Counselling in London
Certain life events, transitions, or longstanding struggles can cause our usual ways of coping to break down, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and extremely distressed. To continue to function, drugs, alcohol, food, self harm, sex, social media, a depressive state or abusive behaviour can be used to numb the distress or stand in for what feels missing. But this often leads to feelings of guilt, shame, anger or blame – whether of oneself or others. It can feel like being trapped in a loop of unsatisfactory or harmful relationships, or like reaching a dead-end, with confusion about finding a meaningful path ahead.
Certain life events, transitions, or longstanding struggles can cause our usual ways of coping to break down, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and extremely distressed. To continue to function, drugs, alcohol, food, self harm, sex, social media, a depressive state or abusive behaviour can be used to numb the distress or stand in for what feels missing. But this often leads to feelings of guilt, shame, anger or blame – whether of oneself or others. It can feel like being trapped in a loop of unsatisfactory or harmful relationships, or like reaching a dead-end, with confusion about finding a meaningful path ahead.
I help busy mums who feel anxious, overwhelmed, and stuck to reconnect with themselves, so they can show up for their families without losing who they are. You’re exhausted, emotionally drained, and constantly wondering if you’re doing enough. On the outside, you seem fine—but inside, you’re struggling. You love your family, but you’ve lost parts of yourself and don’t know how to get them back.
I help busy mums who feel anxious, overwhelmed, and stuck to reconnect with themselves, so they can show up for their families without losing who they are. You’re exhausted, emotionally drained, and constantly wondering if you’re doing enough. On the outside, you seem fine—but inside, you’re struggling. You love your family, but you’ve lost parts of yourself and don’t know how to get them back.
I’m a friendly, open and kind therapist who loves working with people from diverse backgrounds to help them in their personal road to peace.
I’m trauma informed and have worked extensively with survivors of VAWG and abuse. I work closely and in kinship with the queer community and my practice is a non-judgmental, open and accepting place to explore all avenues of sexuality, gender and identity without shame. I work with clients with both diagnosed and undiagnosed neurodiversity, to help ease the passage of daily life together.
I’m a friendly, open and kind therapist who loves working with people from diverse backgrounds to help them in their personal road to peace.
I’m trauma informed and have worked extensively with survivors of VAWG and abuse. I work closely and in kinship with the queer community and my practice is a non-judgmental, open and accepting place to explore all avenues of sexuality, gender and identity without shame. I work with clients with both diagnosed and undiagnosed neurodiversity, to help ease the passage of daily life together.
I am a fully qualified BACP Accredited Integrative Psychotherapist, with nearly 30 years' experience, who worked in frontline NHS services (Hospitals and GP surgeries) for most of my career, and now works exclusively in Private Practice. The three issues I am most proficient in treating are anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. (I count myself in the number of people I have helped out of those dark places.)
I am a fully qualified BACP Accredited Integrative Psychotherapist, with nearly 30 years' experience, who worked in frontline NHS services (Hospitals and GP surgeries) for most of my career, and now works exclusively in Private Practice. The three issues I am most proficient in treating are anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. (I count myself in the number of people I have helped out of those dark places.)
People may come for therapy because of specific issues such as recent or past trauma, loss, relationship difficulties or for support with making life changes. But often, we don't know why we feel bad about ourselves or our lives - we may simply know we're depressed, anxious, stuck or frustrated. Therapy can provide a safe, non-judgemental space in which to figure out where we are in our lives, and what we need next. For some, this may be a short course of counselling, for others a longer term psychotherapy and others may find they need something other than therapy: my job is to support you in making your own decision.
People may come for therapy because of specific issues such as recent or past trauma, loss, relationship difficulties or for support with making life changes. But often, we don't know why we feel bad about ourselves or our lives - we may simply know we're depressed, anxious, stuck or frustrated. Therapy can provide a safe, non-judgemental space in which to figure out where we are in our lives, and what we need next. For some, this may be a short course of counselling, for others a longer term psychotherapy and others may find they need something other than therapy: my job is to support you in making your own decision.
I’m a qualified counsellor offering a warm, supportive space where you can talk openly and feel truly heard. I work with adults navigating relationship difficulties, resentment, emotional overwhelm, and life transitions—especially when things feel confusing, stuck, or hard to untangle alone.
I’m a qualified counsellor offering a warm, supportive space where you can talk openly and feel truly heard. I work with adults navigating relationship difficulties, resentment, emotional overwhelm, and life transitions—especially when things feel confusing, stuck, or hard to untangle alone.
I am an experienced 20 years UKCP registered Psychotherapist and Supervisor. Relationship issues,anxiety,depression, anger management, low self-esteem, ADHD, eating disorders,are amongst the most frequent issues I work through with my clients. I have many years of experience working in private practice and in a number of mental settings, NHS working with people from diverse backgrounds with wide range of issues. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, I was an artist and have found therapy can bring about creativity in clients not necessary in its obvious forms but in learning how to deal with frustrations,internal /external conflicts
I am an experienced 20 years UKCP registered Psychotherapist and Supervisor. Relationship issues,anxiety,depression, anger management, low self-esteem, ADHD, eating disorders,are amongst the most frequent issues I work through with my clients. I have many years of experience working in private practice and in a number of mental settings, NHS working with people from diverse backgrounds with wide range of issues. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, I was an artist and have found therapy can bring about creativity in clients not necessary in its obvious forms but in learning how to deal with frustrations,internal /external conflicts
Hello, lovely to meet you. I'm Sophie; I'm an HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist and member of the BACP.
I work with adolescents, young adults and adults navigating anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, life transitions, trauma, relationship issues and chronic illness.
Hello, lovely to meet you. I'm Sophie; I'm an HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist and member of the BACP.
I work with adolescents, young adults and adults navigating anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, life transitions, trauma, relationship issues and chronic illness.
My work focuses on the psychological impact of physical injury, chronic pain, long-term health conditions and medical trauma. I support adults adjusting to changes in their body, identity, independence, relationships or sexual wellbeing following injury or illness. I also have a particular interest in sexual and psychosexual difficulties, including concerns around intimacy, desire and sexual functioning. Difficulties such as low mood, anxiety, trauma and loss are common in these contexts, and I aim to help individuals move towards a meaningful and fulfilling life alongside ongoing health challenges.
My work focuses on the psychological impact of physical injury, chronic pain, long-term health conditions and medical trauma. I support adults adjusting to changes in their body, identity, independence, relationships or sexual wellbeing following injury or illness. I also have a particular interest in sexual and psychosexual difficulties, including concerns around intimacy, desire and sexual functioning. Difficulties such as low mood, anxiety, trauma and loss are common in these contexts, and I aim to help individuals move towards a meaningful and fulfilling life alongside ongoing health challenges.
My clients tend to meet me during a transformative period in their lives when they may feel anxiety or tiredness/burnout related to their work or significant relationships (not necessarily with their primary life partners). I provide a compassionate and empowering therapeutic space where people can connect with themselves safely, make sense of their emotions, address possible dissatisfaction in their present, and learn to experience a more fulfilling life.
My clients tend to meet me during a transformative period in their lives when they may feel anxiety or tiredness/burnout related to their work or significant relationships (not necessarily with their primary life partners). I provide a compassionate and empowering therapeutic space where people can connect with themselves safely, make sense of their emotions, address possible dissatisfaction in their present, and learn to experience a more fulfilling life.
I trained as an Integrative Counsellor at the Minster Centre in London. Being integrative means that I draw on several different therapeutic approaches. These may include ways to help us to make sense of your current patterns of relating to others and yourself in terms of past experiences; It may involve ways to understand how painful memories can be locked away in your body. I also bring an appreciation of the socio-political context in which we live, and the impact of structural oppression, particularly on people with minoritised experience.
I trained as an Integrative Counsellor at the Minster Centre in London. Being integrative means that I draw on several different therapeutic approaches. These may include ways to help us to make sense of your current patterns of relating to others and yourself in terms of past experiences; It may involve ways to understand how painful memories can be locked away in your body. I also bring an appreciation of the socio-political context in which we live, and the impact of structural oppression, particularly on people with minoritised experience.
Imagine facing challenges that sometimes feel overwhelming or that you are not living to your full potential because certain aspects of your identity make you feel marginalised. Perhaps you're struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, or difficulties stemming from your identity, sexuality, or personal relationships. You might seek a supportive space to explore these feelings without judgment. You seek understanding and tools to help navigate life's complexities and wish to align more closely with your authentic self.
Imagine facing challenges that sometimes feel overwhelming or that you are not living to your full potential because certain aspects of your identity make you feel marginalised. Perhaps you're struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, or difficulties stemming from your identity, sexuality, or personal relationships. You might seek a supportive space to explore these feelings without judgment. You seek understanding and tools to help navigate life's complexities and wish to align more closely with your authentic self.
My clinical experience spans NHS and private healthcare and I'm dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve meaningful wellbeing. I specialize in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), alongside extensive experience in treating Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Specific Phobias. With a strong specialization in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and a Person Centred approach, I tailor treatment to meet the distinctive needs of each client or patient.
My clinical experience spans NHS and private healthcare and I'm dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve meaningful wellbeing. I specialize in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), alongside extensive experience in treating Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Specific Phobias. With a strong specialization in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and a Person Centred approach, I tailor treatment to meet the distinctive needs of each client or patient.
My name is Ella and I am a therapist based in London. You may be struggling with anxiety, social anxiety, stress, depression, overwhelm, feelings of loneliness, significant loss and grief. Maybe you are struggling with important relationships in your life. Perhaps your struggle is not that clear and you have a feeling that something isn't quite right. Experiences such as anxiety, stress and depression can be symptoms of a deeper unease. Over time emotions can become trapped or inaccessible to us, and often we harbour hidden thoughts and feelings that have never been said out loud. Together, we can help you find clarity and relief.
My name is Ella and I am a therapist based in London. You may be struggling with anxiety, social anxiety, stress, depression, overwhelm, feelings of loneliness, significant loss and grief. Maybe you are struggling with important relationships in your life. Perhaps your struggle is not that clear and you have a feeling that something isn't quite right. Experiences such as anxiety, stress and depression can be symptoms of a deeper unease. Over time emotions can become trapped or inaccessible to us, and often we harbour hidden thoughts and feelings that have never been said out loud. Together, we can help you find clarity and relief.
My work is grounded in the belief that healing and transformation arise through authentic connection; with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us.
You don’t need to be familiar with therapy for us to work together. It’s completely natural to feel unsure about what to expect, especially if this is your first experience. You won’t be expected to use psychological jargon or arrive with anything already figured out. What matters most is your willingness to show up as you are. My role is to meet you there, to listen closely, and to support you in exploring whatever feels important, at your pace, in your own words.
My work is grounded in the belief that healing and transformation arise through authentic connection; with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us.
You don’t need to be familiar with therapy for us to work together. It’s completely natural to feel unsure about what to expect, especially if this is your first experience. You won’t be expected to use psychological jargon or arrive with anything already figured out. What matters most is your willingness to show up as you are. My role is to meet you there, to listen closely, and to support you in exploring whatever feels important, at your pace, in your own words.
I specialise in addictions, anxiety, OCD, insomnia, and couples therapy, working with high-functioning professionals and expats managing demanding lives while struggling privately. In couples counselling, I focus on communication difficulties and high conflict. Having lived and worked in the UK, Hong Kong, and Switzerland, I understand unique challenges faced by expats, internationally mobile professionals, and cross-cultural couples. Alongside my private practice, I work at an inpatient rehabilitation clinic in Switzerland, supporting clients with complex addiction and mental health conditions.
I specialise in addictions, anxiety, OCD, insomnia, and couples therapy, working with high-functioning professionals and expats managing demanding lives while struggling privately. In couples counselling, I focus on communication difficulties and high conflict. Having lived and worked in the UK, Hong Kong, and Switzerland, I understand unique challenges faced by expats, internationally mobile professionals, and cross-cultural couples. Alongside my private practice, I work at an inpatient rehabilitation clinic in Switzerland, supporting clients with complex addiction and mental health conditions.
Please get in touch if you are having relationship or personal difficulties. I've worked with adults with mental health difficulties for over 25 years. My job is to help you find a way forward. I am an adult psychoanalytical psychotherapist, which means I can work with at depth, and for as long as it helps. I have easy to find and comfortable therapy rooms in SE1 and W1.
Please get in touch if you are having relationship or personal difficulties. I've worked with adults with mental health difficulties for over 25 years. My job is to help you find a way forward. I am an adult psychoanalytical psychotherapist, which means I can work with at depth, and for as long as it helps. I have easy to find and comfortable therapy rooms in SE1 and W1.
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I support clients going through life challenges. I offer a confidential and safe space to discuss whatever is worrying you.
The stresses of modern life often generate negative emotions such as anxiety, anger, frustration contributing to psychosomatic symptoms like chronic pain and physical issues like obesity, inflammation and immune disfunction.
Therapy can restore balance to the body's stress response, calm an agitated mind, and relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Thank you for visiting my page.
I support clients going through life challenges. I offer a confidential and safe space to discuss whatever is worrying you.
The stresses of modern life often generate negative emotions such as anxiety, anger, frustration contributing to psychosomatic symptoms like chronic pain and physical issues like obesity, inflammation and immune disfunction.
Therapy can restore balance to the body's stress response, calm an agitated mind, and relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Perhaps you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or struggling to make sense of where you are in life right now. You may be facing a difficult transition, coping with loss, navigating relationship challenges, or carrying burdens that feel too heavy to manage alone.
Whatever brings you here, you don't have to face it by yourself.
I offer a warm, confidential, and non-judgmental space where you can talk openly about what is troubling you. Together, we can explore what's happening beneath the surface, helping you gain clarity, understand yourself more deeply, and find a way forward that feels right for you.
Perhaps you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or struggling to make sense of where you are in life right now. You may be facing a difficult transition, coping with loss, navigating relationship challenges, or carrying burdens that feel too heavy to manage alone.
Whatever brings you here, you don't have to face it by yourself.
I offer a warm, confidential, and non-judgmental space where you can talk openly about what is troubling you. Together, we can explore what's happening beneath the surface, helping you gain clarity, understand yourself more deeply, and find a way forward that feels right for you.
Looking for someone who can help you explore your issues or challenges in a non-judgemental and genuine manner? I support clients in making positive changes, building resilience and achieving personal growth. Going to counselling can be daunting: I hope to offer clients a place of safety and compassion, and a therapeutic relationship instilled with warmth, energy and humour. I tailor my approach to each client’s needs. I’m an integrative counsellor meaning I believe you’ve the skills to overcome the challenges you’re facing and I draw on multiple therapeutic approaches to help unpick your patterns and flourish.
Looking for someone who can help you explore your issues or challenges in a non-judgemental and genuine manner? I support clients in making positive changes, building resilience and achieving personal growth. Going to counselling can be daunting: I hope to offer clients a place of safety and compassion, and a therapeutic relationship instilled with warmth, energy and humour. I tailor my approach to each client’s needs. I’m an integrative counsellor meaning I believe you’ve the skills to overcome the challenges you’re facing and I draw on multiple therapeutic approaches to help unpick your patterns and flourish.
See more therapy options for London
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in London
3,000+
Average cost per session
£80
Counsellors in London who prioritize treating:
| 90% | Anxiety |
| 84% | Depression |
| 82% | Self Esteem |
| 79% | Relationship Issues |
| 76% | Stress |
| 67% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 60% | Bereavement |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 73% | Aviva |
| 66% | AXA PPP |
| 58% | 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.