Counselling in London
I have been practising for over 13 years and have worked internationally in the area of psychology and mental health. I have been serving as a counselling psychologist in the NHS for the last 8 years. I have also worked in a therapeutic capacity with corporations such as Johnson & Johnson, JPMC and Accenture. My training and experience spans working with people suffering from different degrees of distress, including anxiety, depression, bereavement and work stress. The labels are incidental - I believe in working with the PERSON, who is currently struggling in his/her unique social and psychological context.
I have been practising for over 13 years and have worked internationally in the area of psychology and mental health. I have been serving as a counselling psychologist in the NHS for the last 8 years. I have also worked in a therapeutic capacity with corporations such as Johnson & Johnson, JPMC and Accenture. My training and experience spans working with people suffering from different degrees of distress, including anxiety, depression, bereavement and work stress. The labels are incidental - I believe in working with the PERSON, who is currently struggling in his/her unique social and psychological context.
Hello, I’m Francesca Lucas, a BACP-accredited child and adolescent counsellor with over 3,000 clinical hours. I provide a safe, confidential, and creative space just for your child, helping them feel lighter, and better able to manage school, friendships, and life. I work closely with families and schools to nurture self-understanding and emotional wellbeing, helping young people feel understood, empowered, and able to navigate challenges with greater ease.
Hello, I’m Francesca Lucas, a BACP-accredited child and adolescent counsellor with over 3,000 clinical hours. I provide a safe, confidential, and creative space just for your child, helping them feel lighter, and better able to manage school, friendships, and life. I work closely with families and schools to nurture self-understanding and emotional wellbeing, helping young people feel understood, empowered, and able to navigate challenges with greater ease.
My journey into psychotherapy is rooted in a deep-seated belief in the tremendous potential for growth and change in all of us. With a compassionate approach and an utmost commitment to you, I strive to offer a safe, supportive, and confidential space where you can explore and understand yourself and your relationships with others.
My journey into psychotherapy is rooted in a deep-seated belief in the tremendous potential for growth and change in all of us. With a compassionate approach and an utmost commitment to you, I strive to offer a safe, supportive, and confidential space where you can explore and understand yourself and your relationships with others.
Mindful Midlife is for those in Midlife and possibly in peri/menopause who are seeking a space in which they can focus on their Self relationship and process this life stage which is all at once confusing, terrifying, and exciting. There is space to reflect and perhaps to grieve and celebrate, to face difficult truths, to dream and plan, to rage and cry. There is also space to explore this huge opportunity to review your life, your roles, your identity, how you live and present yourself but also how you relate to yourself. The Self relationship is firmly centred, as it's often the one we neglect the most.
Mindful Midlife is for those in Midlife and possibly in peri/menopause who are seeking a space in which they can focus on their Self relationship and process this life stage which is all at once confusing, terrifying, and exciting. There is space to reflect and perhaps to grieve and celebrate, to face difficult truths, to dream and plan, to rage and cry. There is also space to explore this huge opportunity to review your life, your roles, your identity, how you live and present yourself but also how you relate to yourself. The Self relationship is firmly centred, as it's often the one we neglect the most.
I believe it takes great courage to reach out and look for support. However, I know it can be scary and overwhelming looking for the right person. Over the years I have been a therapist, I have supported many individuals to take back control over their lives and find the healing they had been long searching for. My training has enabled me to be able to work with complex emotions at a deep level. This is particularly effective when working with trauma and the impact of early childhood experiences. My warm and gentle approach ensures that our work together enables you to feel safe and grounded, working at a pace that suit you.
I believe it takes great courage to reach out and look for support. However, I know it can be scary and overwhelming looking for the right person. Over the years I have been a therapist, I have supported many individuals to take back control over their lives and find the healing they had been long searching for. My training has enabled me to be able to work with complex emotions at a deep level. This is particularly effective when working with trauma and the impact of early childhood experiences. My warm and gentle approach ensures that our work together enables you to feel safe and grounded, working at a pace that suit you.
Starting therapy can feel like a step into the unknown. As we come to understand ourselves better and feel truly heard, it can also be deeply fulfilling.
You may come with a particular concern, be struggling with difficult feelings that don’t have an obvious source, or you may simply want to live more fully. I offer an accepting and exploratory space, in which you can process your feelings and better understand your pain. Together, we can create meaning and elicit real change.
Starting therapy can feel like a step into the unknown. As we come to understand ourselves better and feel truly heard, it can also be deeply fulfilling.
You may come with a particular concern, be struggling with difficult feelings that don’t have an obvious source, or you may simply want to live more fully. I offer an accepting and exploratory space, in which you can process your feelings and better understand your pain. Together, we can create meaning and elicit real change.
Many of my clients may feel anxious, low, or disconnected, often carrying the impact of trauma, identity struggles, or cultural pressures. They want to feel more in control, better understood, and more connected to who they are. Many are seeking a space where they can reflect without judgment, understand themselves more deeply, and begin to shift patterns that no longer serve them. They may not have had the chance to explore these parts of themselves before — therapy becomes a space to reclaim voice, agency, and self-trust.
Many of my clients may feel anxious, low, or disconnected, often carrying the impact of trauma, identity struggles, or cultural pressures. They want to feel more in control, better understood, and more connected to who they are. Many are seeking a space where they can reflect without judgment, understand themselves more deeply, and begin to shift patterns that no longer serve them. They may not have had the chance to explore these parts of themselves before — therapy becomes a space to reclaim voice, agency, and self-trust.
I offer individuals and couples a warm, supportive, confidential setting to talk about emotional difficulties which may be troubling them in their lives and relationships. Having worked as a psychotherapist for more than fifteen years, I consult to men and women of all ages, with different beliefs, sexual orientations, and occupational status. Low mood and anxiety tell us that something deeper is troubling us. I can offer appointments throughout the week. I can also meet two adult members of the same family who may wish to discuss their personal or working relationship. Just get in touch for a chat about your questions and concerns.
I offer individuals and couples a warm, supportive, confidential setting to talk about emotional difficulties which may be troubling them in their lives and relationships. Having worked as a psychotherapist for more than fifteen years, I consult to men and women of all ages, with different beliefs, sexual orientations, and occupational status. Low mood and anxiety tell us that something deeper is troubling us. I can offer appointments throughout the week. I can also meet two adult members of the same family who may wish to discuss their personal or working relationship. Just get in touch for a chat about your questions and concerns.
My ideal client is reflective and thoughtful, often seen as strong by others but privately struggling with self-doubt, anxiety, or relationship difficulties. They may feel stuck in old patterns and long for deeper self-understanding. They come to therapy not just for quick fixes, but to make lasting inner change—seeking clarity, emotional freedom, and a more authentic connection to themselves and others.
My ideal client is reflective and thoughtful, often seen as strong by others but privately struggling with self-doubt, anxiety, or relationship difficulties. They may feel stuck in old patterns and long for deeper self-understanding. They come to therapy not just for quick fixes, but to make lasting inner change—seeking clarity, emotional freedom, and a more authentic connection to themselves and others.
Hi, I'm Valentina. My therapeutic style is creative, evolving from my psychoanalytic training, while also emphasizing the importance of finding balance in the emotional, spiritual, and physical realms. I focus on your uniqueness, fostering a sense of safety, connection, and hope, while gently reminding you of your intrinsic power to heal. As Freud said, 'psychoanalysis is a cure by love.' I believe we can be helped by fostering heart-to-heart connections, by tuning into your emotional needs. Your inner landscape holds the key to what is preventing you from feeling free and connected, and how I can empower you to achieve it.
Hi, I'm Valentina. My therapeutic style is creative, evolving from my psychoanalytic training, while also emphasizing the importance of finding balance in the emotional, spiritual, and physical realms. I focus on your uniqueness, fostering a sense of safety, connection, and hope, while gently reminding you of your intrinsic power to heal. As Freud said, 'psychoanalysis is a cure by love.' I believe we can be helped by fostering heart-to-heart connections, by tuning into your emotional needs. Your inner landscape holds the key to what is preventing you from feeling free and connected, and how I can empower you to achieve it.
I'm Lara and I specialise in helping people with eating disorders, disordered eating and body image issues. Whether you have been struggling with emotional or binge eating, purging, restricting, or negative body image, we will work together to rebuild a positive relationship with you, food and your body. As your coach, I'll help you understand what is keeping you stuck in your relationship with food & body image, uncover your underlying patterns and create a personalised plan for recovery.
I'm Lara and I specialise in helping people with eating disorders, disordered eating and body image issues. Whether you have been struggling with emotional or binge eating, purging, restricting, or negative body image, we will work together to rebuild a positive relationship with you, food and your body. As your coach, I'll help you understand what is keeping you stuck in your relationship with food & body image, uncover your underlying patterns and create a personalised plan for recovery.
I work with individuals who are navigating emotionally complex inner worlds — often shaped by attachment wounds, loss, identity transitions, or long-standing relational patterns.
My approach is relational, depth-oriented, and attentive to the nervous system. I offer a contained therapeutic space where patterns can be understood, felt, and gradually transformed — rather than simply managed.
I typically work with clients who are seeking ongoing, committed psychotherapy and who are ready to engage in a process that unfolds over time. This allows the work to develop depth, continuity, and trust.
I work with individuals who are navigating emotionally complex inner worlds — often shaped by attachment wounds, loss, identity transitions, or long-standing relational patterns.
My approach is relational, depth-oriented, and attentive to the nervous system. I offer a contained therapeutic space where patterns can be understood, felt, and gradually transformed — rather than simply managed.
I typically work with clients who are seeking ongoing, committed psychotherapy and who are ready to engage in a process that unfolds over time. This allows the work to develop depth, continuity, and trust.
I’m Nova, an online CBT therapist with lived experience of OCD recovery, providing virtual CBT with ERP and ACT sessions, supporting you, wherever and whoever you are.
I know how draining it feels when thoughts keep looping, pushing you to check, seek reassurance, or avoid situations to ease fear, guilt, or doubt. OCD often latches onto what matters most to you. Having been through this myself, I understand how real and overwhelming it can seem. In therapy, I offer a safe, collaborative space, grounded in empathy and understanding.
I’m Nova, an online CBT therapist with lived experience of OCD recovery, providing virtual CBT with ERP and ACT sessions, supporting you, wherever and whoever you are.
I know how draining it feels when thoughts keep looping, pushing you to check, seek reassurance, or avoid situations to ease fear, guilt, or doubt. OCD often latches onto what matters most to you. Having been through this myself, I understand how real and overwhelming it can seem. In therapy, I offer a safe, collaborative space, grounded in empathy and understanding.
As an Integrative Therapist, my primary role is to provide support to individuals who are seeking guidance in addressing their current needs. With 8 years of experience in training and working with diverse client groups, I have gained valuable understanding. In addition to acquiring professional therapeutic qualifications to enhance my practice, I am well versed in assisting a number of client presentations such as: Trauma • Sexual Abuse • Alcohol & Substance misuse • Depression • Anxiety • PTSD • Family & Relationship issues • Sexuality/LGBTQ support • Anger & Behavioural struggles, among other client presentations.
As an Integrative Therapist, my primary role is to provide support to individuals who are seeking guidance in addressing their current needs. With 8 years of experience in training and working with diverse client groups, I have gained valuable understanding. In addition to acquiring professional therapeutic qualifications to enhance my practice, I am well versed in assisting a number of client presentations such as: Trauma • Sexual Abuse • Alcohol & Substance misuse • Depression • Anxiety • PTSD • Family & Relationship issues • Sexuality/LGBTQ support • Anger & Behavioural struggles, among other client presentations.
Therapy with me is an alive, collaborative dialogue rooted in connection, creativity, and genuine presence. You might be navigating anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, low self-esteem, loneliness or loss. Or perhaps you're simply seeking a space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with yourself.
Whatever brings you here, we’ll explore what feels most true and alive for you, moving at your pace toward deeper awareness, healing, and meaningful change. I meet you exactly as you are, walking alongside you as you discover your own inner resources, authenticity, and capacity to grow.
Therapy with me is an alive, collaborative dialogue rooted in connection, creativity, and genuine presence. You might be navigating anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, low self-esteem, loneliness or loss. Or perhaps you're simply seeking a space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with yourself.
Whatever brings you here, we’ll explore what feels most true and alive for you, moving at your pace toward deeper awareness, healing, and meaningful change. I meet you exactly as you are, walking alongside you as you discover your own inner resources, authenticity, and capacity to grow.
Hello, I’m Mia. Taking the first step to explore therapy is a big decision - so I’m glad you have found your way here.
Practicalities:
I offer weekly psychotherapy for adults from my consulting rooms in West London (Earl’s Court, Chiswick and Queen’s Park) and online.
I work during the week and on Sundays and offer morning, daytime and evening appointments, including some early morning & late evenings.
About Me: Before training as a therapist, I spent many years working in both marketing & in the wellness industry. I have lived not only in the UK but also in Europe and the US.
Hello, I’m Mia. Taking the first step to explore therapy is a big decision - so I’m glad you have found your way here.
Practicalities:
I offer weekly psychotherapy for adults from my consulting rooms in West London (Earl’s Court, Chiswick and Queen’s Park) and online.
I work during the week and on Sundays and offer morning, daytime and evening appointments, including some early morning & late evenings.
About Me: Before training as a therapist, I spent many years working in both marketing & in the wellness industry. I have lived not only in the UK but also in Europe and the US.
Finding the right counsellor and someone to connect with can be daunting. The prospect of finding the right person who can empathise, listen with great care and attention is crucial. We all go through difficult life experiences and sometimes having someone who can talk to, that is impartial, compassionate and truly value you, can make such a positive impact on someone's life. So often we hear "I'm not heard" or "I feel invisible" and this can have a crushing effect on the soul. Therapy is expressing yourself without the fear of being "judged". It allows you to be you! To explore why you feel the way you do and address those issues.
Finding the right counsellor and someone to connect with can be daunting. The prospect of finding the right person who can empathise, listen with great care and attention is crucial. We all go through difficult life experiences and sometimes having someone who can talk to, that is impartial, compassionate and truly value you, can make such a positive impact on someone's life. So often we hear "I'm not heard" or "I feel invisible" and this can have a crushing effect on the soul. Therapy is expressing yourself without the fear of being "judged". It allows you to be you! To explore why you feel the way you do and address those issues.
I am a qualified Art Therapist registered to practice with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and have over 20 years experience. In my private practice I work with women, children, adolescents and their families. I have previously worked as an Art Therapist in organisations such as NHS School Therapy Services, Women's Aid and the Prison Service. I am also a supervisor for other Creative Therapists and students in training.
I am a qualified Art Therapist registered to practice with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and have over 20 years experience. In my private practice I work with women, children, adolescents and their families. I have previously worked as an Art Therapist in organisations such as NHS School Therapy Services, Women's Aid and the Prison Service. I am also a supervisor for other Creative Therapists and students in training.
Hi, thank you for taking the time to check me out. I’ve got over 20 years experience helping clients. My background ranges from supporting clients with a wide range of challenges, where we work towards meeting goals for lasting change. Breaking unhealthy patterns of thinking and behaviour needs awareness as to why we do as we do. Most people at one point in their lives recognises the need for insight, support with understanding and empathy to help make sense of ones internal world.
Through our relationship healing occurs, with trust and empathy at the core, giving you a safe space to explore pain, and find peace.
Hi, thank you for taking the time to check me out. I’ve got over 20 years experience helping clients. My background ranges from supporting clients with a wide range of challenges, where we work towards meeting goals for lasting change. Breaking unhealthy patterns of thinking and behaviour needs awareness as to why we do as we do. Most people at one point in their lives recognises the need for insight, support with understanding and empathy to help make sense of ones internal world.
Through our relationship healing occurs, with trust and empathy at the core, giving you a safe space to explore pain, and find peace.
I am a BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Trauma Therapist specialising in working with women who have experienced trauma (in all forms). I also specialise in supporting women who have experienced baby loss, and women who are currently struggling with infertility and/or involuntary childlessness. I have 18+ years experience working in the field of mental health.
I am a BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Trauma Therapist specialising in working with women who have experienced trauma (in all forms). I also specialise in supporting women who have experienced baby loss, and women who are currently struggling with infertility and/or involuntary childlessness. I have 18+ years experience working in the field of mental health.
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 |
| 85% | Depression |
| 82% | Self Esteem |
| 79% | Relationship Issues |
| 77% | Stress |
| 66% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 60% | Bereavement |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 69% | Aviva |
| 64% | AXA PPP |
| 55% | Vitality |
How Counsellors in London see their clients
| 74% | In Person and Online | |
| 26% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 74% | Female | |
| 25% | 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.