter to me.
Do you feel different? Or alone? Or like nobody really understands what you're dealing with? Do you feel like you’re trying your hardest, but it’s still not good enough? Do you want to feel better, or want life to be different, but you just don’t know how? Are you losing hope? Whatever brings you here, and whatever you’re struggling with, what matters to you will matter to me.
01206 581762 View 01206 581762
Photo of Claudia Brooker Loubassa - Light Bubble Counselling, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Light Bubble Counselling
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Specialist in Trauma, PTSD, Burnout, Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Low self-esteem and abuse to name few. I have a variety of trainings and experiences included CBT, Gestalt, Attachment therapy, Child Gigogne theory in therapeutic process. This means, I am able to tailor your session, finding the right way of working for you. I have good knowledge and understanding of ethnic backgrounds and faiths, and also an interest in working with members of the sexual minority. I am working both face to face and online. In addition to my one to one session, I also work with groups, both individuals and couple counselling in a groups setting.
Specialist in Trauma, PTSD, Burnout, Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Low self-esteem and abuse to name few. I have a variety of trainings and experiences included CBT, Gestalt, Attachment therapy, Child Gigogne theory in therapeutic process. This means, I am able to tailor your session, finding the right way of working for you. I have good knowledge and understanding of ethnic backgrounds and faiths, and also an interest in working with members of the sexual minority. I am working both face to face and online. In addition to my one to one session, I also work with groups, both individuals and couple counselling in a groups setting.
01206 239169 View 01206 239169
Photo of Angie Smithson, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Angie Smithson
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Not accepting new clients
I work with those struggling with self-destructive behaviour, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder and eating disorders. By uniting the person-centred approach alongside dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) I work alongside you within the therapeutic relationship, practising new life skills seeking to identify, accept and change negative thinking patterns by looking at four key areas: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation and Interpersonal Relationships. The aim is to support individuals find new ways to manage painful emotions and decrease conflict in life.
I work with those struggling with self-destructive behaviour, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder and eating disorders. By uniting the person-centred approach alongside dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) I work alongside you within the therapeutic relationship, practising new life skills seeking to identify, accept and change negative thinking patterns by looking at four key areas: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation and Interpersonal Relationships. The aim is to support individuals find new ways to manage painful emotions and decrease conflict in life.
01206 237459 View 01206 237459
Photo of Gill Kitchen, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Gill Kitchen
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
When life is a challenge and we feel alone or unsupported, it is my belief that we can all find our 'place of peace'. Sometimes we simply need to connect with the 'right person' for a period of time to re-align our thoughts and feelings. If we can calm our inner self we can give ourselves an opportunity to navigate an alternative pathway to the one that we have found ourselves to be on.
When life is a challenge and we feel alone or unsupported, it is my belief that we can all find our 'place of peace'. Sometimes we simply need to connect with the 'right person' for a period of time to re-align our thoughts and feelings. If we can calm our inner self we can give ourselves an opportunity to navigate an alternative pathway to the one that we have found ourselves to be on.
01206 636401 View 01206 636401

See more therapy options for Colchester

How does your Counsellor compare?

Number of Counsellors in Colchester

100+

Average cost per session

£60

Counsellors in Colchester who prioritize treating:

89% Anxiety
86% Depression
84% Self Esteem
79% Stress
77% Relationship Issues
66% Bereavement
66% Trauma and PTSD

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

72% Aviva
66% AXA PPP
62% Bupa

How Counsellors in Colchester see their clients

86% In Person and Online
14% Online Only

Gender breakdown

77% Female
22% Male
1% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling

How can I find a therapist in Colchester?

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.