Counselling in London

Hello, my name is Ladan Ghiami and I'm a counselling psychologist and psychotherapist.
I'm an experienced practitioner and have been working with clients for over 21 years in a range of settings including primary care in the NHS, student counselling in higher education and my private practice which I set up in 2008. I work with individuals and couples in a collaborative, relational and creative way. I view therapy as a holistic process and will encourage you to look at all aspects of your life and to be open to learning more about yourself and the potential you hold within you.
Hello, my name is Ladan Ghiami and I'm a counselling psychologist and psychotherapist.
I'm an experienced practitioner and have been working with clients for over 21 years in a range of settings including primary care in the NHS, student counselling in higher education and my private practice which I set up in 2008. I work with individuals and couples in a collaborative, relational and creative way. I view therapy as a holistic process and will encourage you to look at all aspects of your life and to be open to learning more about yourself and the potential you hold within you.

Each and every one of us will at some point in our lives face difficulties and challenges that we find hard to deal with – be that experiencing periods of feeling ‘stuck’, anxious, depressed, low or angry; experiencing conflicts in our relationships with others, suffering a loss; or being impacted by past events which still affect how we cope with life today.
Each and every one of us will at some point in our lives face difficulties and challenges that we find hard to deal with – be that experiencing periods of feeling ‘stuck’, anxious, depressed, low or angry; experiencing conflicts in our relationships with others, suffering a loss; or being impacted by past events which still affect how we cope with life today.

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.

Warm, grounded and collaborative therapist increasingly working with millennial and Gen Z clients, supporting them life transitions, loss, low self esteem, feeling lost or stuck and the specific challenges of working in the arts & creative industries. My approach is attentive, calm and transparent, always led by you and your agenda as we unpack the difficulties you are facing. Ultimately, I see our working together as a robust, collaborative dialogue about your situation – a quest we’re on together, through the challenges you’re facing towards a more meaningful life.
Warm, grounded and collaborative therapist increasingly working with millennial and Gen Z clients, supporting them life transitions, loss, low self esteem, feeling lost or stuck and the specific challenges of working in the arts & creative industries. My approach is attentive, calm and transparent, always led by you and your agenda as we unpack the difficulties you are facing. Ultimately, I see our working together as a robust, collaborative dialogue about your situation – a quest we’re on together, through the challenges you’re facing towards a more meaningful life.

I am a qualified Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist working with individuals, couples, and polycules, with issues around communication, desire/arousal, orgasm, erectile difficulties, vaginal discomfort/pain, trauma, body image, gender and sexuality related issues, menopause, affairs, non monogamous, polyamorous relationships, porn addiction, kink, and bdsm.
Maybe you are struggling to communicate and connect with your partner? Do you question why you keep repeating the same patterns?
I am a qualified Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist working with individuals, couples, and polycules, with issues around communication, desire/arousal, orgasm, erectile difficulties, vaginal discomfort/pain, trauma, body image, gender and sexuality related issues, menopause, affairs, non monogamous, polyamorous relationships, porn addiction, kink, and bdsm.
Maybe you are struggling to communicate and connect with your partner? Do you question why you keep repeating the same patterns?

I offer a psychoanalytic approach which endeavours to recognise how recurring patterns in relationships have been effected by the past and earlier experiences. A current traumatic experience or distressing situation may be a reminder of an early hurt. From childhood, foundations for relationships are set in place and provide a template for what lies ahead. Dependent on these secure/insecure early foundations, we form strategies to cope with unpredictable or unpalatable feelings. It may be that circumstances arise which cause us to reach for unhelpful strategies only serving to hurt us more.
I offer a psychoanalytic approach which endeavours to recognise how recurring patterns in relationships have been effected by the past and earlier experiences. A current traumatic experience or distressing situation may be a reminder of an early hurt. From childhood, foundations for relationships are set in place and provide a template for what lies ahead. Dependent on these secure/insecure early foundations, we form strategies to cope with unpredictable or unpalatable feelings. It may be that circumstances arise which cause us to reach for unhelpful strategies only serving to hurt us more.

It can be daunting, even terrifying, to broach therapy. You may feel that you keeping messing up and don't know why. The more you try to be someone else, the more things stay the same. You may have thoughts or feelings that are difficult to articulate, but these deserve to be heard and understood, even just to yourself. I create a calm and accepting space for you to explore what's going on, to be yourself and gain greater insight as to who that is.
It can be daunting, even terrifying, to broach therapy. You may feel that you keeping messing up and don't know why. The more you try to be someone else, the more things stay the same. You may have thoughts or feelings that are difficult to articulate, but these deserve to be heard and understood, even just to yourself. I create a calm and accepting space for you to explore what's going on, to be yourself and gain greater insight as to who that is.

I am a HCPC and BADth registered Dramatherapist. I hold a Masters in Dramatherapy from the University of Roehampton.
Dramatherapy draw on knowledge of theatre and therapy to use as a medium for psychotherapy that may include storymaking, objects, images and movement etc. I have over 6 years’ experience of working creatively with a diverse range of individuals and groups who experience significant difficulties.
I am a HCPC and BADth registered Dramatherapist. I hold a Masters in Dramatherapy from the University of Roehampton.
Dramatherapy draw on knowledge of theatre and therapy to use as a medium for psychotherapy that may include storymaking, objects, images and movement etc. I have over 6 years’ experience of working creatively with a diverse range of individuals and groups who experience significant difficulties.

I’m an integrative counsellor/psychotherapist who works with clients to create a safe, non-judgemental space to explore, understand, and move forward at their own pace. Seeking help can feel scary, but we all struggle at some point in life. So whether you’re feeling anxious, depressed, confused, stuck in a destructive pattern, troubled by events in the past, or unsure about your direction in life, starting therapy can be a powerful first step towards a better future.
I’m an integrative counsellor/psychotherapist who works with clients to create a safe, non-judgemental space to explore, understand, and move forward at their own pace. Seeking help can feel scary, but we all struggle at some point in life. So whether you’re feeling anxious, depressed, confused, stuck in a destructive pattern, troubled by events in the past, or unsure about your direction in life, starting therapy can be a powerful first step towards a better future.

I offer a free 15 minute phone call before meeting. This gives you an opportunity to outline your current circumstances and enables me to consider if I might be able to help you. Your first session will be an assessment where I will ask questions to better understand your past, your present and your expectations. This session is a two-way process for both you and I to consider if we might be able to work together. Any ongoing therapy will last 50 minutes and would typically take place on a weekly basis. I can work in an open ended way or time limited if you would prefer a shorter period. We would then work in a more focussed way
I offer a free 15 minute phone call before meeting. This gives you an opportunity to outline your current circumstances and enables me to consider if I might be able to help you. Your first session will be an assessment where I will ask questions to better understand your past, your present and your expectations. This session is a two-way process for both you and I to consider if we might be able to work together. Any ongoing therapy will last 50 minutes and would typically take place on a weekly basis. I can work in an open ended way or time limited if you would prefer a shorter period. We would then work in a more focussed way

People often feel unsure about starting therapy and it can feel like a big decision to make. I would suggest a one-off consultation to meet. This will allow us time to think together about whether you would consider working with me and how I might be able to support you in making changes to improve your situation.
People often feel unsure about starting therapy and it can feel like a big decision to make. I would suggest a one-off consultation to meet. This will allow us time to think together about whether you would consider working with me and how I might be able to support you in making changes to improve your situation.
Meet Our Counsellors

I am a highly qualified Humanistic Integrative Psychotherapist, A Psycho-sexual and Relationship Therapist and an Addictions Specialist who helps individuals, couples, families and groups gain the psychological awareness to improve health and well-being.
I am a highly qualified Humanistic Integrative Psychotherapist, A Psycho-sexual and Relationship Therapist and an Addictions Specialist who helps individuals, couples, families and groups gain the psychological awareness to improve health and well-being.

You are unique and need to be understood in your own context! I work with people from all different backgrounds and with a diverse range of problems. In therapy, I support growth and a fuller self-expression through body awareness, creative experimentation, and the use of mindfulness techniques. Life throws many things at us which can knock us off our feet. Many of my clients have come to counselling feeling anxious, sad, frustrated, lonely, angry, depressed, feeling lost, experiencing relationship difficulties, or just really stuck and in each case, we have been able to work together to change those feelings.
You are unique and need to be understood in your own context! I work with people from all different backgrounds and with a diverse range of problems. In therapy, I support growth and a fuller self-expression through body awareness, creative experimentation, and the use of mindfulness techniques. Life throws many things at us which can knock us off our feet. Many of my clients have come to counselling feeling anxious, sad, frustrated, lonely, angry, depressed, feeling lost, experiencing relationship difficulties, or just really stuck and in each case, we have been able to work together to change those feelings.

Let's find a way through what is bothering you... Through listening to your story, reflection and support with focus and direction, I can help you make sense of your feelings, thoughts and actions. We work at your pace, for as many or as few sessions as is right with you. Sometimes, counselling is about unburdening yourself, telling your story as it were. Sometimes, it is more focused - a particular issue that needs addressing. We can work either way or both.
Let's find a way through what is bothering you... Through listening to your story, reflection and support with focus and direction, I can help you make sense of your feelings, thoughts and actions. We work at your pace, for as many or as few sessions as is right with you. Sometimes, counselling is about unburdening yourself, telling your story as it were. Sometimes, it is more focused - a particular issue that needs addressing. We can work either way or both.

Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like something is missing in your life? Do you find yourself yearning for a change but unsure of where to start? Do you find that everyone else “got it” but you seem to struggle? If life feels heavy and unmanageable, know that you are not alone, I can help you navigating:
Stress, Anxiety, and Depression, Bereavement, Grief, and Loss, Self-Esteem and Confidence, Relationship Challenges including Narcissistic abuse.
I work in a safe, empathetic, and supportive way, where trust and your well-being are always my top priorities.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like something is missing in your life? Do you find yourself yearning for a change but unsure of where to start? Do you find that everyone else “got it” but you seem to struggle? If life feels heavy and unmanageable, know that you are not alone, I can help you navigating:
Stress, Anxiety, and Depression, Bereavement, Grief, and Loss, Self-Esteem and Confidence, Relationship Challenges including Narcissistic abuse.
I work in a safe, empathetic, and supportive way, where trust and your well-being are always my top priorities.

I am passionate about helping clients intercept 'stuck' cycles by finding new ways of adjusting and coping. Many of the clients that I work with find themselves struggling with life demands or what the World Health Organisation (WHO) typically defines as 'burn-out' (ICD-10). Quite often they feel overwhelmed, depleted and unable to find an obvious solution to their problem. They find themselves chronically ruminating about the past or worrying about the future, leading to vicious cycles of depression and anxiety. These clients require a specialised therapist who can offer brief, effective treatment.
I am passionate about helping clients intercept 'stuck' cycles by finding new ways of adjusting and coping. Many of the clients that I work with find themselves struggling with life demands or what the World Health Organisation (WHO) typically defines as 'burn-out' (ICD-10). Quite often they feel overwhelmed, depleted and unable to find an obvious solution to their problem. They find themselves chronically ruminating about the past or worrying about the future, leading to vicious cycles of depression and anxiety. These clients require a specialised therapist who can offer brief, effective treatment.

Life can feel overwhelming when you’re carrying so much on your own. Maybe you’re feeling anxious, stuck, or unsure of who you are anymore. Or perhaps you just know that something needs to change, but you’re not sure where to start. Whatever you're facing, you don’t have to go through it alone. Sessions are relaxed and conversational; no pressure, just space to talk.
Life can feel overwhelming when you’re carrying so much on your own. Maybe you’re feeling anxious, stuck, or unsure of who you are anymore. Or perhaps you just know that something needs to change, but you’re not sure where to start. Whatever you're facing, you don’t have to go through it alone. Sessions are relaxed and conversational; no pressure, just space to talk.

Therapy can be many things. We are complex beings living complex lives, and there is no one size fits all approach to it. Everyone is influenced by their unique context and experience, and my approach will be tailored to you and your needs. Whatever your reasons for coming, it will be a nurturing place, where we will collaboratively work to better understand yourself, explore your experiences and achieve your goals. I’m passionate about people, and as a therapist I want to inspire confidence, trust, and aim to build a relationship filled with compassion, courage, learning, and some good humour along the way.
Therapy can be many things. We are complex beings living complex lives, and there is no one size fits all approach to it. Everyone is influenced by their unique context and experience, and my approach will be tailored to you and your needs. Whatever your reasons for coming, it will be a nurturing place, where we will collaboratively work to better understand yourself, explore your experiences and achieve your goals. I’m passionate about people, and as a therapist I want to inspire confidence, trust, and aim to build a relationship filled with compassion, courage, learning, and some good humour along the way.

Hello, I'm Tony and I'm an integrative therapist originally from Yorkshire. I pride myself on my warm, present and calm nature. I am passionate about working in a way that allows you to explore your relationships with yourself and others, and healing in the process. I work integratively, which essentially means that I'm trained to use different approaches and tools based on you and your needs. This brings flexibility to our collaborative online therapy sessions. I am trained to work across different areas such as anxiety, depression, attachment, sexual health, sexual addiction, gender, sexuality body image and relationships.
Hello, I'm Tony and I'm an integrative therapist originally from Yorkshire. I pride myself on my warm, present and calm nature. I am passionate about working in a way that allows you to explore your relationships with yourself and others, and healing in the process. I work integratively, which essentially means that I'm trained to use different approaches and tools based on you and your needs. This brings flexibility to our collaborative online therapy sessions. I am trained to work across different areas such as anxiety, depression, attachment, sexual health, sexual addiction, gender, sexuality body image and relationships.

I am a psychodynamic counsellor and psychotherapist registered with the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC). I worked for five years providing long-term psychotherapy to individuals with histories of addiction and childhood trauma. This gave me an understanding of the extent to which adverse early experiences can impact on behaviour and psychic functioning in adulthood. I have undertaken post-qualifying training in the treatment of PTSD, C-PTSD and dissociation. I have a particular clinical and theoretical interest in states of depersonalisation, derealisation, trauma-related dissociation, and narcissistic personality structures.
I am a psychodynamic counsellor and psychotherapist registered with the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC). I worked for five years providing long-term psychotherapy to individuals with histories of addiction and childhood trauma. This gave me an understanding of the extent to which adverse early experiences can impact on behaviour and psychic functioning in adulthood. I have undertaken post-qualifying training in the treatment of PTSD, C-PTSD and dissociation. I have a particular clinical and theoretical interest in states of depersonalisation, derealisation, trauma-related dissociation, and narcissistic personality structures.
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.