Counselling in London
Are you tired of battling against chronic pain or illness every day? Maybe you feel that your life is being controlled by it. This could have led you to feel down or anxious or it may have affected your sleep. It can be hard for other people to understand your illness or pain, resulting in feeling isolated from friends and family. Maybe pain has stopped you from continuing with a hobby or keeping on top of the housework. In this position you may be wondering how you can live a valued and fulfilling life.
Are you tired of battling against chronic pain or illness every day? Maybe you feel that your life is being controlled by it. This could have led you to feel down or anxious or it may have affected your sleep. It can be hard for other people to understand your illness or pain, resulting in feeling isolated from friends and family. Maybe pain has stopped you from continuing with a hobby or keeping on top of the housework. In this position you may be wondering how you can live a valued and fulfilling life.
I am a psychotherapist with over ten years of experience in the USA, Dubai and UK. I strongly believe in a client’s ability to heal and the power of the therapeutic alliance. I believe that clients can heal from life’s traumas and struggles in a safe and warm therapeutic environment. I also incorporate techniques of trauma-focused therapy, psychodynamic, mindfulness, and CBT. I also have completed specialised training in expressive arts and trauma. My approach is collaborative and focuses on providing a safe and non-judgmental space for you to begin your healing journey.
I am a psychotherapist with over ten years of experience in the USA, Dubai and UK. I strongly believe in a client’s ability to heal and the power of the therapeutic alliance. I believe that clients can heal from life’s traumas and struggles in a safe and warm therapeutic environment. I also incorporate techniques of trauma-focused therapy, psychodynamic, mindfulness, and CBT. I also have completed specialised training in expressive arts and trauma. My approach is collaborative and focuses on providing a safe and non-judgmental space for you to begin your healing journey.
Alana Whitlock
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London N5 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
As a qualified Clinical Psychologist with experience working with a range of difficulties, I provide a compassionate, safe, and non-judgemental space for you to explore these issues. I utilise Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), but draw on a number of approaches, including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), in order to provide a therapeutic space which is individualised to your specific needs. I have experience working with a number of difficulties, including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, panic, low self-esteem, and stress.
As a qualified Clinical Psychologist with experience working with a range of difficulties, I provide a compassionate, safe, and non-judgemental space for you to explore these issues. I utilise Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), but draw on a number of approaches, including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), in order to provide a therapeutic space which is individualised to your specific needs. I have experience working with a number of difficulties, including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, panic, low self-esteem, and stress.
I am a psychotherapist accredited UKCP experienced at treating emotional and psychological issues. Until 2021 I divided my time between private practice and the NHS, where I was Principal Psychotherapist for a large NHS Trust. Now in full time private practice I have extensive experience of assessing and treating people from a variety of backgrounds whose problems range from severe and complex to more easily treatable problems including: Self-esteem, personal development, depression, anxiety, addictions, self-harm, personality problems and family and relationship concerns.
I am a psychotherapist accredited UKCP experienced at treating emotional and psychological issues. Until 2021 I divided my time between private practice and the NHS, where I was Principal Psychotherapist for a large NHS Trust. Now in full time private practice I have extensive experience of assessing and treating people from a variety of backgrounds whose problems range from severe and complex to more easily treatable problems including: Self-esteem, personal development, depression, anxiety, addictions, self-harm, personality problems and family and relationship concerns.
Seeking help is not always easy, but it's the first step in helping you find the tools to tackle the challenges life brings. Counselling can help you renew your sense of well-being and discover methods to heal and care for your inner self. Whether you are dealing with a difficult situation, struggling to make sense of what's going on, feeling depressed, stressed out or dealing with painful emotions, therapy can be the key to help you through your journey. My core belief is that most people have a sense of their own well being and know when
Seeking help is not always easy, but it's the first step in helping you find the tools to tackle the challenges life brings. Counselling can help you renew your sense of well-being and discover methods to heal and care for your inner self. Whether you are dealing with a difficult situation, struggling to make sense of what's going on, feeling depressed, stressed out or dealing with painful emotions, therapy can be the key to help you through your journey. My core belief is that most people have a sense of their own well being and know when
During these difficult times of coronavirus and lockdown, I am offering sessions via the phone, Skype, and FaceTime. They are accepted methods also within the NHS, where I originally learnt to work with them. I am an integrative counsellor/psychotherapist having worked extensively in the NHS but now work privately. My background in the NHS has made me comfortable working within a multicultural context (LGBT and BME) with a very wide age group of clients (18 -90). I have also studied Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and can offer this separately.
During these difficult times of coronavirus and lockdown, I am offering sessions via the phone, Skype, and FaceTime. They are accepted methods also within the NHS, where I originally learnt to work with them. I am an integrative counsellor/psychotherapist having worked extensively in the NHS but now work privately. My background in the NHS has made me comfortable working within a multicultural context (LGBT and BME) with a very wide age group of clients (18 -90). I have also studied Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and can offer this separately.
We all want to feel heard, understood and validated. Some of us need help making sense of why we repeat harmful or unfulfilling behaviours. Psychotherapy creates a space where a person is heard. It also helps a person develop greater self-awareness and the ability to recognise and name their emotional needs, I work relationally, by which I mean the healing potential of psychotherapy is most likely to result through the trusting, mutually respectful relationship forged between therapist and client.
We all want to feel heard, understood and validated. Some of us need help making sense of why we repeat harmful or unfulfilling behaviours. Psychotherapy creates a space where a person is heard. It also helps a person develop greater self-awareness and the ability to recognise and name their emotional needs, I work relationally, by which I mean the healing potential of psychotherapy is most likely to result through the trusting, mutually respectful relationship forged between therapist and client.
Choosing the right Counsellor can be a challenge. As an integrative therapist, I combine Person-Centred and Psychodynamic approaches. Person-Centred therapy focuses on your feelings and experiences, creating a supportive space for self-exploration whilst the Psychodynamic approach explores past experiences and unconscious thoughts, aiming to bring awareness to patterns and conflicts for emotional insight. My role is to act as a mirror for you.
Choosing the right Counsellor can be a challenge. As an integrative therapist, I combine Person-Centred and Psychodynamic approaches. Person-Centred therapy focuses on your feelings and experiences, creating a supportive space for self-exploration whilst the Psychodynamic approach explores past experiences and unconscious thoughts, aiming to bring awareness to patterns and conflicts for emotional insight. My role is to act as a mirror for you.
Counselling is a confidential space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, beliefs or experiences over a period of time with the support of a trained listener. It is a non-judgmental, safe space, which helps to be able to reflect what is happening in your life and find alternative ways of handling them. Talking it through with a trusted counsellor helps to develop self-awareness and insight into how a person relates both to themselves and to those around them, along with finding new methods of dealing with everyday life experiences.
Counselling is a confidential space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, beliefs or experiences over a period of time with the support of a trained listener. It is a non-judgmental, safe space, which helps to be able to reflect what is happening in your life and find alternative ways of handling them. Talking it through with a trusted counsellor helps to develop self-awareness and insight into how a person relates both to themselves and to those around them, along with finding new methods of dealing with everyday life experiences.
I understand that seeking therapy can be a daunting process. By providing a safe space where you can learn to listen to yourself and be heard without judgment, I aim to help you understand how your past experiences might be shaping how you live, work, and relate to others in the present, allowing you more freedom to make positive changes in your life.
I understand that seeking therapy can be a daunting process. By providing a safe space where you can learn to listen to yourself and be heard without judgment, I aim to help you understand how your past experiences might be shaping how you live, work, and relate to others in the present, allowing you more freedom to make positive changes in your life.
My main approach is to encourage you to explore your feelings and take responsibility for your thoughts and actions. As I work in a way that empowers the client, I always work with what you present. Bottled up feelings such as anger, anxiety, grief, jealousy, sadness, shame and pain can become very overwhelming.The opportunity to express them can make it much easier to understand yourself and others. As I acknowledge your feelings and respect you as a person in your own right, you gain self-respect and a sense of being valued. This leads to building trust between counsellor and client, which is an essential part of the process.
My main approach is to encourage you to explore your feelings and take responsibility for your thoughts and actions. As I work in a way that empowers the client, I always work with what you present. Bottled up feelings such as anger, anxiety, grief, jealousy, sadness, shame and pain can become very overwhelming.The opportunity to express them can make it much easier to understand yourself and others. As I acknowledge your feelings and respect you as a person in your own right, you gain self-respect and a sense of being valued. This leads to building trust between counsellor and client, which is an essential part of the process.
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I am a registered Psychotherapist & Nutritional Therapist. I have a wealth of experience, both here and abroad, supporting individuals and couples experiencing: -Stress & anxiety -Self harm -Disordered eating -Addiction -Grief -Fertility issues & -Menopause transition issues. I would like to support you in gaining a deeper insight into the drivers of your distress & find better ways to cope & bring about change. After nearly 20 years in the field, I passionately believe in the bidirectional relationship between mental & physical health, meaning emotional balance is key to achieving an optimum state of health.
I am a registered Psychotherapist & Nutritional Therapist. I have a wealth of experience, both here and abroad, supporting individuals and couples experiencing: -Stress & anxiety -Self harm -Disordered eating -Addiction -Grief -Fertility issues & -Menopause transition issues. I would like to support you in gaining a deeper insight into the drivers of your distress & find better ways to cope & bring about change. After nearly 20 years in the field, I passionately believe in the bidirectional relationship between mental & physical health, meaning emotional balance is key to achieving an optimum state of health.
I am an Integrative therapist trained in working with individuals and couples. I understand what it feels like to feel isolated and alone with your problems, I also understand what it feels like to be weary of seeking external support and the worry that may come with trying to find the ‘right’ therapist. I have a passion for supporting people from all walks of life, and together we can work towards you learning more about yourself and being able to use that knowledge to improve the way you manage difficult situations and emotions.
I am an Integrative therapist trained in working with individuals and couples. I understand what it feels like to feel isolated and alone with your problems, I also understand what it feels like to be weary of seeking external support and the worry that may come with trying to find the ‘right’ therapist. I have a passion for supporting people from all walks of life, and together we can work towards you learning more about yourself and being able to use that knowledge to improve the way you manage difficult situations and emotions.
All sorts of things bring us to counselling and psychotherapy. Sometimes it’s a life event or transition that feels overwhelming. Sometimes it’s that we find ourselves struggling in relationships, or troubled by our thoughts, feelings or behaviour. Sometimes we are having to cope with an environment that devalues or rejects some aspect of our identity, or we just feel deep down that our lives could be lived more fully. In many cases, we arrive in therapy already knowing what we want help with; in others, this is what we come to find out.
All sorts of things bring us to counselling and psychotherapy. Sometimes it’s a life event or transition that feels overwhelming. Sometimes it’s that we find ourselves struggling in relationships, or troubled by our thoughts, feelings or behaviour. Sometimes we are having to cope with an environment that devalues or rejects some aspect of our identity, or we just feel deep down that our lives could be lived more fully. In many cases, we arrive in therapy already knowing what we want help with; in others, this is what we come to find out.
I am a Psychotherapist with a background in Psychology. If you are reading this it is possible that you are experiencing unwanted emotions such as anxiety, sadness, fear, anger, emptiness, shame, guilt (to name but a few), which almost certainly is leading to unwanted behaviours such as withdrawal, poor communication and harsh self-criticism that makes your self-esteem decrease. These are maybe affecting your relationships with family members, with friends, with work colleagues and even affecting your romantic relationships. If this is what is happening to you and you want to change this, you are in the right place.
I am a Psychotherapist with a background in Psychology. If you are reading this it is possible that you are experiencing unwanted emotions such as anxiety, sadness, fear, anger, emptiness, shame, guilt (to name but a few), which almost certainly is leading to unwanted behaviours such as withdrawal, poor communication and harsh self-criticism that makes your self-esteem decrease. These are maybe affecting your relationships with family members, with friends, with work colleagues and even affecting your romantic relationships. If this is what is happening to you and you want to change this, you are in the right place.
Maybe you feel lost in life, or unable to achieve certain desires. It can be hard to sort through difficult feelings or thoughts. We can often feel a sense of shame in our experiences, but I am here to express that you are not alone.
Maybe you feel lost in life, or unable to achieve certain desires. It can be hard to sort through difficult feelings or thoughts. We can often feel a sense of shame in our experiences, but I am here to express that you are not alone.
I'm a Clinical Psychologist offering specialist assessment and therapy. I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and have over ten years experience working in mental health. I work with people who may be experiencing diverse emotional and psychological difficulties such as depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, low self-esteem, substance misuse issues and relationship difficulties. I offer accessible and personalised therapy from the comfort of your own home with online sessions. Welcome! It's a pleasure to meet you; I'm glad you're here. Find out more: www.releafpsychology.com
I'm a Clinical Psychologist offering specialist assessment and therapy. I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and have over ten years experience working in mental health. I work with people who may be experiencing diverse emotional and psychological difficulties such as depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, low self-esteem, substance misuse issues and relationship difficulties. I offer accessible and personalised therapy from the comfort of your own home with online sessions. Welcome! It's a pleasure to meet you; I'm glad you're here. Find out more: www.releafpsychology.com
We all face emotional difficulties at some point that stop us from enjoying life as much as we would like. Talking to friends and family can be helpful, but sometimes this isn't possible or doesn't feel enough. Whether you're finding things challenging, or you have a sense that you could be more connected with yourself and others in your life, counselling can offer a unique opportunity to explore whatever is troubling you, and can help by providing you with support and understanding.
We all face emotional difficulties at some point that stop us from enjoying life as much as we would like. Talking to friends and family can be helpful, but sometimes this isn't possible or doesn't feel enough. Whether you're finding things challenging, or you have a sense that you could be more connected with yourself and others in your life, counselling can offer a unique opportunity to explore whatever is troubling you, and can help by providing you with support and understanding.
Hello there! We hear that you are looking for a suitable therapist…someone with compassion, understanding, experience, and insight into the difficulties that you may be looking to overcome. Therapy is personal, and all of our needs are different. This is why our practice offers a range of approaches to therapy; low-fee, short-term/long-term therapy, online/in-person therapy, and psychology assessments we can help! Our practitioners are trained in multiple modalities, including CBT, EMDR, trauma-informed, psychodynamic therapy, ADHD/ ASC assessments etc. Please note: not all of our therapists are registered with insurance providers.
Hello there! We hear that you are looking for a suitable therapist…someone with compassion, understanding, experience, and insight into the difficulties that you may be looking to overcome. Therapy is personal, and all of our needs are different. This is why our practice offers a range of approaches to therapy; low-fee, short-term/long-term therapy, online/in-person therapy, and psychology assessments we can help! Our practitioners are trained in multiple modalities, including CBT, EMDR, trauma-informed, psychodynamic therapy, ADHD/ ASC assessments etc. Please note: not all of our therapists are registered with insurance providers.
I am an experienced counsellor, working in the areas of personal relationships, family problems, immigration difficulties, work place problems with authorities, problems with depression, anxiety, low self esteem, unhelpful stereotypes of behaviour, childhood sexual abuse, gender uncertainty, sexual orientation problem My ideal client is somebody who is willing to to be able to walk and explore issues that difficult for them. Is somebody who is curious take risks and trust and it's able to
I am an experienced counsellor, working in the areas of personal relationships, family problems, immigration difficulties, work place problems with authorities, problems with depression, anxiety, low self esteem, unhelpful stereotypes of behaviour, childhood sexual abuse, gender uncertainty, sexual orientation problem My ideal client is somebody who is willing to to be able to walk and explore issues that difficult for them. Is somebody who is curious take risks and trust and it's able to
See more therapy options for London
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in London
3,000+
Average cost per session
£75
Counsellors in London who prioritize treating:
91% | Anxiety |
85% | Depression |
84% | Self Esteem |
81% | Relationship Issues |
79% | Stress |
66% | Trauma and PTSD |
62% | Bereavement |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
70% | Aviva |
64% | AXA PPP |
56% | Vitality |
How Counsellors in London see their clients
74% | In Person and Online | |
26% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
24% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in London?
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.