Counselling in London
We often find that life will sooner, or later, challenge us with unexpected adjustments, psychological pain, turmoil, relationship difficulties and/or mental and physical health difficulties or traumas. Despite our significant resources we can find ourselves emotionally depleted, feeling overwhelmed or unable to manage our emotions adequately. We can be left struggling to believe in ourselves and lead a meaningful life.
We often find that life will sooner, or later, challenge us with unexpected adjustments, psychological pain, turmoil, relationship difficulties and/or mental and physical health difficulties or traumas. Despite our significant resources we can find ourselves emotionally depleted, feeling overwhelmed or unable to manage our emotions adequately. We can be left struggling to believe in ourselves and lead a meaningful life.
I find that most clients are struggling because they lack coping strategies to manage distress, but also often because they are out of touch with what is important to them, their values, their strengths, their preferred life directions, and there are barriers such as anxiety, fear and/or emotional discomfort which lead to avoidance and other unhelpful behaviours. In turn, these factors thwart their goals and increase distress. Clients want reduced distress and increased pleasure and engagement with a life in which they can feel confident and empowered.
I find that most clients are struggling because they lack coping strategies to manage distress, but also often because they are out of touch with what is important to them, their values, their strengths, their preferred life directions, and there are barriers such as anxiety, fear and/or emotional discomfort which lead to avoidance and other unhelpful behaviours. In turn, these factors thwart their goals and increase distress. Clients want reduced distress and increased pleasure and engagement with a life in which they can feel confident and empowered.
I’m a Gestalt psychotherapist, movement specialist, and educator. My approach is relational and holistic, recognizing the complexity of each person’s unfolding experience of their world and relationships. While talking therapy is at the core of my work, I draw heavily on trauma-informed embodiment practices. These practices often help shift fixed, habitual patterns that may be causing conflict, confusion, or distress. I am committed to a queer-friendly and inclusive practice. I strongly believe in the importance of gender, sexuality, and neurodiversity-affirming therapeutic work.
I’m a Gestalt psychotherapist, movement specialist, and educator. My approach is relational and holistic, recognizing the complexity of each person’s unfolding experience of their world and relationships. While talking therapy is at the core of my work, I draw heavily on trauma-informed embodiment practices. These practices often help shift fixed, habitual patterns that may be causing conflict, confusion, or distress. I am committed to a queer-friendly and inclusive practice. I strongly believe in the importance of gender, sexuality, and neurodiversity-affirming therapeutic work.
My clients come to see me with a range of issues. Many are associated with relationship problems, some are struggling through divorce, anxiety, anger, rage, cultural issues, commitment issues and bullying at work. Some clients want to work on their self-esteem and confidence related issues. Some clients wish to work through childhood sexual abuse. While others wish to work through bereavement. Most clients have a planned outcome and that is to feel better at the end of their allocated sessions. I am a Person-Centered focused therapist. I am focused on listening to the needs of my clients and focusing on their thoughts and feelings.
My clients come to see me with a range of issues. Many are associated with relationship problems, some are struggling through divorce, anxiety, anger, rage, cultural issues, commitment issues and bullying at work. Some clients want to work on their self-esteem and confidence related issues. Some clients wish to work through childhood sexual abuse. While others wish to work through bereavement. Most clients have a planned outcome and that is to feel better at the end of their allocated sessions. I am a Person-Centered focused therapist. I am focused on listening to the needs of my clients and focusing on their thoughts and feelings.
I'm a Psychotherapist, registered with the BPC and BACP, offering open-ended therapy in London and Brighton & Hove. I work with people from all kinds of backgrounds who are experiencing emotional difficulties and particularly those who are struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, relationships and sexual issues. I take a psychodynamic approach to therapy, which involves working in an exploratory way to understand the root cause of your feelings.
I'm a Psychotherapist, registered with the BPC and BACP, offering open-ended therapy in London and Brighton & Hove. I work with people from all kinds of backgrounds who are experiencing emotional difficulties and particularly those who are struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, relationships and sexual issues. I take a psychodynamic approach to therapy, which involves working in an exploratory way to understand the root cause of your feelings.
Therapy is an investment in yourself and your relationships. It can reveal aspects of yourself that you have taken for granted, for example, people-pleasing, self-criticism, overworking, over-rationalizing, dismissing your own needs or emotions. Such patterns of thinking and behaving emerge, because they serve us at different points of our lives. However, what might have served us in adolescence, does not necessarily serve us in adult relationships. My high-achieving clients are often motivated to explore what their specific 'autopilot' entails.
Therapy is an investment in yourself and your relationships. It can reveal aspects of yourself that you have taken for granted, for example, people-pleasing, self-criticism, overworking, over-rationalizing, dismissing your own needs or emotions. Such patterns of thinking and behaving emerge, because they serve us at different points of our lives. However, what might have served us in adolescence, does not necessarily serve us in adult relationships. My high-achieving clients are often motivated to explore what their specific 'autopilot' entails.
So, you are taking that hardest first step to reach out for help. I am a qualified psychodynamic psychotherapeutic counsellor with a Master's degree in Psychodynamic Practice from the University of Oxford. I have over 10 years clinical experience in various settings, working with a wide range of issues including: • Addictive, Self-harming behaviours • Anxiety and Depression • Identity and Self-esteem • Loss and Trauma • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) • Relationship difficulties • Sex or Sexuality related issues.
So, you are taking that hardest first step to reach out for help. I am a qualified psychodynamic psychotherapeutic counsellor with a Master's degree in Psychodynamic Practice from the University of Oxford. I have over 10 years clinical experience in various settings, working with a wide range of issues including: • Addictive, Self-harming behaviours • Anxiety and Depression • Identity and Self-esteem • Loss and Trauma • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) • Relationship difficulties • Sex or Sexuality related issues.
Hi, I’m Renata – a Psychotherapist and Brazilian Psychologist. Just like most of the people I work with, I’ve lived in different countries - Brazil, UK, USA, Italy and Ireland. Some people come for a more profound healing journey, to understand and process trauma. Others, for work focused on a specific aspect of their lives, like their career, a recent loss, or after an overwhelming life event like divorce, medical diagnosis, or moving.
Hi, I’m Renata – a Psychotherapist and Brazilian Psychologist. Just like most of the people I work with, I’ve lived in different countries - Brazil, UK, USA, Italy and Ireland. Some people come for a more profound healing journey, to understand and process trauma. Others, for work focused on a specific aspect of their lives, like their career, a recent loss, or after an overwhelming life event like divorce, medical diagnosis, or moving.
Gay Men’s Therapy is a psychotherapy service for gay men provided by gay men. Reaching out to a therapist can be daunting. However, we are not just therapist – we are a group of people who share the diverse backgrounds and experiences you may have, which gives us a deeper understanding of your needs. We offer a specialist service by a group of therapists that come together regularly to learn from each other about how best to serve your psychological needs. We aim to create a safe, understanding environment in which you can explore, understand and unfold yourself to become who you truly feel you are.
Gay Men’s Therapy is a psychotherapy service for gay men provided by gay men. Reaching out to a therapist can be daunting. However, we are not just therapist – we are a group of people who share the diverse backgrounds and experiences you may have, which gives us a deeper understanding of your needs. We offer a specialist service by a group of therapists that come together regularly to learn from each other about how best to serve your psychological needs. We aim to create a safe, understanding environment in which you can explore, understand and unfold yourself to become who you truly feel you are.
Piotr Karpiński - Psychoterapia dla Mężczyzn
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am a psychotherapist working with men. I support men in discovering their inner strength, managing emotions, and building authentic lives. I offer online sessions, tailoring my approach to individual needs to help overcome challenges and strengthen a sense of agency. I am currently working only with Polish-speaking clients.
I am a psychotherapist working with men. I support men in discovering their inner strength, managing emotions, and building authentic lives. I offer online sessions, tailoring my approach to individual needs to help overcome challenges and strengthen a sense of agency. I am currently working only with Polish-speaking clients.
Have you been feeling nervous, anxious or on edge? Do you experience unwanted, intrusive thoughts or worries? Some of your concerns may include OCD, panic, rumination, and related symptoms e.g. checking/repetitive behaviours. You also may be experiencing other related issues such as shyness, low mood, health worries, sleep problems, work stress/burn out, pain management, perfectionism and self esteem. Additionally I offer Schema Therapy as an alternative to CBT to address reoccurring longstanding issues with aim of changing old patterns of thinking and develop healthier ways of coping. I have a LGBTQIA+ and AuDHD affirming practice.
Have you been feeling nervous, anxious or on edge? Do you experience unwanted, intrusive thoughts or worries? Some of your concerns may include OCD, panic, rumination, and related symptoms e.g. checking/repetitive behaviours. You also may be experiencing other related issues such as shyness, low mood, health worries, sleep problems, work stress/burn out, pain management, perfectionism and self esteem. Additionally I offer Schema Therapy as an alternative to CBT to address reoccurring longstanding issues with aim of changing old patterns of thinking and develop healthier ways of coping. I have a LGBTQIA+ and AuDHD affirming practice.
Meet Our Counsellors
When people seek therapy, they are often both vulnerable and resolutely clear about the need for change. With more than 25 years working in the field, I offer the safe therapeutic space of a warm, kind and welcoming presence which allows for challenge and growth. My therapeutic approach is integrative, and I understand each client and each therapy as unique. I work at your pace, honour your individuality and value your strengths. I assist my clients in a process of self-exploration and discovery that creates a greater sense of well-being, hope and insight, along with an increased flexibility to respond to life’s challenges.
When people seek therapy, they are often both vulnerable and resolutely clear about the need for change. With more than 25 years working in the field, I offer the safe therapeutic space of a warm, kind and welcoming presence which allows for challenge and growth. My therapeutic approach is integrative, and I understand each client and each therapy as unique. I work at your pace, honour your individuality and value your strengths. I assist my clients in a process of self-exploration and discovery that creates a greater sense of well-being, hope and insight, along with an increased flexibility to respond to life’s challenges.
Susanne O'Driscoll
Psychotherapist, MA, MBABCP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
London E17
Not accepting new clients
As a therapist, I specialise in providing high quality CBT and EMDR therapy. I have over 10 years of experience of supporting individuals with their mental health needs. I can support you to work through a range of issues, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, Anxiety (OCD, Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety), Anger and Adjustment disorder.
As a therapist, I specialise in providing high quality CBT and EMDR therapy. I have over 10 years of experience of supporting individuals with their mental health needs. I can support you to work through a range of issues, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, Anxiety (OCD, Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety), Anger and Adjustment disorder.
My Name is Catherine Vij and I specialise in women's mental health, perinatal mood, anxiety, grief and loss. I bring compassion and understanding to the therapy sessions and draw from my training as a counsellor as well as my experiences working in the NHS and the charitable sector.
I am warm, kind and approachable and I offer counselling that is compassionate and non-judgemental.
I offer individualised therapy for women and men.
I offer face-to-face counselling at my consulting rooms in Greenwich, SE London, and online. I also offer long—and short-term therapy.
My Name is Catherine Vij and I specialise in women's mental health, perinatal mood, anxiety, grief and loss. I bring compassion and understanding to the therapy sessions and draw from my training as a counsellor as well as my experiences working in the NHS and the charitable sector.
I am warm, kind and approachable and I offer counselling that is compassionate and non-judgemental.
I offer individualised therapy for women and men.
I offer face-to-face counselling at my consulting rooms in Greenwich, SE London, and online. I also offer long—and short-term therapy.
I'm a Psychotherapist, Social Behavioral Mentor, Dual Diagnosis Clinician and Addiction Professional. I work collaboratively with my clients through issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction and empowerment by implementing appropriate therapeutic modalities and evidence based psychological interventions.
I'm a Psychotherapist, Social Behavioral Mentor, Dual Diagnosis Clinician and Addiction Professional. I work collaboratively with my clients through issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction and empowerment by implementing appropriate therapeutic modalities and evidence based psychological interventions.
I provide a warm, confidential space. Nothing shocks me, and I don’t judge. Often, giving voice to what's troubling you offers relief. We'll also discover and affirm your talents, achievements and strengths, as we travel the road to growth and meaning. I value you for the unique individual you are. This kind of environment can be rare to find and powerful to experience. Clients say that they feel supported by me, have identified challenges and gained insights and resources. I don't take the 'blank screen' approach, so I don't stare at you in silence. If I don't share my thoughts with you, the therapy is only taking place in my head.
I provide a warm, confidential space. Nothing shocks me, and I don’t judge. Often, giving voice to what's troubling you offers relief. We'll also discover and affirm your talents, achievements and strengths, as we travel the road to growth and meaning. I value you for the unique individual you are. This kind of environment can be rare to find and powerful to experience. Clients say that they feel supported by me, have identified challenges and gained insights and resources. I don't take the 'blank screen' approach, so I don't stare at you in silence. If I don't share my thoughts with you, the therapy is only taking place in my head.
I believe that as human beings we have the necessary abilities to face our difficulties. However when something interrupts this process, often during childhood, we get stuck in some fixed patterns of behaviour and beliefs about ourselves. As a Gestalt therapist, through the exploration of past events and how they are experienced in the present, I aim to raise awareness on how these patterns are still affecting your present life.
I believe that as human beings we have the necessary abilities to face our difficulties. However when something interrupts this process, often during childhood, we get stuck in some fixed patterns of behaviour and beliefs about ourselves. As a Gestalt therapist, through the exploration of past events and how they are experienced in the present, I aim to raise awareness on how these patterns are still affecting your present life.
Connecting and relating to others is often one of life's hardest and most painful parts. Many people face challenges with their relationships, whether that's with a partner, friends, siblings, parents, or even the most important relationship—with themselves. People may come to therapy to talk about their sexuality or sexual challenges, communication blocks or trust issues. Partners may want to explore difficult topics such as a lack of desire or intimacy, or people might be curious to change aspects of their life that are no longer serving them.
Connecting and relating to others is often one of life's hardest and most painful parts. Many people face challenges with their relationships, whether that's with a partner, friends, siblings, parents, or even the most important relationship—with themselves. People may come to therapy to talk about their sexuality or sexual challenges, communication blocks or trust issues. Partners may want to explore difficult topics such as a lack of desire or intimacy, or people might be curious to change aspects of their life that are no longer serving them.
I BEGAN MY DEVELOPMENT DURING 1998 MBACP Professionally Registered Certificate of Proficiency awarded - BACP Accredited Voluntary Register 155943 - Professional Standards Authority Qualified BACP. We may all experience psychological pain or turmoil at times - sometimes this may be transient, but sometimes these feelings may persist, and feel insurmountable. This is where counselling and psychotherapy can help. May feel like the same problems and relationship patterns keep repeating themselves, despite your best efforts to move on with your life. You may not be quite able to define exactly what you are feeling, or your emotions m
I BEGAN MY DEVELOPMENT DURING 1998 MBACP Professionally Registered Certificate of Proficiency awarded - BACP Accredited Voluntary Register 155943 - Professional Standards Authority Qualified BACP. We may all experience psychological pain or turmoil at times - sometimes this may be transient, but sometimes these feelings may persist, and feel insurmountable. This is where counselling and psychotherapy can help. May feel like the same problems and relationship patterns keep repeating themselves, despite your best efforts to move on with your life. You may not be quite able to define exactly what you are feeling, or your emotions m
Hello, I hope I can help. I trained in the Humanistic Integrative approach which means I work with each person as an individual, and can utilise different approaches to therapy. My aim is to work with you, focusing on what you bring to therapy, at your pace. Making the decision to contact a therapist is a big step, and I'd like to work with you in a confidential, supportive way to make this a positive step for you. If you are experiencing relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, bereavement (including pets) or just feel that you need someone outside of friends and family to talk to, please get in touch by email or phone.
Hello, I hope I can help. I trained in the Humanistic Integrative approach which means I work with each person as an individual, and can utilise different approaches to therapy. My aim is to work with you, focusing on what you bring to therapy, at your pace. Making the decision to contact a therapist is a big step, and I'd like to work with you in a confidential, supportive way to make this a positive step for you. If you are experiencing relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, bereavement (including pets) or just feel that you need someone outside of friends and family to talk to, please get in touch by email or phone.
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 |
| 83% | Self Esteem |
| 80% | Relationship Issues |
| 78% | Stress |
| 66% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 61% | Bereavement |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 69% | Aviva |
| 63% | AXA PPP |
| 56% | Vitality |
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.