Counselling in London
Working in the NHS and privately, I’ve spent many hours with people who struggle with problems that distress them. Some have suffered from an enduring sense of flatness or emptiness in their lives, while others struggle with states of heightened anxiety. Some seek help due to recurring problems in their relationships: issues with sex and intimacy, or low self-esteem, or anger, or anxiety. Many are troubled by aspects of the past that remain unresolved. By speaking in confidence to an experienced listener, we can address things we may have preferred not to talk about, or even think about, but which weighed on our minds all the same.
Working in the NHS and privately, I’ve spent many hours with people who struggle with problems that distress them. Some have suffered from an enduring sense of flatness or emptiness in their lives, while others struggle with states of heightened anxiety. Some seek help due to recurring problems in their relationships: issues with sex and intimacy, or low self-esteem, or anger, or anxiety. Many are troubled by aspects of the past that remain unresolved. By speaking in confidence to an experienced listener, we can address things we may have preferred not to talk about, or even think about, but which weighed on our minds all the same.
Do you feel anxious, overwhelmed or disconnected from yourself, even when life looks fine on the outside? Perhaps you are overthinking, struggling in relationships, feeling stuck in familiar patterns, or carrying experiences from the past that still affect you. I work with adults who want to understand themselves more deeply, reconnect with who they are, and create meaningful change with compassion rather than judgement.
Do you feel anxious, overwhelmed or disconnected from yourself, even when life looks fine on the outside? Perhaps you are overthinking, struggling in relationships, feeling stuck in familiar patterns, or carrying experiences from the past that still affect you. I work with adults who want to understand themselves more deeply, reconnect with who they are, and create meaningful change with compassion rather than judgement.
You’re doing well by most measures—good career, functional relationships, a life that looks fine from the outside. Yet underneath, something doesn't add up. You might be dealing with persistent exhaustion, subtle anxiety, brain fog, or a constant feeling that you’re going through the motions. You already have plenty of insight into why you feel this way, but knowing hasn't been enough to actually change how you feel. Therapy works best in that exact gap: between understanding your patterns and actually shifting them.
You’re doing well by most measures—good career, functional relationships, a life that looks fine from the outside. Yet underneath, something doesn't add up. You might be dealing with persistent exhaustion, subtle anxiety, brain fog, or a constant feeling that you’re going through the motions. You already have plenty of insight into why you feel this way, but knowing hasn't been enough to actually change how you feel. Therapy works best in that exact gap: between understanding your patterns and actually shifting them.
As a Clinical Psychologist, I work in a warm, collaborative and non-judgemental way, drawing on evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs and goals. I take a holistic and trauma-informed perspective, and take the time to understand you as a whole person, including your identity, strengths, relationships and community, and what matters to you. This matters to me personally too, as having grown up in Hong Kong, I have experience of moving to and living in a new environment and culture, and the pressures and identity shifts that can come with that. Together, we can build a plan and work towards meaningful and lasting change.
As a Clinical Psychologist, I work in a warm, collaborative and non-judgemental way, drawing on evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs and goals. I take a holistic and trauma-informed perspective, and take the time to understand you as a whole person, including your identity, strengths, relationships and community, and what matters to you. This matters to me personally too, as having grown up in Hong Kong, I have experience of moving to and living in a new environment and culture, and the pressures and identity shifts that can come with that. Together, we can build a plan and work towards meaningful and lasting change.
You may want to explore conflict dynamics within your couple relationship or with your children. Maybe strengthen communication and understanding of each other’s perspectives. You might be struggling with low mood, feeling stuck with your present situation or struggling with past events, ill health, trauma or bereavement.
Whatever the issue, I offer a warm, compassionate, non-judgemental space where you can be validated and empowered to explore the issues important to you.
I seek to address difficulties by exploring how past experiences, current dynamics, communication patterns and external pressures shape current challenges.
You may want to explore conflict dynamics within your couple relationship or with your children. Maybe strengthen communication and understanding of each other’s perspectives. You might be struggling with low mood, feeling stuck with your present situation or struggling with past events, ill health, trauma or bereavement.
Whatever the issue, I offer a warm, compassionate, non-judgemental space where you can be validated and empowered to explore the issues important to you.
I seek to address difficulties by exploring how past experiences, current dynamics, communication patterns and external pressures shape current challenges.
My name is Fiona-Jane Thompson, a professionally qualified and experienced psychotherapist based in Battersea, London, offering weekly one-to-one therapy sessions for adults.
Why Therapy Now?
Whilst the facts of the past cannot be changed your story can become updated in therapy, and help un-addressed difficulties feel more manageable. Consequently, therapy can become a catalyst for growth and healing.
My first career was as an NHS healthcare professional, and this brings a wide-ranging perspective to my work as an accredited psychotherapist. I have experience across the NHS, charity, industry, and private practice sectors.
My name is Fiona-Jane Thompson, a professionally qualified and experienced psychotherapist based in Battersea, London, offering weekly one-to-one therapy sessions for adults.
Why Therapy Now?
Whilst the facts of the past cannot be changed your story can become updated in therapy, and help un-addressed difficulties feel more manageable. Consequently, therapy can become a catalyst for growth and healing.
My first career was as an NHS healthcare professional, and this brings a wide-ranging perspective to my work as an accredited psychotherapist. I have experience across the NHS, charity, industry, and private practice sectors.
Life can be challenging and there are times when we may need help to navigate our way through it. Often our early experiences in our families don't equip us to manage life as well as we would like. This can cause difficulties in our relationships, both with ourselves and others and can lead us to repeat patterns that are unhelpful and leave us feeling depressed and anxious or stuck and unfulfilled. Therapy can help us to understand ourselves and our experiences and to give us the resources to cope with difficult feelings and circumstances. It can help us to improve our lives and relationships and make better decisions.
Life can be challenging and there are times when we may need help to navigate our way through it. Often our early experiences in our families don't equip us to manage life as well as we would like. This can cause difficulties in our relationships, both with ourselves and others and can lead us to repeat patterns that are unhelpful and leave us feeling depressed and anxious or stuck and unfulfilled. Therapy can help us to understand ourselves and our experiences and to give us the resources to cope with difficult feelings and circumstances. It can help us to improve our lives and relationships and make better decisions.
I am interested in your unique experience. You may be feeling stuck, lost or overwhelmed. You may recognise repeating patterns that you are struggling to break out of. You may be grappling with a painful event or change in your current situation that you feel you need space to explore and work through. I offer a safe, open, non-judgemental and confidential environment in which you will feel supported to explore what is concerning you.
I am interested in your unique experience. You may be feeling stuck, lost or overwhelmed. You may recognise repeating patterns that you are struggling to break out of. You may be grappling with a painful event or change in your current situation that you feel you need space to explore and work through. I offer a safe, open, non-judgemental and confidential environment in which you will feel supported to explore what is concerning you.
To me, psychotherapy is the opportunity to explore, and eventually accept yourself fully – to deepen your understanding of yourself, your responses, and your relationship with the people and the world around you. A process of awareness that can help you learn and heal from the trauma of your past. I had an unusual upbringing with very 'alternative' parents (hence the name) which meant that I was exposed to many weird and wonderful people, ideas and experiences from an early age. This came with its ups and downs, but fundamentally it has helped me develop a deep understanding of what it means to be human.
To me, psychotherapy is the opportunity to explore, and eventually accept yourself fully – to deepen your understanding of yourself, your responses, and your relationship with the people and the world around you. A process of awareness that can help you learn and heal from the trauma of your past. I had an unusual upbringing with very 'alternative' parents (hence the name) which meant that I was exposed to many weird and wonderful people, ideas and experiences from an early age. This came with its ups and downs, but fundamentally it has helped me develop a deep understanding of what it means to be human.
Hello, I'm Lucy, I am a highly qualified and experienced psychotherapist and counsellor, who can offer a private, confidential and non-judgemental space for you to explore and talk about your concerns and difficulties. Whatever is holding you back from living your life on your terms with meaning, peace and self-compassion is worth talking about: anxiety, depression, self-esteem, addictions, anger, chronic pain, breakdown of a relationship, grief, identity issues, phobias, or other life events. I respond intuitively and authentically and am able to creatively draw from a range of approaches to tailor the therapy to your needs.
Hello, I'm Lucy, I am a highly qualified and experienced psychotherapist and counsellor, who can offer a private, confidential and non-judgemental space for you to explore and talk about your concerns and difficulties. Whatever is holding you back from living your life on your terms with meaning, peace and self-compassion is worth talking about: anxiety, depression, self-esteem, addictions, anger, chronic pain, breakdown of a relationship, grief, identity issues, phobias, or other life events. I respond intuitively and authentically and am able to creatively draw from a range of approaches to tailor the therapy to your needs.
If you are reading this, you are at a point in your life where you recognise a need of support to get back on track. You maybe feeling overwhelmed, struggling to function, feeling stuck, and as a result feeling at odds with where you want to be in your life. Or, are you are a couple reading this because you’re struggling in your relationship- not knowing how to communicate and interact to each other. I am glad that you have taken steps towards making a change.
If you are reading this, you are at a point in your life where you recognise a need of support to get back on track. You maybe feeling overwhelmed, struggling to function, feeling stuck, and as a result feeling at odds with where you want to be in your life. Or, are you are a couple reading this because you’re struggling in your relationship- not knowing how to communicate and interact to each other. I am glad that you have taken steps towards making a change.
Hello, my name is Shanaz and I am a UKCP-accredited psychotherapist. In my private practice I offer a confidential and collaborative professional setting in which you can explore a wide number of current emotional or psychological problems and figure out ways in which these can be managed and helped. My rich cultural background and clinical experience contribute to my ability to relate to people from different walks of life with a broad range of presentation of difficulties.
Hello, my name is Shanaz and I am a UKCP-accredited psychotherapist. In my private practice I offer a confidential and collaborative professional setting in which you can explore a wide number of current emotional or psychological problems and figure out ways in which these can be managed and helped. My rich cultural background and clinical experience contribute to my ability to relate to people from different walks of life with a broad range of presentation of difficulties.
I am a psychotherapist living and working in Acton, West London. In these profoundly challenging times, I have developed expertise formed having lived through painful life-experiences that so many of us struggle with. How do we face the unexpected emotional upheavals that can feel so overwhelming? To cope with the grief and the loss of a loved one, or the depression and anxiety that can follow sudden unemployment? Is it possible to repair a broken relationship and come to terms with the painful fall out from an affair?
I am a psychotherapist living and working in Acton, West London. In these profoundly challenging times, I have developed expertise formed having lived through painful life-experiences that so many of us struggle with. How do we face the unexpected emotional upheavals that can feel so overwhelming? To cope with the grief and the loss of a loved one, or the depression and anxiety that can follow sudden unemployment? Is it possible to repair a broken relationship and come to terms with the painful fall out from an affair?
My clients are typically committed to their own personal development. They often come looking for relief from a particular problem in their lives. Typically, they become curious about and want to disentangle the collective and family issues from who they are and to explore new patterns of being in the world through which they can be more of themselves. I am interested in engaging with diversity issues that both enrich and trouble us. I have been active for many years in community building between communities, organisations and institutions of learning.
My clients are typically committed to their own personal development. They often come looking for relief from a particular problem in their lives. Typically, they become curious about and want to disentangle the collective and family issues from who they are and to explore new patterns of being in the world through which they can be more of themselves. I am interested in engaging with diversity issues that both enrich and trouble us. I have been active for many years in community building between communities, organisations and institutions of learning.
I offer in-person and remote therapy. I have over 15 years of experience working in mental health and in supporting people to identify, better understand and work through any challenges they may be experiencing in their lives or feeling stuck with. Therapy is often about exploring different perspectives and developing the skills we need to help navigate life’s challenges to allow us to move forward. I am flexible and collaborative in my approach to therapy because, in my experience, therapy is most helpful to people when it is tailored to their specific needs and the hopes they may have for the process.
I offer in-person and remote therapy. I have over 15 years of experience working in mental health and in supporting people to identify, better understand and work through any challenges they may be experiencing in their lives or feeling stuck with. Therapy is often about exploring different perspectives and developing the skills we need to help navigate life’s challenges to allow us to move forward. I am flexible and collaborative in my approach to therapy because, in my experience, therapy is most helpful to people when it is tailored to their specific needs and the hopes they may have for the process.
Hi, I’m Stuart. I work with adults, children, and adolescents, and have an enhanced DBS certificate.
I specialise in bereavement, addictions, and neurodiversity. I offer help to overcome anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, anger issues, and stress. This is a safe, non-judgemental, space to work through personal difficulties you are experiencing and to gain fresh perspective. I welcome people from all cultures and backgrounds, as well as the LGBTQ+.
I have been told I have a warm, calming presence.
Hi, I’m Stuart. I work with adults, children, and adolescents, and have an enhanced DBS certificate.
I specialise in bereavement, addictions, and neurodiversity. I offer help to overcome anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, anger issues, and stress. This is a safe, non-judgemental, space to work through personal difficulties you are experiencing and to gain fresh perspective. I welcome people from all cultures and backgrounds, as well as the LGBTQ+.
I have been told I have a warm, calming presence.
How do I work? I provide an open, non-judgemental space for you, either as an individual or as a couple, to explore and make sense of your issues, to help you move forward in life to the place you want to be. There are roughly three stages: Stage 1: Explore the problem in an empathetic, non-judgemental environment. Stage 2: Clarify the key patterns and themes and make sense of some of the contradictions; put it all into context and gain insight into yourself and your life, and how and why the same problems keep coming up. Stage 3: Use this insight to start moving towards a richer, more pleasurable life.
How do I work? I provide an open, non-judgemental space for you, either as an individual or as a couple, to explore and make sense of your issues, to help you move forward in life to the place you want to be. There are roughly three stages: Stage 1: Explore the problem in an empathetic, non-judgemental environment. Stage 2: Clarify the key patterns and themes and make sense of some of the contradictions; put it all into context and gain insight into yourself and your life, and how and why the same problems keep coming up. Stage 3: Use this insight to start moving towards a richer, more pleasurable life.
You may find it difficult, sometimes impossible, to control feelings of panic, anger, unworthiness or despair. If everyday life sometimes overwhelms you, for whatever reason, whether it's a result of trauma, difficult life changes, or unhelpful ideas about who you are, change is possible and can be quicker than you would think! If you are looking to gain perspective, learn ways of coping, feel more in control and hopeful about your ability to cope, I can help.
You may find it difficult, sometimes impossible, to control feelings of panic, anger, unworthiness or despair. If everyday life sometimes overwhelms you, for whatever reason, whether it's a result of trauma, difficult life changes, or unhelpful ideas about who you are, change is possible and can be quicker than you would think! If you are looking to gain perspective, learn ways of coping, feel more in control and hopeful about your ability to cope, I can help.
Hey I'm Lynette, a black woman, living in the UK and passionate about Psychotherapy and mental health. Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or weighed down by persistent worry or sadness? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to navigate this journey by yourself. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a proven, practical approach to help individuals manage depression and anxiety disorders effectively. Together, we’ll explore the patterns of thought and behavior that may be holding you back and develop tools to create meaningful change in your life.
Hey I'm Lynette, a black woman, living in the UK and passionate about Psychotherapy and mental health. Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or weighed down by persistent worry or sadness? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to navigate this journey by yourself. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a proven, practical approach to help individuals manage depression and anxiety disorders effectively. Together, we’ll explore the patterns of thought and behavior that may be holding you back and develop tools to create meaningful change in your life.
Do your thoughts race the moment your head hits the pillow? Perhaps you're masking at work, feeling anxious, or past trauma keeps resurfacing. Living in London can make these struggles feel isolating, but you don't have to carry this weight alone. I'm an experienced therapist supporting adults and young people across schools and charities. I specialise in anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, neurodiversity (ADHD, autism), low self-esteem and cultural identity challenges. My warm, integrative approach offers a confidential space to be heard, without judgement. Check out my podcast, video or website to get a sense of what is on offer.
Do your thoughts race the moment your head hits the pillow? Perhaps you're masking at work, feeling anxious, or past trauma keeps resurfacing. Living in London can make these struggles feel isolating, but you don't have to carry this weight alone. I'm an experienced therapist supporting adults and young people across schools and charities. I specialise in anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, neurodiversity (ADHD, autism), low self-esteem and cultural identity challenges. My warm, integrative approach offers a confidential space to be heard, without judgement. Check out my podcast, video or website to get a sense of what is on offer.
See more therapy options for London
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in London
3,000+
Average cost per session
£79
Counsellors in London who prioritize treating:
| 90% | Anxiety |
| 84% | Depression |
| 82% | Self Esteem |
| 79% | Relationship Issues |
| 76% | Stress |
| 67% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 67% | Complex PTSD |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 73% | Aviva |
| 66% | AXA PPP |
| 58% | WPA |
How Counsellors in London see their clients
| 75% | In Person and Online | |
| 25% | 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.