Counselling in Exeter

Are you struggling with the demands of life or maybe something that has happened that has had an impact on you? Taking the first step to getting help can be both a difficult and scary experience. Together, we can make sense of the difficulties that you are experiencing and think together about what you'd like to change and with my guidance we can think about how you can achieve this.
Are you struggling with the demands of life or maybe something that has happened that has had an impact on you? Taking the first step to getting help can be both a difficult and scary experience. Together, we can make sense of the difficulties that you are experiencing and think together about what you'd like to change and with my guidance we can think about how you can achieve this.

Dr Emily Brooks
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Exeter EX4
Waitlist for new clients
Hello! I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, working both at a senior level within the NHS and in the private sector. I have many years experience of working therapeutically with people with complex mental health and attachment / relationship difficulties.
Hello! I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, working both at a senior level within the NHS and in the private sector. I have many years experience of working therapeutically with people with complex mental health and attachment / relationship difficulties.

Hello, are you seeking a compassionate guide to help you through life's ups and downs? I believe we each have an innate ability to navigate challenges, but sometimes, when life feels overwhelming due to either bereavement, loss, trauma, or a life changing event, we don't have to face it alone. Together, we will work to address your pain and challenges, ensuring that you feel heard, valued and empowered. With experience working at a local counselling centre, as well as with a national bereavement charity, I offer a safe and supportive environment to explore your needs and foster healing, change and growth.
Hello, are you seeking a compassionate guide to help you through life's ups and downs? I believe we each have an innate ability to navigate challenges, but sometimes, when life feels overwhelming due to either bereavement, loss, trauma, or a life changing event, we don't have to face it alone. Together, we will work to address your pain and challenges, ensuring that you feel heard, valued and empowered. With experience working at a local counselling centre, as well as with a national bereavement charity, I offer a safe and supportive environment to explore your needs and foster healing, change and growth.

Having the time and space within counselling to explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe and confidential environment is often the first step in making positive change in someone’s life. Our problems can sometimes feel too big or heavy to carry ourselves. Often it’s hard to pinpoint what’s actually wrong, but that low mood, and anxiety over powers us. Counselling will help you understand your behaviours and emotions that little bit better and give you insight into why you may be finding things difficult. With this understanding, it is often the catalyst for positive change leading to a more balanced and healthy future.
Having the time and space within counselling to explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe and confidential environment is often the first step in making positive change in someone’s life. Our problems can sometimes feel too big or heavy to carry ourselves. Often it’s hard to pinpoint what’s actually wrong, but that low mood, and anxiety over powers us. Counselling will help you understand your behaviours and emotions that little bit better and give you insight into why you may be finding things difficult. With this understanding, it is often the catalyst for positive change leading to a more balanced and healthy future.

As an experienced family therapist in CAMHS and private practice, I have worked with individuals, couples and families for over 14 years. I specialise in working with relationships, self-harm, mood difficulties, emotional dysregulation and eating and body image difficulties. Alongside working with families and couples, I have a particular interest in supporting clients who are neurodiverse, diagnosed or self-diagnosed, to live in an authentic and unmasked way that aligns with their values. I provide a compassionate and open space and embrace working in a neuro-affirming way to support you to feel empowered and heard.
As an experienced family therapist in CAMHS and private practice, I have worked with individuals, couples and families for over 14 years. I specialise in working with relationships, self-harm, mood difficulties, emotional dysregulation and eating and body image difficulties. Alongside working with families and couples, I have a particular interest in supporting clients who are neurodiverse, diagnosed or self-diagnosed, to live in an authentic and unmasked way that aligns with their values. I provide a compassionate and open space and embrace working in a neuro-affirming way to support you to feel empowered and heard.

It’s good to talk. Voicing your issues and what is going on for you can be the first step to understanding your struggles, worries, confusion or pain. Are you struggling with something? Is there something you would like to understand about yourself? Are you feeling stuck? Are you feeling alone?
It’s good to talk. Voicing your issues and what is going on for you can be the first step to understanding your struggles, worries, confusion or pain. Are you struggling with something? Is there something you would like to understand about yourself? Are you feeling stuck? Are you feeling alone?

I am an experienced registered counsellor. I offer a warm, calm, confidential and non judgmental space for clients to explore thoughts and feelings. I work with a range of issues with both males, females and couples. I also work at The Safe Foundation as Clinical Lead. I specialise with clients, both male and female who have been through domestic abuse and Trauma.
I am an experienced registered counsellor. I offer a warm, calm, confidential and non judgmental space for clients to explore thoughts and feelings. I work with a range of issues with both males, females and couples. I also work at The Safe Foundation as Clinical Lead. I specialise with clients, both male and female who have been through domestic abuse and Trauma.

Psychotherapy and counselling is a bit like building an extension on our home. Our home is ourselves. Wherever we go in the world, we take ourselves with us. We are our vehicle to life. Would you like to navigate life in a home that is built the way you have chosen, that is solid and stable and where there are no limits to its growth? The good news about building your extension is that you don’t have to do it alone. I will be steadfastly alongside you, as you explore yourself and your reasons for arriving into therapy. Through working with me, it is possible to live your life with more ease, comfort and choice.
Psychotherapy and counselling is a bit like building an extension on our home. Our home is ourselves. Wherever we go in the world, we take ourselves with us. We are our vehicle to life. Would you like to navigate life in a home that is built the way you have chosen, that is solid and stable and where there are no limits to its growth? The good news about building your extension is that you don’t have to do it alone. I will be steadfastly alongside you, as you explore yourself and your reasons for arriving into therapy. Through working with me, it is possible to live your life with more ease, comfort and choice.

I have a particular interest & experience in working with Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating difficulties. As a Family Therapist, I have worked with a wide range of mental health difficulties, including using Attachment Narrative Therapy; working with attachment difficulties; depression; anxiety; self harm; emotional regulation; communication difficulties & trauma. I’m trained to work with individuals, couples & families across the age range. It’s a privilege to support & empower families & individuals in understanding their lives experiences, improving their relationships, mental health & well-being.
I have a particular interest & experience in working with Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating difficulties. As a Family Therapist, I have worked with a wide range of mental health difficulties, including using Attachment Narrative Therapy; working with attachment difficulties; depression; anxiety; self harm; emotional regulation; communication difficulties & trauma. I’m trained to work with individuals, couples & families across the age range. It’s a privilege to support & empower families & individuals in understanding their lives experiences, improving their relationships, mental health & well-being.

I work with people who want to explore and make sense of their difficulties or who want to make changes in their life. I work with clients of all ages and can focus on a range of difficulties. Together we will build an understanding of your experiences and help you navigate moving forward with your life. I hold particular expertise in eating disorders, body image issues, low self esteem, clinical perfectionism, depression, anxiety, and interpersonal or relational issues.
I work with people who want to explore and make sense of their difficulties or who want to make changes in their life. I work with clients of all ages and can focus on a range of difficulties. Together we will build an understanding of your experiences and help you navigate moving forward with your life. I hold particular expertise in eating disorders, body image issues, low self esteem, clinical perfectionism, depression, anxiety, and interpersonal or relational issues.

When one of life’s problems becomes overwhelming, you may be feeling anxious or distraught, it can make a real difference prioritising your needs and talking to a counsellor who can listen to you with compassion and without judgement. Life can feel challenging at times, stressful and full of uncertainty; are you struggling to cope with work or family life? Has life set you back? Or are you looking for some peace and calm in your life? Whatever you are struggling with or want to focus on, then I am here to help you.
When one of life’s problems becomes overwhelming, you may be feeling anxious or distraught, it can make a real difference prioritising your needs and talking to a counsellor who can listen to you with compassion and without judgement. Life can feel challenging at times, stressful and full of uncertainty; are you struggling to cope with work or family life? Has life set you back? Or are you looking for some peace and calm in your life? Whatever you are struggling with or want to focus on, then I am here to help you.
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I am a qualified and experienced Integrative counsellor and Internal Family Systems therapist, working with adults across a wide range of life's challenges in the Exeter area and on-line. I hope to encourage self-acceptance as a good enough person, quietening the inner critic & bringing self-compassion to the relationship you have with yourself & transforming your relationship with others. Together, we can explore the feelings, thoughts & relational patterns that have been causing you distress. I can support you to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of past experiences & how these may impact your struggles in the present.
I am a qualified and experienced Integrative counsellor and Internal Family Systems therapist, working with adults across a wide range of life's challenges in the Exeter area and on-line. I hope to encourage self-acceptance as a good enough person, quietening the inner critic & bringing self-compassion to the relationship you have with yourself & transforming your relationship with others. Together, we can explore the feelings, thoughts & relational patterns that have been causing you distress. I can support you to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of past experiences & how these may impact your struggles in the present.

I'm Sinéad, a psychotherapist-in-training offering low-cost therapy in Exeter. Life can be uncertain and challenging, but you don’t have to face those times alone. I provide a supportive, compassionate, and non-judgmental space in which to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Having trained as a mindfulness teacher, I recognise the intimate connection between body and mind: a principle that sits at the heart of my work. In this, I understand the important role nature plays in our emotional and mental well-being and have a keen interest in ecopsychotherapy.
I'm Sinéad, a psychotherapist-in-training offering low-cost therapy in Exeter. Life can be uncertain and challenging, but you don’t have to face those times alone. I provide a supportive, compassionate, and non-judgmental space in which to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Having trained as a mindfulness teacher, I recognise the intimate connection between body and mind: a principle that sits at the heart of my work. In this, I understand the important role nature plays in our emotional and mental well-being and have a keen interest in ecopsychotherapy.

Matt Ridley Counselling BA(Hons) MBACP (Accred)
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Exeter EX1
I work best with clients that are ready to make a commitment to change, and are ready to develop skills of self-reflection and compassion. Many of my clients have big questions about life and their place in it, as well as questions of who they are and what they want. Some clients don't really know what they want but know that something isn't quite right - that's ok too!
I work best with clients that are ready to make a commitment to change, and are ready to develop skills of self-reflection and compassion. Many of my clients have big questions about life and their place in it, as well as questions of who they are and what they want. Some clients don't really know what they want but know that something isn't quite right - that's ok too!

We don't get wounded alone and we don't heal alone." Carl Jung. Are wounds from the past affecting how you are functioning in the present and your thoughts of the future? Our early experiences can create patterns of trust and distrust which affect how we are in our relationships with others and ourselves, as well as how we respond to trauma and stress throughout our lives on many different levels. However, whilst we may be shaped by the past I believe that we do not need to be trapped by it.
We don't get wounded alone and we don't heal alone." Carl Jung. Are wounds from the past affecting how you are functioning in the present and your thoughts of the future? Our early experiences can create patterns of trust and distrust which affect how we are in our relationships with others and ourselves, as well as how we respond to trauma and stress throughout our lives on many different levels. However, whilst we may be shaped by the past I believe that we do not need to be trapped by it.

As a compassionate and nurturing male with experience working with Mind, the NHS and a leading dementia charity as well as volunteering with the Samaritans and Cruse Bereavement Support, I offer a special therapeutic relationship for those undergoing unwanted and distressing changes in their lives. I therefore place great store by the initial free phone or Zoom meeting as a ‘get to know’ session, where we will also explore how best I could support you. I will not claim to erase life problems, but I can help you to cope positively with them through developing new insights, enabling you to live with purpose.
As a compassionate and nurturing male with experience working with Mind, the NHS and a leading dementia charity as well as volunteering with the Samaritans and Cruse Bereavement Support, I offer a special therapeutic relationship for those undergoing unwanted and distressing changes in their lives. I therefore place great store by the initial free phone or Zoom meeting as a ‘get to know’ session, where we will also explore how best I could support you. I will not claim to erase life problems, but I can help you to cope positively with them through developing new insights, enabling you to live with purpose.

Experienced & BACP Accredited, sex-positive Gender, Sexuality & Relationship Diversity (GSRD) therapist working with LGBTQIA+ people. Knowledgable about gender, sexuality, transitioning, polyamory, consensual & ethical non-monogamy (CNM/ENM), open relationships, kink, BDSM, D/s, fetishes, sexual Issues, sex workers, swinging, munches, and sex parties. All genders and sexualities welcome. I support people with opening up relationships, or who are into, or experimenting with, kinks or power play. I also see a lot of trans and non-binary clients. I am a fully qualified sex therapist so can help with most sexual issues.
Experienced & BACP Accredited, sex-positive Gender, Sexuality & Relationship Diversity (GSRD) therapist working with LGBTQIA+ people. Knowledgable about gender, sexuality, transitioning, polyamory, consensual & ethical non-monogamy (CNM/ENM), open relationships, kink, BDSM, D/s, fetishes, sexual Issues, sex workers, swinging, munches, and sex parties. All genders and sexualities welcome. I support people with opening up relationships, or who are into, or experimenting with, kinks or power play. I also see a lot of trans and non-binary clients. I am a fully qualified sex therapist so can help with most sexual issues.

Hello, I’m Clare and I offer a compassionate and confidential space for you to explore any difficulty you may be experiencing. We can work together to make sense of your situation and feelings. I will listen, gently challenge your beliefs and encourage fresh perspectives. This approach builds on the momentum that brought you to therapy in the first place. I will work with you to help you feel understood and more at ease in your life. My therapeutic approach is integrative and is largely based on Gestalt Therapy, Attachment theory and Psychodynamic Therapy.
Hello, I’m Clare and I offer a compassionate and confidential space for you to explore any difficulty you may be experiencing. We can work together to make sense of your situation and feelings. I will listen, gently challenge your beliefs and encourage fresh perspectives. This approach builds on the momentum that brought you to therapy in the first place. I will work with you to help you feel understood and more at ease in your life. My therapeutic approach is integrative and is largely based on Gestalt Therapy, Attachment theory and Psychodynamic Therapy.

Agatha Penney MBACP (Accred) & COSRT (Accred)
Psychotherapist, MSc, COSRT General
Verified Verified
Online Only
Sometimes we may feel that everything we experience in life is difficult, challenging or simply doesn't make sense anymore. The amount of pressure we need to handle every day combined with all these repressed and unprocessed memories of things we never dealt with can easily lead to many psycho-physical issues. We all possess physical, mental/emotional and sexual healths. When our physical health needs attention, we go to see a doctor. Sadly, we often disregard the latter. We think we can handle it all, where in fact we are getting weaker, less resilient to adversities and prone to negative feelings & reactions.
Sometimes we may feel that everything we experience in life is difficult, challenging or simply doesn't make sense anymore. The amount of pressure we need to handle every day combined with all these repressed and unprocessed memories of things we never dealt with can easily lead to many psycho-physical issues. We all possess physical, mental/emotional and sexual healths. When our physical health needs attention, we go to see a doctor. Sadly, we often disregard the latter. We think we can handle it all, where in fact we are getting weaker, less resilient to adversities and prone to negative feelings & reactions.

If you are looking for someone with a caring warm and down to earth approach then this is what I offer. I have many years of experience supporting and guiding individuals to overcome struggles in their lives, whether it be coping with bereavement to living with chronic illness, insomnia, low self esteem, burnout, relationship issues, anxieties, depression and so forth. There aren’t many issues that I haven’t worked with over the years. I believe I am a particularly good listener and very committed to using all my knowledge and training to help you in your journey as best as I can.
If you are looking for someone with a caring warm and down to earth approach then this is what I offer. I have many years of experience supporting and guiding individuals to overcome struggles in their lives, whether it be coping with bereavement to living with chronic illness, insomnia, low self esteem, burnout, relationship issues, anxieties, depression and so forth. There aren’t many issues that I haven’t worked with over the years. I believe I am a particularly good listener and very committed to using all my knowledge and training to help you in your journey as best as I can.
See more therapy options for Exeter
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Exeter
200+
Average cost per session
£55
Counsellors in Exeter who prioritize treating:
90% | Depression |
90% | Anxiety |
83% | Self Esteem |
82% | Stress |
77% | Relationship Issues |
71% | Trauma and PTSD |
69% | Bereavement |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
51% | AXA PPP |
45% | Aviva |
40% | Bupa |
How Counsellors in Exeter see their clients
83% | In Person and Online | |
17% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
81% | Female | |
18% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Exeter?
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.