Counselling in London
I work with adults and am ready to explore and think about your most painful and traumatic experiences in the context of a trusting and safe therapeutic alliance. I want to know your needs and goals, and to work closely with you to achieve them. What do you want from therapy? What is it that is making you so depressed, angry, unhappy with your life and your relationships? I'll listen, and, by challenging and interpreting the troubling thoughts and experiences you bring, help you identify and work through them to an improving life, where the possibility of inner growth is linked to a sense of accomplishment in your daily existence.
I work with adults and am ready to explore and think about your most painful and traumatic experiences in the context of a trusting and safe therapeutic alliance. I want to know your needs and goals, and to work closely with you to achieve them. What do you want from therapy? What is it that is making you so depressed, angry, unhappy with your life and your relationships? I'll listen, and, by challenging and interpreting the troubling thoughts and experiences you bring, help you identify and work through them to an improving life, where the possibility of inner growth is linked to a sense of accomplishment in your daily existence.
I am a compassionate and open-minded counselor who will always accept you for who you are, and provide you with a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space. During our sessions together, we will find ways to explore any problems which may be affecting your life. We will work together to gain a deeper understanding of any challenging negative patterns which you may be experiencing. I will also support you by helping you to think about yourself, so that you can make sense of your feelings and understand yourself better.
I am a compassionate and open-minded counselor who will always accept you for who you are, and provide you with a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space. During our sessions together, we will find ways to explore any problems which may be affecting your life. We will work together to gain a deeper understanding of any challenging negative patterns which you may be experiencing. I will also support you by helping you to think about yourself, so that you can make sense of your feelings and understand yourself better.
Hi I'm Matthew, I'm a qualified and experienced therapeutic counsellor. Therapy creates a unique space in our life where we’re able to speak most openly and honestly, make sense of our complex lives and ask questions we might not ordinarily think to ask. And it’s a space where important changes begin to occur.
Therapy's often about change. We may want to challenge our habits and patterns, re-shape relationships or even alter the trajectory of our life completely. Sometimes the change we seek is an internal one, changing how we feel about ourself and our past, how we experience day-to-day situations, how we envisage our future.
Hi I'm Matthew, I'm a qualified and experienced therapeutic counsellor. Therapy creates a unique space in our life where we’re able to speak most openly and honestly, make sense of our complex lives and ask questions we might not ordinarily think to ask. And it’s a space where important changes begin to occur.
Therapy's often about change. We may want to challenge our habits and patterns, re-shape relationships or even alter the trajectory of our life completely. Sometimes the change we seek is an internal one, changing how we feel about ourself and our past, how we experience day-to-day situations, how we envisage our future.
If it feels nerve-wracking to go into therapy, you're in good company. I only went in to therapy 20 years ago when I felt like I was out of clever-er options!
Through therapy, pain becomes our power, as we learn to attend to, and honour, the 'message in our mess'.
I'm a psychotherapist, supervisor and leader in the field of mental wellbeing. I've walked alongside hundreds of people as they find the courage to discover that they don't have to stay stuck, and that although we mostly come into therapy to stop pain, therapy becomes the gateway to the most rewarding journey of your life.
If it feels nerve-wracking to go into therapy, you're in good company. I only went in to therapy 20 years ago when I felt like I was out of clever-er options!
Through therapy, pain becomes our power, as we learn to attend to, and honour, the 'message in our mess'.
I'm a psychotherapist, supervisor and leader in the field of mental wellbeing. I've walked alongside hundreds of people as they find the courage to discover that they don't have to stay stuck, and that although we mostly come into therapy to stop pain, therapy becomes the gateway to the most rewarding journey of your life.
As an integrative psychotherapist, I work with individuals facing a diverse range of challenges, including: Historic or recent traumas, Anxiety, Depression, Grief and overwhelming emotions, ADHD, Life crises or changes, a loss of direction or purpose, Relationship difficulties, Self-doubt or low self-esteem, or those simply seeking a deeper understanding of themselves.
In our sessions together, we'll explore the depths of your experiences and the essence of who you are, using a blend of psychodynamic, humanistic, and existential approaches that best suit your individual needs.
As an integrative psychotherapist, I work with individuals facing a diverse range of challenges, including: Historic or recent traumas, Anxiety, Depression, Grief and overwhelming emotions, ADHD, Life crises or changes, a loss of direction or purpose, Relationship difficulties, Self-doubt or low self-esteem, or those simply seeking a deeper understanding of themselves.
In our sessions together, we'll explore the depths of your experiences and the essence of who you are, using a blend of psychodynamic, humanistic, and existential approaches that best suit your individual needs.
My purpose is to guide and facilitate my clients toward an empowered, spiritually connected, and self-directed life. Individuals who are discouraged by, and feel powerless over their impulsivity and compulsions, battle against their own behaviors, emotions, and thoughts, and who have lost their connection to living in joy, are those I feel compassionately called to serve.
My purpose is to guide and facilitate my clients toward an empowered, spiritually connected, and self-directed life. Individuals who are discouraged by, and feel powerless over their impulsivity and compulsions, battle against their own behaviors, emotions, and thoughts, and who have lost their connection to living in joy, are those I feel compassionately called to serve.
Mental health difficulties come in many forms and can impact our lives profoundly. Struggles may have been with us for years, even forming part of our identity, or they may have appeared as if from nowhere. Our attempts to cope often draw from the same well that feeds the problem, making it difficult to change things alone. One of the many ways therapy works is by unlocking different thinking, awareness and experience, allowing problems to be truly addressed in a new, meaningful way.
Mental health difficulties come in many forms and can impact our lives profoundly. Struggles may have been with us for years, even forming part of our identity, or they may have appeared as if from nowhere. Our attempts to cope often draw from the same well that feeds the problem, making it difficult to change things alone. One of the many ways therapy works is by unlocking different thinking, awareness and experience, allowing problems to be truly addressed in a new, meaningful way.
I’m a specialist low self confidence and social anxiety psychotherapist. But before this, I was a child who suffered with extreme eczema, too afraid to be seen and laughed at by others. I get what it feels like when negative perception by others can be your worst fear.
If you find yourself overthinking social interactions and fearing judgment from others, and you're tired of not being your authentic self, when you have so much to offer, together we can help you become someone who builds meaningful relationships and embraces life with authentic confidence.
I’m a specialist low self confidence and social anxiety psychotherapist. But before this, I was a child who suffered with extreme eczema, too afraid to be seen and laughed at by others. I get what it feels like when negative perception by others can be your worst fear.
If you find yourself overthinking social interactions and fearing judgment from others, and you're tired of not being your authentic self, when you have so much to offer, together we can help you become someone who builds meaningful relationships and embraces life with authentic confidence.
It is difficult to stay on course throughout our lives. As a behavioural psychologist and psychotherapist, I understand why some people come to therapy when they feel they have lost the sense of who they are by bending into who they think their partner, boss or parents need. Others may come feeling unable to handle a sudden traumatic event or circumstances that have slowly built for years. Whatever difficulties have brought you to this point, I will create a warm, understanding and calm place for you to share them and begin to leave some of them behind. I focus on four areas anxiety, mediation, infidelity and life transitions.
It is difficult to stay on course throughout our lives. As a behavioural psychologist and psychotherapist, I understand why some people come to therapy when they feel they have lost the sense of who they are by bending into who they think their partner, boss or parents need. Others may come feeling unable to handle a sudden traumatic event or circumstances that have slowly built for years. Whatever difficulties have brought you to this point, I will create a warm, understanding and calm place for you to share them and begin to leave some of them behind. I focus on four areas anxiety, mediation, infidelity and life transitions.
Talking is the key. Hearing oneself speak is essential to getting to know oneself and deepening the primary relationship with ourselves. I will invite you to tell your story, how you got where you are today, what you are feeling and what you don’t want to be feeling. Being heard and witnessed is also essential in the healing process. As an ‘Integrative therapist’, I draw upon a combination of ideas and techniques, and I work with you as a whole person, paying attention to both the physical and psychological processes and how they are connecting together.
Talking is the key. Hearing oneself speak is essential to getting to know oneself and deepening the primary relationship with ourselves. I will invite you to tell your story, how you got where you are today, what you are feeling and what you don’t want to be feeling. Being heard and witnessed is also essential in the healing process. As an ‘Integrative therapist’, I draw upon a combination of ideas and techniques, and I work with you as a whole person, paying attention to both the physical and psychological processes and how they are connecting together.
My role will be to provide you with a confidential, supportive, and trusting space where you will be able to explore, make sense of, and process what brings you to therapy. We will work together to foster understanding of your needs and wishes and what matters to you. Together we will strive to make meaning of your inner world and life experiences, which, in turn, can enhance a more confident self-awareness and sense of well-being. You will receive support to make choices and set goals in keeping with your values.
My role will be to provide you with a confidential, supportive, and trusting space where you will be able to explore, make sense of, and process what brings you to therapy. We will work together to foster understanding of your needs and wishes and what matters to you. Together we will strive to make meaning of your inner world and life experiences, which, in turn, can enhance a more confident self-awareness and sense of well-being. You will receive support to make choices and set goals in keeping with your values.
Meet Our Counsellors
You as a person are at the centre of my approach to therapy. When life is a struggle, it can be surprisingly helpful to speak to someone who really listens, carefully, warmly, and without judgement. It can be a starting point to finding a way forward, especially if it is currently difficult to speak to those around you or you’re going around in circles with an intractable issue. My approach is to work with you to help you achieve your objectives and to help develop a more understanding and accepting relationship to yourself. Ultimately everyone is their own life expert. By working together, we can help fine tune this expertise.
You as a person are at the centre of my approach to therapy. When life is a struggle, it can be surprisingly helpful to speak to someone who really listens, carefully, warmly, and without judgement. It can be a starting point to finding a way forward, especially if it is currently difficult to speak to those around you or you’re going around in circles with an intractable issue. My approach is to work with you to help you achieve your objectives and to help develop a more understanding and accepting relationship to yourself. Ultimately everyone is their own life expert. By working together, we can help fine tune this expertise.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years NHS experience providing highly specialist psychological assessment, formulation and interventions to both children and adolescents, other family members including siblings and parents/carers, as well as adults. I have a great deal of experience working with psychological difficulties such as anxiety including OCD, panic attacks, phobias and social anxiety; depression, low self-esteem and poor body image; behaviour difficulties, anger management, school issues such as bullying and family difficulties as well as difficulties with feeding and sleep.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years NHS experience providing highly specialist psychological assessment, formulation and interventions to both children and adolescents, other family members including siblings and parents/carers, as well as adults. I have a great deal of experience working with psychological difficulties such as anxiety including OCD, panic attacks, phobias and social anxiety; depression, low self-esteem and poor body image; behaviour difficulties, anger management, school issues such as bullying and family difficulties as well as difficulties with feeding and sleep.
Hello and welcome, I believe that it's vital to get the right support when life isn't going so well. I also believe that all of us carry pain within and occasionally find ourselves in dark woods. Therefore, we shouldn’t feel any shame or judgment in discussing our life experiences. My journey to becoming a therapist began as a direct result of my personal therapy and how beneficial and life-changing it was for me. I am convinced that the most important factor in therapy is the trusting therapeutic relationship. Therefore I offer compassion and a non-judgemental attitude as a starting point to meet each other.
Hello and welcome, I believe that it's vital to get the right support when life isn't going so well. I also believe that all of us carry pain within and occasionally find ourselves in dark woods. Therefore, we shouldn’t feel any shame or judgment in discussing our life experiences. My journey to becoming a therapist began as a direct result of my personal therapy and how beneficial and life-changing it was for me. I am convinced that the most important factor in therapy is the trusting therapeutic relationship. Therefore I offer compassion and a non-judgemental attitude as a starting point to meet each other.
You may feel like you know what you want to be doing, but you just can’t move forward or bring yourself to “do it”. This can often leave us feeling stuck. Maybe you find it easy to be kind to others, but you struggle to offer yourself the same compassion. You may be coming to therapy because of experiences and emotions that feel really difficult to be with, such as loneliness, anxiety, sadness, anger and grief.
You may feel like you know what you want to be doing, but you just can’t move forward or bring yourself to “do it”. This can often leave us feeling stuck. Maybe you find it easy to be kind to others, but you struggle to offer yourself the same compassion. You may be coming to therapy because of experiences and emotions that feel really difficult to be with, such as loneliness, anxiety, sadness, anger and grief.
I aim to provide a compassionate, safe and non-judgmental space for you to attend to yourself. You may be seeking therapy to deal with your relationships, your life in general, anxiety, depression, crisis of meaning and life purpose- to name but a few. My hope is that this space will offer you a precious opportunity for you to take a fresh look at yourself and your life. My approach is based on the belief that as social beings our challenges need to be looked at in the context of our relationships. We also look at your individual and inner processes to improve self awareness.
I aim to provide a compassionate, safe and non-judgmental space for you to attend to yourself. You may be seeking therapy to deal with your relationships, your life in general, anxiety, depression, crisis of meaning and life purpose- to name but a few. My hope is that this space will offer you a precious opportunity for you to take a fresh look at yourself and your life. My approach is based on the belief that as social beings our challenges need to be looked at in the context of our relationships. We also look at your individual and inner processes to improve self awareness.
I believe that as human beings we seek safety, comfort and pleasure, and with this in mind, I aim to create a safe space in the therapy room, by building a therapeutic relationship with the client in the present, being with the client in their discomfort or confusion and exploring with them, experiences on an emotional level which helps them to find meaning in their world. I work existentially, however, I do draw from a number of disciplines to creatively attend to the presenting needs of the clients, helping them to find meaning and purpose in their lives and their relationships.
I believe that as human beings we seek safety, comfort and pleasure, and with this in mind, I aim to create a safe space in the therapy room, by building a therapeutic relationship with the client in the present, being with the client in their discomfort or confusion and exploring with them, experiences on an emotional level which helps them to find meaning in their world. I work existentially, however, I do draw from a number of disciplines to creatively attend to the presenting needs of the clients, helping them to find meaning and purpose in their lives and their relationships.
Hi there. I provide face-to-face and online counselling (from £55) with the first session free of charge. Together, we can work on helping you cope with what's going on in your life right now, and take time to explore how you might feel better about yourself. My approach is broadly 'psychodynamic', which means we pay close attention to the feelings and beliefs that we hold about ourselves and others, and which have typically taken shape at some earlier time in our lives. We can quickly become stuck in set ways of 'being me', without realising that all of us have a capacity to change in all kinds of unexpected ways.
Hi there. I provide face-to-face and online counselling (from £55) with the first session free of charge. Together, we can work on helping you cope with what's going on in your life right now, and take time to explore how you might feel better about yourself. My approach is broadly 'psychodynamic', which means we pay close attention to the feelings and beliefs that we hold about ourselves and others, and which have typically taken shape at some earlier time in our lives. We can quickly become stuck in set ways of 'being me', without realising that all of us have a capacity to change in all kinds of unexpected ways.
I understand that you are going through a very difficult period in your life at present, and it is a possibility that you are experiencing emotional challenges that leave you feeling overwhelmed and unable to find the right solution to solve them. You may find that you are becoming increasingly frustrated with the direction your life is presently taking, which has led you to become your own harshest judge and critic. Whatever your psychological and emotional needs are, I am here to offer you a warm supportive confidential service that will encourage and empower you to achieve the emotional wellbeing.
I understand that you are going through a very difficult period in your life at present, and it is a possibility that you are experiencing emotional challenges that leave you feeling overwhelmed and unable to find the right solution to solve them. You may find that you are becoming increasingly frustrated with the direction your life is presently taking, which has led you to become your own harshest judge and critic. Whatever your psychological and emotional needs are, I am here to offer you a warm supportive confidential service that will encourage and empower you to achieve the emotional wellbeing.
In my experience, people come to therapy when the pain of holding it all together becomes too much. As your therapist, I will offer practical strategies and accessible theories to help you manage the issues you are facing, while gently confronting self-defeating patterns of behaviour. I see the therapy room as a relaxed, caring environment in which you can freely explore all the parts of yourself – the parts that feel ok and the parts that don’t.
In my experience, people come to therapy when the pain of holding it all together becomes too much. As your therapist, I will offer practical strategies and accessible theories to help you manage the issues you are facing, while gently confronting self-defeating patterns of behaviour. I see the therapy room as a relaxed, caring environment in which you can freely explore all the parts of yourself – the parts that feel ok and the parts that don’t.
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.