Counselling in London
I am a sex and relationship therapist who works with individuals, couples ,and groups experiencing physical or psychological distress in their intimate lives.
My clients often struggle with feeling comfortable in their own bodies and may find it difficult to connect with others in a way they would like. This distress may feel lifelong or triggered by specific events.
I understand how are bodies, culture and personal history influence our relationships.
Together, we can untangle these threads and make sense of your current challenges.
I am a sex and relationship therapist who works with individuals, couples ,and groups experiencing physical or psychological distress in their intimate lives.
My clients often struggle with feeling comfortable in their own bodies and may find it difficult to connect with others in a way they would like. This distress may feel lifelong or triggered by specific events.
I understand how are bodies, culture and personal history influence our relationships.
Together, we can untangle these threads and make sense of your current challenges.
Whether you're facing a major life change, grieving a loss, processing past trauma, or struggling with difficult relationship dynamics, I’m here to walk alongside you. Trauma can leave us feeling disconnected- from ourselves, others, and our sense of direction. It can make the world and even our own bodies feel unsafe. Together, we can work to gently rebuild that connection, helping you move toward greater self-understanding, safety, and purpose.
I believe therapy is for everyone - not just in times of crisis, but also as a space to deepen self-awareness, uncover hidden parts of yourself, and feel more empowered in your life.
Whether you're facing a major life change, grieving a loss, processing past trauma, or struggling with difficult relationship dynamics, I’m here to walk alongside you. Trauma can leave us feeling disconnected- from ourselves, others, and our sense of direction. It can make the world and even our own bodies feel unsafe. Together, we can work to gently rebuild that connection, helping you move toward greater self-understanding, safety, and purpose.
I believe therapy is for everyone - not just in times of crisis, but also as a space to deepen self-awareness, uncover hidden parts of yourself, and feel more empowered in your life.
I wonder what is worrying you and causing your suffering? What is keeping you stuck? Our past influences our present, and by exploring the past, we can often start to understand our present day struggles including that of anxiety, shame, anger, depression or feelings of helplessness, in a different more helpful way. We are all born with inherent wellness, but this is ‘clouded’ or obscured by our learned patterns of behaviour. Being Mindful/ Aware of our own ‘stuff' helps us work through and process the experiences that are affecting us. This process can help us to heal our suffering, re-engage in and transform our lives.
I wonder what is worrying you and causing your suffering? What is keeping you stuck? Our past influences our present, and by exploring the past, we can often start to understand our present day struggles including that of anxiety, shame, anger, depression or feelings of helplessness, in a different more helpful way. We are all born with inherent wellness, but this is ‘clouded’ or obscured by our learned patterns of behaviour. Being Mindful/ Aware of our own ‘stuff' helps us work through and process the experiences that are affecting us. This process can help us to heal our suffering, re-engage in and transform our lives.
Hello, I’m Ferhan Sterk, a UKCP-Registered Systemic and Family Psychotherapist.
As a Psychotherapist, I believe that every person holds an inner capacity to heal and grow — sometimes we just need the right support to find our way. Starting therapy can feel like a big step, but many people find it to be a powerful and transformative journey.
Hello, I’m Ferhan Sterk, a UKCP-Registered Systemic and Family Psychotherapist.
As a Psychotherapist, I believe that every person holds an inner capacity to heal and grow — sometimes we just need the right support to find our way. Starting therapy can feel like a big step, but many people find it to be a powerful and transformative journey.
Your wellbeing is important to me. I am here to support you to explore what’s going on for you and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. I offer a safe and non-judgemental space where you can develop a greater self awareness and through that strengthen your confidence to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. I do this by listening to you without judgement in a valuing and accepting environment. I will work with you as a unique individual.
Your wellbeing is important to me. I am here to support you to explore what’s going on for you and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. I offer a safe and non-judgemental space where you can develop a greater self awareness and through that strengthen your confidence to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. I do this by listening to you without judgement in a valuing and accepting environment. I will work with you as a unique individual.
My name is Sarah and I have over 20 years experience working as a Psychotherapist in the NHS and in private practice. I specialise in CBT, ACT, Compassion focused approaches and in EMDR. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), includes a range of talking therapies, all based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, what we do, and how our bodies feel, are all connected. If we change one of these we can alter all the others. When we’re low or upset, we often fall into patterns of thinking and responding which can worsen how we feel. CBT works to help us notice thinking styles or unhelpful things that we do so we can live better.
My name is Sarah and I have over 20 years experience working as a Psychotherapist in the NHS and in private practice. I specialise in CBT, ACT, Compassion focused approaches and in EMDR. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), includes a range of talking therapies, all based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, what we do, and how our bodies feel, are all connected. If we change one of these we can alter all the others. When we’re low or upset, we often fall into patterns of thinking and responding which can worsen how we feel. CBT works to help us notice thinking styles or unhelpful things that we do so we can live better.
Do U ever sit in a room full of people & feel anxiety,quietly drowning,heart racing, smile frozen, terrified someone might see through you?Or you wake up every day with a heaviness you can’t explain, exhausted, numb, wondering how long depression will last and U keep pretending you’re okay.Do U feel like you’re doing everything “right”,eating well, going to therapy, trying to stay positive but still wake up with a weight on your chest, like your body & mind are stuck in a loop U can’t escape?Like no matter how much U sleep, you’re still tired?No matter how much U try to relax, your nervous system won’t let U?I can help U heal that.
Do U ever sit in a room full of people & feel anxiety,quietly drowning,heart racing, smile frozen, terrified someone might see through you?Or you wake up every day with a heaviness you can’t explain, exhausted, numb, wondering how long depression will last and U keep pretending you’re okay.Do U feel like you’re doing everything “right”,eating well, going to therapy, trying to stay positive but still wake up with a weight on your chest, like your body & mind are stuck in a loop U can’t escape?Like no matter how much U sleep, you’re still tired?No matter how much U try to relax, your nervous system won’t let U?I can help U heal that.
All sorts of things bring us to counselling and psychotherapy. Sometimes it’s a life event or transition that feels overwhelming. Sometimes it’s that we find ourselves struggling in relationships, or troubled by our thoughts, feelings or behaviour. Sometimes we are having to cope with an environment that devalues or rejects some aspect of our identity, or we just feel deep down that our lives could be lived more fully. In many cases, we arrive in therapy already knowing what we want help with; in others, this is what we come to find out.
All sorts of things bring us to counselling and psychotherapy. Sometimes it’s a life event or transition that feels overwhelming. Sometimes it’s that we find ourselves struggling in relationships, or troubled by our thoughts, feelings or behaviour. Sometimes we are having to cope with an environment that devalues or rejects some aspect of our identity, or we just feel deep down that our lives could be lived more fully. In many cases, we arrive in therapy already knowing what we want help with; in others, this is what we come to find out.
As a high achiever you are used to success. You work hard, you enjoy work and you have meaningful relationships, but something is missing. You've tried all manner of ways to fill this gap - working more, working harder, prioritising your personal life, your health, your relationships - but it never quite fits. You wonder how you can achieve at work, but not in other areas of your life? Will it always be this exhausting? What if you could ditch the hustle and find a different way to show up in your life, your work, your relationships?
As a high achiever you are used to success. You work hard, you enjoy work and you have meaningful relationships, but something is missing. You've tried all manner of ways to fill this gap - working more, working harder, prioritising your personal life, your health, your relationships - but it never quite fits. You wonder how you can achieve at work, but not in other areas of your life? Will it always be this exhausting? What if you could ditch the hustle and find a different way to show up in your life, your work, your relationships?
For more than a decade, I've witnessed the transformative power of therapy in my work within mental health services. I believe creating an explorative and supportive space is key to unlocking your inner strength and improving your mental well-being. Are you ready to: Gain deeper self-awareness? Break free from unhealthy patterns? Build stronger, more fulfilling relationships? If you're experiencing distress, repeating unwanted behaviours, or simply seeking personal growth, you're not alone. There's a part of you reaching out for help and another part that knows things can be better.
For more than a decade, I've witnessed the transformative power of therapy in my work within mental health services. I believe creating an explorative and supportive space is key to unlocking your inner strength and improving your mental well-being. Are you ready to: Gain deeper self-awareness? Break free from unhealthy patterns? Build stronger, more fulfilling relationships? If you're experiencing distress, repeating unwanted behaviours, or simply seeking personal growth, you're not alone. There's a part of you reaching out for help and another part that knows things can be better.
I think we sometimes come to therapy not knowing exactly what it is that's causing us pain. Maybe we feel fear, anger, confusion or just a sense of detachment from who we feel we used to be or could be; sometimes it is only symptoms (such as addictions, eating disorders, OCD) which we can identify. You might be experiencing family or work issues or, maybe, you’re in grief (from a death/relationship breakdown or any significant change in your life). Whatever your reason for wanting therapy I know that, ultimately, we want to feel better than we do right now.
I think we sometimes come to therapy not knowing exactly what it is that's causing us pain. Maybe we feel fear, anger, confusion or just a sense of detachment from who we feel we used to be or could be; sometimes it is only symptoms (such as addictions, eating disorders, OCD) which we can identify. You might be experiencing family or work issues or, maybe, you’re in grief (from a death/relationship breakdown or any significant change in your life). Whatever your reason for wanting therapy I know that, ultimately, we want to feel better than we do right now.
I am an accredited Psychosexual Therapist (sex therapist), Relationship Counsellor and Gynaecologist licensed by the GMC and am member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT), the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) and the Middle East Society of Sexual Medicine (MESSM). I am also a Sex Addicts therapist and have been leading the Psychosexual Clinic in the NHS trust for the past 15 years.
I am an accredited Psychosexual Therapist (sex therapist), Relationship Counsellor and Gynaecologist licensed by the GMC and am member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT), the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) and the Middle East Society of Sexual Medicine (MESSM). I am also a Sex Addicts therapist and have been leading the Psychosexual Clinic in the NHS trust for the past 15 years.
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.
It is truly possible to find or recover a sense of ease within oneself. We all hold this potential, but often past complexities and challenges of life lead us astray. I aim to support you to find this place and connect to a fulfilling, authentic life.
My counselling approach includes evidence-based psychology and holistic connective practices. I take into consideration the relationship between mind, body, thoughts, emotions and a person's core self. I aim to empower clients to move beyond the familiar, inviting different perspectives and insights, a place from which they are then able to unpick difficult, painful ways of being.
It is truly possible to find or recover a sense of ease within oneself. We all hold this potential, but often past complexities and challenges of life lead us astray. I aim to support you to find this place and connect to a fulfilling, authentic life.
My counselling approach includes evidence-based psychology and holistic connective practices. I take into consideration the relationship between mind, body, thoughts, emotions and a person's core self. I aim to empower clients to move beyond the familiar, inviting different perspectives and insights, a place from which they are then able to unpick difficult, painful ways of being.
Whatever the reason you are seeking therapy I will offer a safe and non-judgmental space for us to explore the difficulties you might be facing in your life. I bring a relational and empathic approach to the work. In other words, I am simply myself and I welcome whoever you are and whatever you may wish to bring. I believe such a relationship can prove to be the reparative foundation for the change and growth you seek.
Whatever the reason you are seeking therapy I will offer a safe and non-judgmental space for us to explore the difficulties you might be facing in your life. I bring a relational and empathic approach to the work. In other words, I am simply myself and I welcome whoever you are and whatever you may wish to bring. I believe such a relationship can prove to be the reparative foundation for the change and growth you seek.
Specialist Sleep Psychotherapist. Insomnia is a 24 hour condition which erodes one’s ability to lead a fulfilling life. Most people live with insomnia for an average of ten years before seeking help. I recognize how bad things must be for you to be here. Despite the complexity of the initial cause of insomnia and its impact on your life, I offer a brief but highly effective treatment. It will demand a lot from you, but if you are determined for things to change I am here to help. I specialise in the connection between sleep issues and trauma. Trauma both as the cause of insomnia, and as the effect of living with chronic poor sleep.
Specialist Sleep Psychotherapist. Insomnia is a 24 hour condition which erodes one’s ability to lead a fulfilling life. Most people live with insomnia for an average of ten years before seeking help. I recognize how bad things must be for you to be here. Despite the complexity of the initial cause of insomnia and its impact on your life, I offer a brief but highly effective treatment. It will demand a lot from you, but if you are determined for things to change I am here to help. I specialise in the connection between sleep issues and trauma. Trauma both as the cause of insomnia, and as the effect of living with chronic poor sleep.
I provide a warm, non-judgemental space to think honestly about your difficulties. I work with a range of emotional, behavioural and relationship issues, including: anxiety, depression, bereavement, struggles with others including romantic partners, confidence issues and life transitions. You may be at crisis point or you may want to attend to ongoing unhappiness. Therapy can help you to process disappointments or to clarify needs and hopes - but you may also need professional support to bear previously hidden issues, for example past or present trauma or abuse, suicidal thoughts, risky behaviours or compulsions.
I provide a warm, non-judgemental space to think honestly about your difficulties. I work with a range of emotional, behavioural and relationship issues, including: anxiety, depression, bereavement, struggles with others including romantic partners, confidence issues and life transitions. You may be at crisis point or you may want to attend to ongoing unhappiness. Therapy can help you to process disappointments or to clarify needs and hopes - but you may also need professional support to bear previously hidden issues, for example past or present trauma or abuse, suicidal thoughts, risky behaviours or compulsions.
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.
In this often stressful world, increasing numbers of us look for help to manage the strains on our lives, whether these are caused by traumatic events or a build-up of anxieties over time. But seeking help through therapy can still be a daunting step. I aim to offer a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space for every client to talk about the pressures on their lives. I believe each client is a unique individual and draw on a variety of approaches, depending on what seems suitable. These include humanistic, person-centred, psychodynamic and existential.
In this often stressful world, increasing numbers of us look for help to manage the strains on our lives, whether these are caused by traumatic events or a build-up of anxieties over time. But seeking help through therapy can still be a daunting step. I aim to offer a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space for every client to talk about the pressures on their lives. I believe each client is a unique individual and draw on a variety of approaches, depending on what seems suitable. These include humanistic, person-centred, psychodynamic and existential.
I’m a qualified psychodynamic therapist offering a compassionate, culturally attuned space to explore your thoughts and experiences. I work collaboratively and at your pace to support insight, healing, and growth. I’m especially committed to affirming LGBTQIA+ identities and supporting those navigating issues around race, gender, and generational trauma. My approach is rooted in understanding how past experiences, particularly generational trauma, shape the present. Together, we’ll gently uncover these layers to help you move toward healing and self-understanding
I’m a qualified psychodynamic therapist offering a compassionate, culturally attuned space to explore your thoughts and experiences. I work collaboratively and at your pace to support insight, healing, and growth. I’m especially committed to affirming LGBTQIA+ identities and supporting those navigating issues around race, gender, and generational trauma. My approach is rooted in understanding how past experiences, particularly generational trauma, shape the present. Together, we’ll gently uncover these layers to help you move toward healing and self-understanding
See more therapy options for London
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in London
3,000+
Average cost per session
£78
Counsellors in London who prioritize treating:
| 90% | Anxiety |
| 85% | Depression |
| 83% | Self Esteem |
| 80% | Relationship Issues |
| 77% | Stress |
| 66% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 61% | Bereavement |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 70% | Aviva |
| 65% | AXA PPP |
| 55% | Vitality |
How Counsellors in London see their clients
| 74% | In Person and Online | |
| 26% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 74% | Female | |
| 25% | Male | |
| 1% | Non-Binary |