Counselling in London

View neighbourhoods and districts in London
Photo of Naseema Khanom, Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Naseema Khanom
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
London E8
I’m Naseema, a trainee relational integrative psychotherapist.
I’m Naseema, a trainee relational integrative psychotherapist.
View
Photo of Emily Howes, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Emily Howes
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
London W1G
Whatever the reason you choose to come to therapy, I offer a warm, relational approach in a space of absolute privacy. The stories we tell ourselves about our lives define us. They can both empower and trap us. I offer a place to explore the narratives we live within, both those we create ourselves and those which are created for us.
Whatever the reason you choose to come to therapy, I offer a warm, relational approach in a space of absolute privacy. The stories we tell ourselves about our lives define us. They can both empower and trap us. I offer a place to explore the narratives we live within, both those we create ourselves and those which are created for us.
View
Georgina Lansbury
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
London SW17
I work with any and all difficulties and challenges and struggles that might be faced by children, adolescents, young adults and their carers. I work with neurodivergent young people, having experience of children and teens with diagnoses of ADHD, ASD and OCD, carving out a space where they can feel understood.
I work with any and all difficulties and challenges and struggles that might be faced by children, adolescents, young adults and their carers. I work with neurodivergent young people, having experience of children and teens with diagnoses of ADHD, ASD and OCD, carving out a space where they can feel understood.
020 3974 1395 View 020 3974 1395
Photo of Walter Wills, Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Walter Wills
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I provide individual adult psychotherapy and have conducted psychotherapy groups across the life span both privately and within the NHS setting over the past 30+ years. I am an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (AFBPsS), a Group Analyst and Member of the Institute of Group Analysis. I was awarded Lifetime Honorary Adult Psychotherapist by the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust. For the past twelve years I have conducted experiential groups for the Foundation Course at the Institute of Group Analysis and provided supervision of trainees in group psychotherapy within the NHS.
I provide individual adult psychotherapy and have conducted psychotherapy groups across the life span both privately and within the NHS setting over the past 30+ years. I am an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (AFBPsS), a Group Analyst and Member of the Institute of Group Analysis. I was awarded Lifetime Honorary Adult Psychotherapist by the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust. For the past twelve years I have conducted experiential groups for the Foundation Course at the Institute of Group Analysis and provided supervision of trainees in group psychotherapy within the NHS.
020 8154 5401 View 020 8154 5401
Photo of Lara Danielle Feinstein - Lara Danielle Therapy, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Lara Danielle Therapy
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
I work with children from aged five, adolescents and adult females. I am compassionate and warm. I specialize in difficulties, including trauma, self-esteem, attachment, divorce, aggression, social anxiety, generalized anxiety and body concerns. I have worked extensively with young children and adolescents, both as a child therapist and in previous careers. I have worked at non-profit and for profit organizations, including a national adolescent treatment centre for mental health and substance use, foster homes and a domestic violence organization. I approach the therapeutic relationship with genuineness, curiosity, and warmth.
I work with children from aged five, adolescents and adult females. I am compassionate and warm. I specialize in difficulties, including trauma, self-esteem, attachment, divorce, aggression, social anxiety, generalized anxiety and body concerns. I have worked extensively with young children and adolescents, both as a child therapist and in previous careers. I have worked at non-profit and for profit organizations, including a national adolescent treatment centre for mental health and substance use, foster homes and a domestic violence organization. I approach the therapeutic relationship with genuineness, curiosity, and warmth.
01748 900772 View 01748 900772
Photo of Charlotte Lloyd, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Charlotte Lloyd
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London W4
If you are struggling with feeling overwhelmed, unhappy, anxious or depressed, therapy may be able to help. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy attempts to understand how early relationships and patterns of behaviour can affect and lead to difficulties later in life. Perhaps an immediate crisis or longer term feelings of unhappiness have brought you here; both are valid and may benefit from therapy. I can offer a calm, confidential and supportive space to help you try and understand why you are feeling a certain way, and together we can work to resolve any deeper issues.
If you are struggling with feeling overwhelmed, unhappy, anxious or depressed, therapy may be able to help. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy attempts to understand how early relationships and patterns of behaviour can affect and lead to difficulties later in life. Perhaps an immediate crisis or longer term feelings of unhappiness have brought you here; both are valid and may benefit from therapy. I can offer a calm, confidential and supportive space to help you try and understand why you are feeling a certain way, and together we can work to resolve any deeper issues.
View
Photo of Ela Smith, Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Ela Smith
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London N16
I'm a Humanistic Psychotherapist and my training included a five years Masters of Science. I have been working with clients for 6 years, and now offer therapy in my own private practice. I'm open minded, warm and easy to talk to. I have found that when you feel valued and understood by someone, you naturally become better offering that to yourself. I hope to build trust, so I can support you through painful and vulnerable moments. I believe therapy can be a place where you get to explore parts of yourself that you might not get to express. I have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and sexual trauma.
I'm a Humanistic Psychotherapist and my training included a five years Masters of Science. I have been working with clients for 6 years, and now offer therapy in my own private practice. I'm open minded, warm and easy to talk to. I have found that when you feel valued and understood by someone, you naturally become better offering that to yourself. I hope to build trust, so I can support you through painful and vulnerable moments. I believe therapy can be a place where you get to explore parts of yourself that you might not get to express. I have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and sexual trauma.
01305 238963 View 01305 238963
Photo of Emily Smith, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Emily Smith
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
London SW20
Life can throw us off course, from time to time we can all feel overwhelmed, confused, stuck, frightened or alone. Counselling gives the opportunity to talk through feelings, thoughts and worries in a safe, non-judgmental space. It is not always easy to talk to our family and friends, the therapeutic relationship offers a confidential and consistent space to share and work through the problems we can find difficult to bring up with others.
Life can throw us off course, from time to time we can all feel overwhelmed, confused, stuck, frightened or alone. Counselling gives the opportunity to talk through feelings, thoughts and worries in a safe, non-judgmental space. It is not always easy to talk to our family and friends, the therapeutic relationship offers a confidential and consistent space to share and work through the problems we can find difficult to bring up with others.
020 4538 4266 View 020 4538 4266
Photo of Christine de Graaf, Counsellor, MBACP
Christine de Graaf
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London SE1
Hello! I am a Counsellor to individuals and couples, and I can meet you in London (SE1), Brighton or online. I provide a safe and supportive space where you can express your thoughts and feelings. Through understanding our inner world we can develop a more compassionate relationship with ourselves, and therefore with others. The aim is that you can gain self awareness so you can make conscious choices for yourself and bring about lasting change in ways that are suited to you.
Hello! I am a Counsellor to individuals and couples, and I can meet you in London (SE1), Brighton or online. I provide a safe and supportive space where you can express your thoughts and feelings. Through understanding our inner world we can develop a more compassionate relationship with ourselves, and therefore with others. The aim is that you can gain self awareness so you can make conscious choices for yourself and bring about lasting change in ways that are suited to you.
020 4538 8370 View 020 4538 8370
Photo of Lisa Hitchen, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Lisa Hitchen
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London SE9
I am an experienced and accredited counsellor working with people of all backgrounds. I offer a safe listening space for clients to speak freely about whatever is troubling them. I work in an integrative way bringing in different approaches based on the individual needs of each person. This includes creative techniques, person centred and CBT approaches. I offer short and long term sessions in Lewisham plus telephone and online counselling to individuals and couples. Recently I qualified as an EMDR therapist and offer this to clients with disturbing memories or trauma that want to let go of the past (see my website for details).
I am an experienced and accredited counsellor working with people of all backgrounds. I offer a safe listening space for clients to speak freely about whatever is troubling them. I work in an integrative way bringing in different approaches based on the individual needs of each person. This includes creative techniques, person centred and CBT approaches. I offer short and long term sessions in Lewisham plus telephone and online counselling to individuals and couples. Recently I qualified as an EMDR therapist and offer this to clients with disturbing memories or trauma that want to let go of the past (see my website for details).
020 8106 2070 View 020 8106 2070
Photo of Andrew Rutherford, Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Andrew Rutherford
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London W1H
Hello, I'm Andrew and I'm an integrative psychotherapist. What do I mean by integrative? Well, it has been reliably shown that there is no overall 'best therapy'. What works for one person does not necessarily work for another, even if their issues are similar. You might have heard about psychoanalysis, person-centred counselling, or CBT. These are just a few of a number of therapeutic approaches. Each type of therapy offers different potentials for change. For over forty years now there has been a movement towards integrating these approaches to better meet a person's individual needs.
Hello, I'm Andrew and I'm an integrative psychotherapist. What do I mean by integrative? Well, it has been reliably shown that there is no overall 'best therapy'. What works for one person does not necessarily work for another, even if their issues are similar. You might have heard about psychoanalysis, person-centred counselling, or CBT. These are just a few of a number of therapeutic approaches. Each type of therapy offers different potentials for change. For over forty years now there has been a movement towards integrating these approaches to better meet a person's individual needs.
020 3962 0926 View 020 3962 0926
Photo of Phoebe Sokan, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Phoebe Sokan
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Working through our ‘stuff’; can feel overwhelming, confusing, and maybe even impossible. I’m here to support you. Together, we'll navigate through your ‘stuff’; your emotions, past experiences, and current challenges and concerns about the future. We'll unravel these complexities, gaining clarity and insight to help you move forward feeling empowered, having greater confidence, and understanding of yourself.
Working through our ‘stuff’; can feel overwhelming, confusing, and maybe even impossible. I’m here to support you. Together, we'll navigate through your ‘stuff’; your emotions, past experiences, and current challenges and concerns about the future. We'll unravel these complexities, gaining clarity and insight to help you move forward feeling empowered, having greater confidence, and understanding of yourself.
View
Photo of Peter Geiger, Psychotherapist, MA
Peter Geiger
Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
London W1U
You're feeling generally dissatisfied, like you drew the short straw. You make it look not too bad on the outside, yet feel unfulfilled in relationships with lover, family, friends, coworkers. You have concerns about overdoing something (drinking, working, internet), or a generalized anxiety, perfectionism or people-pleasing. I am a highly interactive therapist. I know when to bring in humor—and when to go to the dark places with you. Together we will look at how you got here. Through identifying your beliefs, attitudes and needs around relationships (of all kinds) and intimacy, we will find the key to unlocking your wellbeing.
You're feeling generally dissatisfied, like you drew the short straw. You make it look not too bad on the outside, yet feel unfulfilled in relationships with lover, family, friends, coworkers. You have concerns about overdoing something (drinking, working, internet), or a generalized anxiety, perfectionism or people-pleasing. I am a highly interactive therapist. I know when to bring in humor—and when to go to the dark places with you. Together we will look at how you got here. Through identifying your beliefs, attitudes and needs around relationships (of all kinds) and intimacy, we will find the key to unlocking your wellbeing.
020 4538 5294 View 020 4538 5294
Photo of Darina O'Keeffe, Psychotherapist, BPC
Darina O'Keeffe
Psychotherapist, BPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I offer psychodynamic therapy. The therapy will help you gain deeper insight and will offer deep, lasting change by addressing the root causes of your problems. I believe that pain manifests in different ways for everyone, and there are usually underlying, earlier experiences to think about. Making sense of this and becoming more aware of our internal world can help us feel less stuck. Through therapy, we can together understand and work through your pain, which can help you lead a more fulfilling life.
I offer psychodynamic therapy. The therapy will help you gain deeper insight and will offer deep, lasting change by addressing the root causes of your problems. I believe that pain manifests in different ways for everyone, and there are usually underlying, earlier experiences to think about. Making sense of this and becoming more aware of our internal world can help us feel less stuck. Through therapy, we can together understand and work through your pain, which can help you lead a more fulfilling life.
020 3816 1665 View 020 3816 1665
Photo of Michelle O'Sullivan, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Michelle O'Sullivan
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London W1G
Not accepting new clients
I am a trauma specialist Chartered Clinical Psychologist, helping people with their recovery for over ten years. I have a particular interest in supporting people who are experiencing distress due to problems with their work, and those who have developed addictive behaviours to cope with traumatic events. I frequently work with people are experiencing low mood, worry, and sleep difficulties. Sometimes life pulls rug out from you. In therapy we can work together to help you through those times and reclaim your life. We will use the therapeutic space to focus on what is important to you. Read more here: www.osullivanpsychology.org
I am a trauma specialist Chartered Clinical Psychologist, helping people with their recovery for over ten years. I have a particular interest in supporting people who are experiencing distress due to problems with their work, and those who have developed addictive behaviours to cope with traumatic events. I frequently work with people are experiencing low mood, worry, and sleep difficulties. Sometimes life pulls rug out from you. In therapy we can work together to help you through those times and reclaim your life. We will use the therapeutic space to focus on what is important to you. Read more here: www.osullivanpsychology.org
020 3962 0919 View 020 3962 0919
Photo of Sara Hagerman, Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Sara Hagerman
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
London E5
I believe that therapy allows you to take a more active role in understanding and experiencing your emotions. When we are not aware of our emotions or ideas, it can mean we act out certain behaviours – or experience certain feelings - without knowing why. And while we might be able to tolerate this for some time – perhaps even for a long time - I believe there is a difference between surviving and living. Developing a closer – or less mysterious - relationship with ourselves can allow us to go beyond living life passively and begin to really experience it.
I believe that therapy allows you to take a more active role in understanding and experiencing your emotions. When we are not aware of our emotions or ideas, it can mean we act out certain behaviours – or experience certain feelings - without knowing why. And while we might be able to tolerate this for some time – perhaps even for a long time - I believe there is a difference between surviving and living. Developing a closer – or less mysterious - relationship with ourselves can allow us to go beyond living life passively and begin to really experience it.
020 3984 7728 View 020 3984 7728
Photo of Basheer Ahmed, Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Basheer Ahmed
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London W2
How we experience ourselves, other people, and the world in general, is unique to each of us. Through psychotherapy, you can make significant and lasting beneficial changes in your life, and I can provide the reflective space and conditions needed to explore what troubles you, and through this, gain the insight and understanding that enables you to make the changes you need.
How we experience ourselves, other people, and the world in general, is unique to each of us. Through psychotherapy, you can make significant and lasting beneficial changes in your life, and I can provide the reflective space and conditions needed to explore what troubles you, and through this, gain the insight and understanding that enables you to make the changes you need.
020 3657 3425 View 020 3657 3425
Photo of Lorena Dumitrache, Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Lorena Dumitrache
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London SW3
I am a Romanian Spanish-English, French speaking Psychologist. I have experience working with bipolar, personality, OCD, psychotic disorders both inpatients and outpatients. I use a positive psychology and person-centered approach focusing on enhancing and building strength and resilience, before addressing change. The client's safety and comfort are my priority, and this key to understand their difficulties and gain insight about potential solutions.
I am a Romanian Spanish-English, French speaking Psychologist. I have experience working with bipolar, personality, OCD, psychotic disorders both inpatients and outpatients. I use a positive psychology and person-centered approach focusing on enhancing and building strength and resilience, before addressing change. The client's safety and comfort are my priority, and this key to understand their difficulties and gain insight about potential solutions.
01722 656808 View 01722 656808
Photo of Robert Thompson, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Robert Thompson
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London E8
It's good to talk, but it’s better to be listened to. Carving out the space to focus on ourselves has never been more challenging. Psychotherapy is the chance to do exactly that, a place to build a relationship to safely explore where you are at and where you want to be. I am dedicated to helping you find ways forward that feel positive. I aim to support you in making decisions and to explore new possibilities where sometimes we find ourselves stuck in the same old patterns. I aim to instil confidence and help manage feelings of anxiety or low mood and to imagine a new way forward.
It's good to talk, but it’s better to be listened to. Carving out the space to focus on ourselves has never been more challenging. Psychotherapy is the chance to do exactly that, a place to build a relationship to safely explore where you are at and where you want to be. I am dedicated to helping you find ways forward that feel positive. I aim to support you in making decisions and to explore new possibilities where sometimes we find ourselves stuck in the same old patterns. I aim to instil confidence and help manage feelings of anxiety or low mood and to imagine a new way forward.
020 3974 1391 View 020 3974 1391
Photo of Julie Friend, Psychologist, MSc, CPsychol
Julie Friend
Psychologist, MSc, CPsychol
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London SE4
What's on your mind? Perhaps you have suffered a loss, or you are experiencing a low mood which seems to have appeared out of the blue. It might be that anxious feelings are overwhelming you, or that your relationships feel challenging or even destructive. Painful childhood experiences could be impacting your current life and your relationships in a way that feels unmanageable. Or perhaps none of the above - you just can't quite identify what you're feeling and would like to understand yourself better. Whatever your struggles I am happy to meet with you to discuss how I can help.
What's on your mind? Perhaps you have suffered a loss, or you are experiencing a low mood which seems to have appeared out of the blue. It might be that anxious feelings are overwhelming you, or that your relationships feel challenging or even destructive. Painful childhood experiences could be impacting your current life and your relationships in a way that feels unmanageable. Or perhaps none of the above - you just can't quite identify what you're feeling and would like to understand yourself better. Whatever your struggles I am happy to meet with you to discuss how I can help.
020 4530 8414 View 020 4530 8414
1
...

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

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

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.

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.

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.