Counselling in London
I am a psychodynamic psychotherapist and group analyst. I provide a safe and confidential space in which together we can explore your experiences and difficulties. We would seek to understand your past and current patterns and relationships in order to enable change - a process that combines coming to terms with aspects of your past, managing your thoughts and feelings in the present, and helping you to equip yourself for your future. Psychotherapy provides a supportive reflective space in which to examine, explore and make changes to your relationship with others and, most profoundly, with yourself.
I am a psychodynamic psychotherapist and group analyst. I provide a safe and confidential space in which together we can explore your experiences and difficulties. We would seek to understand your past and current patterns and relationships in order to enable change - a process that combines coming to terms with aspects of your past, managing your thoughts and feelings in the present, and helping you to equip yourself for your future. Psychotherapy provides a supportive reflective space in which to examine, explore and make changes to your relationship with others and, most profoundly, with yourself.
Describing my ideal client feels like it would go against the way I work as that focuses on my wants from a client instead of what my client would need from me and therapy. What would be most helpful for my client and what they would need is to approach therapy with an open mind to therapy just like I would approach their issues, needs and goals with an open mind. By both approaching each other with an open mind, we can both explore, express and engage with one another. What is successful therapy if not a two-way relationship?
Describing my ideal client feels like it would go against the way I work as that focuses on my wants from a client instead of what my client would need from me and therapy. What would be most helpful for my client and what they would need is to approach therapy with an open mind to therapy just like I would approach their issues, needs and goals with an open mind. By both approaching each other with an open mind, we can both explore, express and engage with one another. What is successful therapy if not a two-way relationship?
Imagine feeling truly understood as you navigate challenges like anxiety, stress, personal obstacles, or barriers to exercise. In my practice, I focus on your unique situation, tailoring my approach to best support your journey towards a fulfilling life. Picture yourself learning to replace irrational thoughts with rational ones, mastering stress, and overcoming physical barriers that once seemed insurmountable. Let’s work together to tailor a path that aligns with your personal goals, empowering you to lead a healthier, more balanced life. This is about more than just feeling better—it's about becoming the best version of you.
Imagine feeling truly understood as you navigate challenges like anxiety, stress, personal obstacles, or barriers to exercise. In my practice, I focus on your unique situation, tailoring my approach to best support your journey towards a fulfilling life. Picture yourself learning to replace irrational thoughts with rational ones, mastering stress, and overcoming physical barriers that once seemed insurmountable. Let’s work together to tailor a path that aligns with your personal goals, empowering you to lead a healthier, more balanced life. This is about more than just feeling better—it's about becoming the best version of you.
You may be seeking counselling or psychotherapy for any number of reasons. Perhaps something specific has happened to you that you would like to talk about. Perhaps you don't really know what is wrong, but you are aware of feeling low, anxious, overwhelmed or stressed and feel you would like some support in working through and exploring what might be informing those feelings. In both, and all cases, my approach as a Psychotherapist is to work in a way which provides a safe, empathetic and confidential space, where you and I can together, explore what has brought you to therapy, and help you get back on track.
You may be seeking counselling or psychotherapy for any number of reasons. Perhaps something specific has happened to you that you would like to talk about. Perhaps you don't really know what is wrong, but you are aware of feeling low, anxious, overwhelmed or stressed and feel you would like some support in working through and exploring what might be informing those feelings. In both, and all cases, my approach as a Psychotherapist is to work in a way which provides a safe, empathetic and confidential space, where you and I can together, explore what has brought you to therapy, and help you get back on track.
There are times when we feel less able to cope, we might feel vulnerable and not sure how to move forward. We might need a gentle place to land, a safe space that offers compassion and is free from judgement. Sharing our experience of difficulties can help us to find parts of us that had been forgotten, strength and resilience that we didn't know we had, and hope. You might be be struggling with a change in your life, negotiating complicated family relationships, or a painful past you would like support in exploring. Whatever you bring, I aim to facilitate your understanding of yourself, your strengths and your unique qualities.
There are times when we feel less able to cope, we might feel vulnerable and not sure how to move forward. We might need a gentle place to land, a safe space that offers compassion and is free from judgement. Sharing our experience of difficulties can help us to find parts of us that had been forgotten, strength and resilience that we didn't know we had, and hope. You might be be struggling with a change in your life, negotiating complicated family relationships, or a painful past you would like support in exploring. Whatever you bring, I aim to facilitate your understanding of yourself, your strengths and your unique qualities.
Warm welcome to my profile. My name is Rhys and I am an Integrative therapist and supervisor, helping people find their path to mental health and well-being for over 10 years. My approach is all about working together authentically and collaboratively with my clients, listening to their unique and wonderful stories, and finding solutions that work for them. It's not easy reaching out for help and the fact that you are here I can only imagine has taken you a lot of bravery to show up here which is commendable. I offer a safe space to allow clients the opportunity to explore and reflect deeply in a non-judgemental environment.
Warm welcome to my profile. My name is Rhys and I am an Integrative therapist and supervisor, helping people find their path to mental health and well-being for over 10 years. My approach is all about working together authentically and collaboratively with my clients, listening to their unique and wonderful stories, and finding solutions that work for them. It's not easy reaching out for help and the fact that you are here I can only imagine has taken you a lot of bravery to show up here which is commendable. I offer a safe space to allow clients the opportunity to explore and reflect deeply in a non-judgemental environment.
Hi, I'm a Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist with over fifteen years experience, currently working as a Senior Therapist within an NHS Primary Care Service, alongside my private practice. My aim is to help make a positive difference to your life, whether when facing challenging times, a specific life event or through developing self-awareness. I value the importance of a warm, supportive and non-judgemental therapeutic relationship, through which it is possible to explore difficult emotions, experiences and patterns of behaviours to reach a deeper understanding and move forward with new possibilities.
Hi, I'm a Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist with over fifteen years experience, currently working as a Senior Therapist within an NHS Primary Care Service, alongside my private practice. My aim is to help make a positive difference to your life, whether when facing challenging times, a specific life event or through developing self-awareness. I value the importance of a warm, supportive and non-judgemental therapeutic relationship, through which it is possible to explore difficult emotions, experiences and patterns of behaviours to reach a deeper understanding and move forward with new possibilities.
I like to think that therapy is like a guide that encourages you to see what you may have missed or ignored. I work with clients encouraging different aspects of the personality to find their voice. Maybe we learnt to shut these parts down, perhaps because of their threatening nature or just because they weren’t acceptable to us or our caregivers. I encourage clients to engage with these forgotten parts of the personality to find expression, so they can be heard, understood and validated in a non-judgmental space.
I like to think that therapy is like a guide that encourages you to see what you may have missed or ignored. I work with clients encouraging different aspects of the personality to find their voice. Maybe we learnt to shut these parts down, perhaps because of their threatening nature or just because they weren’t acceptable to us or our caregivers. I encourage clients to engage with these forgotten parts of the personality to find expression, so they can be heard, understood and validated in a non-judgmental space.
I comprehend that everyone, regardless of age and stage, can be confronted by the difficulties and challenges of life. I provide psychotherapy to young people, adults and couples. At present I am offering online psychotherapy sessions on weekdays.
I comprehend that everyone, regardless of age and stage, can be confronted by the difficulties and challenges of life. I provide psychotherapy to young people, adults and couples. At present I am offering online psychotherapy sessions on weekdays.
I understand that seeking therapy can be daunting but if you are at the stage in your life where you need the space to explore painful feelings, it may well help you come to terms with or make sense of things like: absence, loss, uncertainty, anger, fear, isolation and accept or make the changes that are right for you. I won't tell you which way to turn but I will offer you the right therapeutic relationship which feels safe to explore yourself and your world of feelings. I will work alongside you every step of the way,
I understand that seeking therapy can be daunting but if you are at the stage in your life where you need the space to explore painful feelings, it may well help you come to terms with or make sense of things like: absence, loss, uncertainty, anger, fear, isolation and accept or make the changes that are right for you. I won't tell you which way to turn but I will offer you the right therapeutic relationship which feels safe to explore yourself and your world of feelings. I will work alongside you every step of the way,
I am a multilingual Chartered Principal Counselling Psychologist (English, Italian and Spanish speaking) recognised by the professional bodies Health and Care Professions Council and British Psychology Society, currently offering online therapy which consistently shows itself to be as effective as traditional therapy. With over 15 years’ experience, I provide a range of evidence based psychological therapies in line with NICE recommendations guarantying a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space.
I am a multilingual Chartered Principal Counselling Psychologist (English, Italian and Spanish speaking) recognised by the professional bodies Health and Care Professions Council and British Psychology Society, currently offering online therapy which consistently shows itself to be as effective as traditional therapy. With over 15 years’ experience, I provide a range of evidence based psychological therapies in line with NICE recommendations guarantying a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space.
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I aim to tailor the therapy to meet clients very specific needs with an empathetic and congruent approach. Confidentiality and trust are essential to the counselling process. Clients may share difficult feelings and thoughts with me safe in the knowledge that their personal identity and information will be retained in confidence. I am here for you, to build trust and confidence and to help you unlock your true potential. Therapy might seem daunting at first, but my aim is to bring my clients into contact with what matters in life, to ground them and assist them to encounter themselves and others better.
I aim to tailor the therapy to meet clients very specific needs with an empathetic and congruent approach. Confidentiality and trust are essential to the counselling process. Clients may share difficult feelings and thoughts with me safe in the knowledge that their personal identity and information will be retained in confidence. I am here for you, to build trust and confidence and to help you unlock your true potential. Therapy might seem daunting at first, but my aim is to bring my clients into contact with what matters in life, to ground them and assist them to encounter themselves and others better.
Many people feel lost, anxious, confused or overwhelmed; therapy is an effective way to find direction and stability. By collaboratively exploring your values, you will be supported and encouraged to live the life you want to be living. You are unique. To be most effective, therapy should be tailored to you — matching your own internal experiences (thoughts and emotions) and external life experiences. Fortunately, there are a variety of psychological therapies and therapeutic practices that together we can choose from, to help you feel the best version of yourself.
Many people feel lost, anxious, confused or overwhelmed; therapy is an effective way to find direction and stability. By collaboratively exploring your values, you will be supported and encouraged to live the life you want to be living. You are unique. To be most effective, therapy should be tailored to you — matching your own internal experiences (thoughts and emotions) and external life experiences. Fortunately, there are a variety of psychological therapies and therapeutic practices that together we can choose from, to help you feel the best version of yourself.
Starting counselling can seem hard for some but those first steps can have a positive lasting impact. I understand that things can feel overwhelming at first but hopefully I can help you to work through any anxieties about counselling so that I can support you through your personal journey. With me, your therapeutic journey is the priority. I work with you to help understand your difficulties better and find ways of managing similar difficulties in the future. I work with children, adolescents and adults using various approaches depending on the individual's needs, largely person centred and cognitive behaviour approaches.
Starting counselling can seem hard for some but those first steps can have a positive lasting impact. I understand that things can feel overwhelming at first but hopefully I can help you to work through any anxieties about counselling so that I can support you through your personal journey. With me, your therapeutic journey is the priority. I work with you to help understand your difficulties better and find ways of managing similar difficulties in the future. I work with children, adolescents and adults using various approaches depending on the individual's needs, largely person centred and cognitive behaviour approaches.
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.
Janine Hayward - Composurepsychology
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London W1G
Hello. Do you struggle with stress from; work, relationships, or parenting? Are you overwhelmed, worried, depressed, stuck, or low in self-esteem? You are not alone. Does your need to be perfect upset you or take up too much time? Is a trauma, threat to your health, an illness, a major loss or death hurting you? It doesn't have to be that way. We help people like you understand your distress, learn new skills for managing uncomfortable emotions and thoughts, improve relationships, and find meaning and focus. We're Clinical Psychologists (HCPC), with >10 years of experience delivering effective therapy to kids, teens and adults.
Hello. Do you struggle with stress from; work, relationships, or parenting? Are you overwhelmed, worried, depressed, stuck, or low in self-esteem? You are not alone. Does your need to be perfect upset you or take up too much time? Is a trauma, threat to your health, an illness, a major loss or death hurting you? It doesn't have to be that way. We help people like you understand your distress, learn new skills for managing uncomfortable emotions and thoughts, improve relationships, and find meaning and focus. We're Clinical Psychologists (HCPC), with >10 years of experience delivering effective therapy to kids, teens and adults.
I work with a wide variety of clients, on issues such as sexual assault and abuse, health anxiety, depression, loneliness, and trauma. Most clients come to me looking for a better understanding of why certain issues continue to create discomfort for them, or how to manage recurrent periods of anxiety and depression. I have worked with self-harm and identity, substance abuse and VAWG, with a specific trauma focused methodology based on trust and empathy. I specialise in working with life-limiting and chronic illness, disability and medical trauma and my own lived experience helps clients feel understood and supported by a peer.
I work with a wide variety of clients, on issues such as sexual assault and abuse, health anxiety, depression, loneliness, and trauma. Most clients come to me looking for a better understanding of why certain issues continue to create discomfort for them, or how to manage recurrent periods of anxiety and depression. I have worked with self-harm and identity, substance abuse and VAWG, with a specific trauma focused methodology based on trust and empathy. I specialise in working with life-limiting and chronic illness, disability and medical trauma and my own lived experience helps clients feel understood and supported by a peer.
I am a qualified and registered Integrative Counsellor. My hope is to give you an experience of yourself in our sessions, that will overtime carry over to other areas of your life and allow you to feel more at peace. I offer a non-judgemental space where together we can explore your experiences, in order to help you understand them better. I hope that by providing a space for you to speak freely and solely about your issues will facilitate a path to relief via gaining a deeper understanding, gaining greater consciousness and making better choices.
I am a qualified and registered Integrative Counsellor. My hope is to give you an experience of yourself in our sessions, that will overtime carry over to other areas of your life and allow you to feel more at peace. I offer a non-judgemental space where together we can explore your experiences, in order to help you understand them better. I hope that by providing a space for you to speak freely and solely about your issues will facilitate a path to relief via gaining a deeper understanding, gaining greater consciousness and making better choices.
As an integrative psychotherapist, I use different combinations of therapeutic tools and approaches to suit individual needs. ‘Integrative psychotherapy’ is a more progressive form of therapy than traditional singular forms of psychotherapy, drawing elements from different schools of thought to make it a more flexible and inclusive form of treatment that’s suitable for a wide range of emotional health issues.
As an integrative psychotherapist, I use different combinations of therapeutic tools and approaches to suit individual needs. ‘Integrative psychotherapy’ is a more progressive form of therapy than traditional singular forms of psychotherapy, drawing elements from different schools of thought to make it a more flexible and inclusive form of treatment that’s suitable for a wide range of emotional health issues.
There are many reasons for seeking therapy and it is a big step to ask for help. Sometimes it is about coming to terms with a life event such as a relationship breakdown or a bereavement, sometimes long standing feelings of anxiety, depression or plain unhappiness and sometimes a general sense that things are not right. The thoughts, feelings and behaviours which are causing difficulties in your daily life are likely to have their origins in the past, in patterns set up in early relationships which are no longer helpful. Working together, we can begin to make sense of your experience freeing you to live a better life.
There are many reasons for seeking therapy and it is a big step to ask for help. Sometimes it is about coming to terms with a life event such as a relationship breakdown or a bereavement, sometimes long standing feelings of anxiety, depression or plain unhappiness and sometimes a general sense that things are not right. The thoughts, feelings and behaviours which are causing difficulties in your daily life are likely to have their origins in the past, in patterns set up in early relationships which are no longer helpful. Working together, we can begin to make sense of your experience freeing you to live a better life.
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:
90% | Anxiety |
85% | Depression |
83% | Self Esteem |
80% | Relationship Issues |
78% | Stress |
66% | Trauma and PTSD |
62% | Bereavement |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
68% | Aviva |
64% | AXA PPP |
55% | 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.