Counselling in Manchester

Welcome, I’m Joy (she/they). I’m a qualified psychotherapist working with individuals and couples online. With particular experience in LGBTQIA+, Neurodivergence & the Performing Arts, I offer a compassionate, sincere and confidential space for individuals and couples to work through their experiences. My practice is trauma-informed and neuro-affirming, which means I am comfortable working with trauma-based and neurodiverse frameworks. Mostly, though, I am interested in you, and supporting you with the courageous decision to get to know yourself better.
Welcome, I’m Joy (she/they). I’m a qualified psychotherapist working with individuals and couples online. With particular experience in LGBTQIA+, Neurodivergence & the Performing Arts, I offer a compassionate, sincere and confidential space for individuals and couples to work through their experiences. My practice is trauma-informed and neuro-affirming, which means I am comfortable working with trauma-based and neurodiverse frameworks. Mostly, though, I am interested in you, and supporting you with the courageous decision to get to know yourself better.

Hello I'm Sam, a psychotherapist in advanced clinical training. If you are feeling stuck in patterns impacting your relationships, career, or happiness, and feeling like you're on autopilot, I can help you break free from past influences that no longer work for you. Anxiety of all levels could be preventing you from feeling present in the moment but together, we will work to uncover its source and take away its power so you can get on with living a happier, less stressful life. I am particularly interested in helping with overthinking, stress, overwhelm and working with clients who feel they cannot be themself.
Hello I'm Sam, a psychotherapist in advanced clinical training. If you are feeling stuck in patterns impacting your relationships, career, or happiness, and feeling like you're on autopilot, I can help you break free from past influences that no longer work for you. Anxiety of all levels could be preventing you from feeling present in the moment but together, we will work to uncover its source and take away its power so you can get on with living a happier, less stressful life. I am particularly interested in helping with overthinking, stress, overwhelm and working with clients who feel they cannot be themself.

People come for therapy for many different issues. A common theme is that people want to get a greater sense of themselves and understanding of what may have caused their issues and how they might grow past these challenges. Therapy can help you feel better about yourself and improve your mental health.
People come for therapy for many different issues. A common theme is that people want to get a greater sense of themselves and understanding of what may have caused their issues and how they might grow past these challenges. Therapy can help you feel better about yourself and improve your mental health.

Maybe you’re holding it together on the outside, but inside it feels like too much. You don’t need to explain it all perfectly — you just need somewhere to start. I’m a BACP-accredited therapist and my approach is person-centred and trauma-informed, which means we'll go at your pace. You'll be met with empathy, honesty, and respect. People often come to me feeling stuck, emotionally exhausted, or unsure where to begin. Over time, you can start to feel more settled, more like yourself again, and like things are a little easier to face.
Maybe you’re holding it together on the outside, but inside it feels like too much. You don’t need to explain it all perfectly — you just need somewhere to start. I’m a BACP-accredited therapist and my approach is person-centred and trauma-informed, which means we'll go at your pace. You'll be met with empathy, honesty, and respect. People often come to me feeling stuck, emotionally exhausted, or unsure where to begin. Over time, you can start to feel more settled, more like yourself again, and like things are a little easier to face.

I am a qualified person-centred counsellor, based in south Manchester. I specialise in person-centred counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy and offer both in person (walk and talk therapy and online sessions). I believe everyone should have the opportunity to feel listened too, accepted without fear of judgement and feel welcomed in a safe space. I have six years of experience working in mental clinical settings supporting individuals through addiction, eating disorders, psychosis, bipolar, PTSD and depression. My other passion is voluntary work supporting individuals with HIV/AIDS, fighting stigma.
I am a qualified person-centred counsellor, based in south Manchester. I specialise in person-centred counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy and offer both in person (walk and talk therapy and online sessions). I believe everyone should have the opportunity to feel listened too, accepted without fear of judgement and feel welcomed in a safe space. I have six years of experience working in mental clinical settings supporting individuals through addiction, eating disorders, psychosis, bipolar, PTSD and depression. My other passion is voluntary work supporting individuals with HIV/AIDS, fighting stigma.

My name is Mark Owen and I am a BACP and COSRT registered Counsellor with a degree in Marriage and Family therapy and a Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy. Since 2012 I have worked in a wide variety of therapeutic settings both private care and within the NHS including, general mental health services, Eating Disorders Clinic, Bereavement Counselling and a Sexual Health Clinic. There are many models of therapy and everyone responds differently to the various methods. Using an Integrative Model of therapy, which means I use a range of different models, allows me to design a more tailor made plan for you.
My name is Mark Owen and I am a BACP and COSRT registered Counsellor with a degree in Marriage and Family therapy and a Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy. Since 2012 I have worked in a wide variety of therapeutic settings both private care and within the NHS including, general mental health services, Eating Disorders Clinic, Bereavement Counselling and a Sexual Health Clinic. There are many models of therapy and everyone responds differently to the various methods. Using an Integrative Model of therapy, which means I use a range of different models, allows me to design a more tailor made plan for you.

I'm Natalie & my passion & expertise is in supporting & empowering people to live more fully - managing the impact of low mood, anxiety, chronic stress, fatigue, pain & burnout on their daily lives. I support people to be more ‘in the driving seat’, to understand more about themselves, what impacts on their health challenges & what can help them live better lives. I help people build on their confidence, motivation & hopes for supporting changes in their life - so they can feel more able to cope with life's demands, more balanced in their daily rhythms, calmer in their mind & body, & able to participate more in their everyday life.
I'm Natalie & my passion & expertise is in supporting & empowering people to live more fully - managing the impact of low mood, anxiety, chronic stress, fatigue, pain & burnout on their daily lives. I support people to be more ‘in the driving seat’, to understand more about themselves, what impacts on their health challenges & what can help them live better lives. I help people build on their confidence, motivation & hopes for supporting changes in their life - so they can feel more able to cope with life's demands, more balanced in their daily rhythms, calmer in their mind & body, & able to participate more in their everyday life.

Welcome! I am a person-centred psychotherapist specializing in supporting professionals and young people (11+) with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, bereavement, stress, loneliness, social anxiety, health anxiety, and perfectionism. My approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, and tailored to meet your unique needs, helping you navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence.
Welcome! I am a person-centred psychotherapist specializing in supporting professionals and young people (11+) with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, bereavement, stress, loneliness, social anxiety, health anxiety, and perfectionism. My approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, and tailored to meet your unique needs, helping you navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence.

Hey, thank you for exploring my page. If you're struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, and the complex balance of cultural expectations, whether from Western or other diverse backgrounds, I'm here to provide the support you need. My knowledge is dedicated to guiding individuals through the challenges of anxiety and self-discovery in our diverse world.
Hey, thank you for exploring my page. If you're struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, and the complex balance of cultural expectations, whether from Western or other diverse backgrounds, I'm here to provide the support you need. My knowledge is dedicated to guiding individuals through the challenges of anxiety and self-discovery in our diverse world.

Do you get overwhelmed or stuck with your situation, thoughts & feelings? Causing demotivation, unhappiness as well as being emotionally drained due to repeated negative thinking, undesirable feelings, opinions and/or patterns of behaviour affecting your sense of worth or value. I understand with a head full of chaotic thoughts, over thinking or worrying can increase your anxiety, low mood and affect your wellbeing causing obstacles, emotional difficulties & being unable to move on to a better place. Never mind how do you get there, where do you start?
Do you get overwhelmed or stuck with your situation, thoughts & feelings? Causing demotivation, unhappiness as well as being emotionally drained due to repeated negative thinking, undesirable feelings, opinions and/or patterns of behaviour affecting your sense of worth or value. I understand with a head full of chaotic thoughts, over thinking or worrying can increase your anxiety, low mood and affect your wellbeing causing obstacles, emotional difficulties & being unable to move on to a better place. Never mind how do you get there, where do you start?

How do you really feel? What do you think it would feel like to be able to express yourself without fear? Without judgement? Can you express your emotions, whether it’s sadness, depression, anxiety or feeling lost ? Do you need someone to help you work through your issue or concern? Do you need support making changes to enable you to live a happier and more fulfilling life?
How do you really feel? What do you think it would feel like to be able to express yourself without fear? Without judgement? Can you express your emotions, whether it’s sadness, depression, anxiety or feeling lost ? Do you need someone to help you work through your issue or concern? Do you need support making changes to enable you to live a happier and more fulfilling life?

I’m Jess, a therapist in based in Manchester, specialising in women’s mental health. I am a down-to-earth counsellor and can support clients make changes that stick in their lives. I aim to provide a safe and confidential space to talk where my clients can be themselves. I can help you explore issues such as low mood, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, family issues, bereavement and parenting/work stress to name a few. I can provide a relaxed space for you to open up in a way that is tailored to your needs and goals and can work flexibly offering sessions in the daytime and some evenings.
I’m Jess, a therapist in based in Manchester, specialising in women’s mental health. I am a down-to-earth counsellor and can support clients make changes that stick in their lives. I aim to provide a safe and confidential space to talk where my clients can be themselves. I can help you explore issues such as low mood, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, family issues, bereavement and parenting/work stress to name a few. I can provide a relaxed space for you to open up in a way that is tailored to your needs and goals and can work flexibly offering sessions in the daytime and some evenings.

Do you ever feel like you’re going through the motions of life, yet something feels missing — like you're stuck in patterns you can't quite explain? Do relationships feel harder than they should — leaving you feeling unseen, unfulfilled, or questioning your worth?
Many of us carry unseen wounds from childhood, times when our emotional needs weren’t met, when love came with conditions, or when we had to adapt to feel safe. These early experiences can echo through adulthood, shaping how we see ourselves and relate to others. We might seek validation in the wrong places, silence our needs, or feel anxious and low without knowing why.
Do you ever feel like you’re going through the motions of life, yet something feels missing — like you're stuck in patterns you can't quite explain? Do relationships feel harder than they should — leaving you feeling unseen, unfulfilled, or questioning your worth?
Many of us carry unseen wounds from childhood, times when our emotional needs weren’t met, when love came with conditions, or when we had to adapt to feel safe. These early experiences can echo through adulthood, shaping how we see ourselves and relate to others. We might seek validation in the wrong places, silence our needs, or feel anxious and low without knowing why.

My name is Nina Hayes and I am a qualified and accredited CBT and EMDR therapist. I have over 12 years of experience in the field of Mental Health. I specialise in helping clients to understand and work through issues such as stress, depression, trauma, anxiety and low self esteem. I aim to help you to navigate through your problems and offer solution focused support, in a safe and supportive environment. Alongside offering therapy, I also offer supervision to other therapists.
My name is Nina Hayes and I am a qualified and accredited CBT and EMDR therapist. I have over 12 years of experience in the field of Mental Health. I specialise in helping clients to understand and work through issues such as stress, depression, trauma, anxiety and low self esteem. I aim to help you to navigate through your problems and offer solution focused support, in a safe and supportive environment. Alongside offering therapy, I also offer supervision to other therapists.

If you are feeling overwhelmed with anxiety or self-doubt, daily life can seem very hard. Emotional distress may leave you feeling sad, confused and lonely. Fear and shame may cause you sleepless nights. Perhaps you find yourself putting on a pretence to others that everything is okay: saying yes when really you want to say no.
As an experienced individual and couples psychotherapist, I offer affordable therapy in a safe and calming environment. I work at your pace during sessions, and give you practical tools to help you make sense of how you are feeling. Our work together allows you to feel heard and accepted, not judged.
If you are feeling overwhelmed with anxiety or self-doubt, daily life can seem very hard. Emotional distress may leave you feeling sad, confused and lonely. Fear and shame may cause you sleepless nights. Perhaps you find yourself putting on a pretence to others that everything is okay: saying yes when really you want to say no.
As an experienced individual and couples psychotherapist, I offer affordable therapy in a safe and calming environment. I work at your pace during sessions, and give you practical tools to help you make sense of how you are feeling. Our work together allows you to feel heard and accepted, not judged.

I work with men—both individually and in groups—who struggle with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, suicidal thoughts, and various addictions (including alcohol, drugs, pornography, gaming, and gambling).
I support men who feel disconnected from traditional societal roles and who experience shame or fear due to longstanding beliefs about their responsibilities.
Together, we explore strategies to manage stress, improve relationships, cope with trauma, understand identity, boost self-esteem, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
I work with men—both individually and in groups—who struggle with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, suicidal thoughts, and various addictions (including alcohol, drugs, pornography, gaming, and gambling).
I support men who feel disconnected from traditional societal roles and who experience shame or fear due to longstanding beliefs about their responsibilities.
Together, we explore strategies to manage stress, improve relationships, cope with trauma, understand identity, boost self-esteem, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

There is hope even if your brain tells you there isn't, and it is my job as a counsellor to help you see it. It is usually buried somewhere under layers of shame, self-criticism and feeling not good enough. We will work together to help you feel a deeper sense of fulfilment and control over your life. With the right support and tools, you can overcome challenges and lead a more balanced and satisfying life, even if now it seems impossible.
There is hope even if your brain tells you there isn't, and it is my job as a counsellor to help you see it. It is usually buried somewhere under layers of shame, self-criticism and feeling not good enough. We will work together to help you feel a deeper sense of fulfilment and control over your life. With the right support and tools, you can overcome challenges and lead a more balanced and satisfying life, even if now it seems impossible.

Big feelings? You're in the right place.
Being a man who feels deeply can be a real strength, even if it doesn't always feel that way. Maybe you've heard you're "too sensitive" or should just get over things. But what if those feelings are trying to tell you something important?
Big feelings? You're in the right place.
Being a man who feels deeply can be a real strength, even if it doesn't always feel that way. Maybe you've heard you're "too sensitive" or should just get over things. But what if those feelings are trying to tell you something important?

My focus is to support people to develop insight into the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that underpin their difficulties. You may have been feeling really low, or perhaps anxious? You might have found difficult completing the things that you used to enjoy? Or past events might be stopping you from living the life you want to live?
I am passionate that CBT could help you - it's goal focused, collaborative, well researched and can transform people's lives.
My focus is to support people to develop insight into the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that underpin their difficulties. You may have been feeling really low, or perhaps anxious? You might have found difficult completing the things that you used to enjoy? Or past events might be stopping you from living the life you want to live?
I am passionate that CBT could help you - it's goal focused, collaborative, well researched and can transform people's lives.

Is anxiety or excessive worry getting in the way for you? Are you stuck in patterns of negative thinking? Or are you looking to start EMDR therapy, or wondering how trauma therapy could help? Difficult thoughts and emotions can be overwhelming after a distressing event. Maybe you are finding it hard to focus on work, or to function in some of the roles you have in your life. You might have chronic pain or be facing a permanent physical injury.
Is anxiety or excessive worry getting in the way for you? Are you stuck in patterns of negative thinking? Or are you looking to start EMDR therapy, or wondering how trauma therapy could help? Difficult thoughts and emotions can be overwhelming after a distressing event. Maybe you are finding it hard to focus on work, or to function in some of the roles you have in your life. You might have chronic pain or be facing a permanent physical injury.
See more therapy options for Manchester
Nearby Searches for Manchester
- Altrincham
- Chadderton
- Eccles
- Hale Barns
- Prestwich
- Sale
- Salford
- Stretford
- Urmston
- Whitefield
- Worsley
- Wythenshawe
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Manchester
1,000+
Average cost per session
£60
Counsellors in Manchester who prioritize treating:
90% | Anxiety |
85% | Depression |
83% | Self Esteem |
80% | Stress |
77% | Relationship Issues |
65% | Trauma and PTSD |
61% | Bereavement |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
58% | Aviva |
52% | AXA PPP |
48% | Bupa |
How Counsellors in Manchester see their clients
64% | In Person and Online | |
36% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
70% | Female | |
27% | Male | |
3% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Manchester?
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.