Counselling in Manchester
Self-criticism can feel like it’s on a painful, repeating loop. You might find you are telling yourself that you are not good enough, or boring, ugly or fat. Far from motivating you, it’s my belief that punishing yourself in this way actually limits your choices and actions and keeps you stuck. Quite simply, talking to yourself in a mean way doesn’t get you anywhere. Talking to another person, and opening up about this habit can really help.
Self-criticism can feel like it’s on a painful, repeating loop. You might find you are telling yourself that you are not good enough, or boring, ugly or fat. Far from motivating you, it’s my belief that punishing yourself in this way actually limits your choices and actions and keeps you stuck. Quite simply, talking to yourself in a mean way doesn’t get you anywhere. Talking to another person, and opening up about this habit can really help.
I work with children, young people and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, low self-esteem, identity-related challenges and life transitions. With extensive NHS experience as a BABCP accredited CBT Therapist and EMDR Therapist, I provide a warm, compassionate and collaborative space where you can feel heard, understood and supported. Together, we will make sense of your experiences, develop practical coping strategies and help you move towards meaningful and lasting change.
I work with children, young people and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, low self-esteem, identity-related challenges and life transitions. With extensive NHS experience as a BABCP accredited CBT Therapist and EMDR Therapist, I provide a warm, compassionate and collaborative space where you can feel heard, understood and supported. Together, we will make sense of your experiences, develop practical coping strategies and help you move towards meaningful and lasting change.
My role is to guide you out from living in the past and to re-decide a better future. This is your story and now is the beginning. It is never too late to choose a different path towards a more positive outcome.
My role is to guide you out from living in the past and to re-decide a better future. This is your story and now is the beginning. It is never too late to choose a different path towards a more positive outcome.
Looking for a compassionate, experienced, kind clinical psychologist? Perhaps you feel a bit stuck, as though you can't make sense of why you are feeling the way you are, or struggling to take the steps you need to move forwards? Do you feel low, anxious, a bit lost or guilty and are finding this is getting in the way of your life? Maybe you struggle with the idea that you do deserve a good and happy life. Have you had difficult life experiences that are still haunting you now and preventing you being the person you want to be? Do these difficulties impact on your relationship with yourself, and your relationship with others?
Looking for a compassionate, experienced, kind clinical psychologist? Perhaps you feel a bit stuck, as though you can't make sense of why you are feeling the way you are, or struggling to take the steps you need to move forwards? Do you feel low, anxious, a bit lost or guilty and are finding this is getting in the way of your life? Maybe you struggle with the idea that you do deserve a good and happy life. Have you had difficult life experiences that are still haunting you now and preventing you being the person you want to be? Do these difficulties impact on your relationship with yourself, and your relationship with others?
Hello,
My name is Karen.
I am a person centred counsellor and work in an experiential way with feelings and emotions. I have found working in this way helps the facilitation to get into the depth of how you are feeling, what you are experiencing and what the root cause may be. This can help support the understanding of your feelings and how you experience them and how you move forward.
Hello,
My name is Karen.
I am a person centred counsellor and work in an experiential way with feelings and emotions. I have found working in this way helps the facilitation to get into the depth of how you are feeling, what you are experiencing and what the root cause may be. This can help support the understanding of your feelings and how you experience them and how you move forward.
It is entirely normal, in life, to feel confused, upset, anxious, unsure or challenged; these are all feelings that show that we are human. I provide you with the tools to use if life feels overwhelming, or when you want to make further improvements or understand yourself better. Psychotherapy is for anyone and everyone and is as normal a part of self-care as exercise or getting a haircut. It is an opportunity to do what is essential but that too often is overlooked: allowing ourselves the space to understand ourselves better. Seeking support through psychotherapy can help to deepen self-awareness around life’s tensions.
It is entirely normal, in life, to feel confused, upset, anxious, unsure or challenged; these are all feelings that show that we are human. I provide you with the tools to use if life feels overwhelming, or when you want to make further improvements or understand yourself better. Psychotherapy is for anyone and everyone and is as normal a part of self-care as exercise or getting a haircut. It is an opportunity to do what is essential but that too often is overlooked: allowing ourselves the space to understand ourselves better. Seeking support through psychotherapy can help to deepen self-awareness around life’s tensions.
Hi, I’m Rachel. Thank you for visiting my profile. I understand that seeking support can feel daunting, but I offer a warm, empathic and non-judgemental space where you can feel heard, supported and safe. Together, we can explore the challenges that may be holding you back and find the right therapeutic approach for you. I have experience of fundraising and have appeared in Lancashire life after raising money for the Samaritans. I am also proud to have co-wrote an article on the Nigella Lawson story about controlling behaviour in the telegraph newspaper.
Hi, I’m Rachel. Thank you for visiting my profile. I understand that seeking support can feel daunting, but I offer a warm, empathic and non-judgemental space where you can feel heard, supported and safe. Together, we can explore the challenges that may be holding you back and find the right therapeutic approach for you. I have experience of fundraising and have appeared in Lancashire life after raising money for the Samaritans. I am also proud to have co-wrote an article on the Nigella Lawson story about controlling behaviour in the telegraph newspaper.
Hi , welcome. I’m the founder of RLS Therapy. I’m a down-to-earth person-centred therapist offering support for anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem and life transitions, like grief and loss.
Many of my clients grew up in difficult or emotionally neglectful environments and are now experiencing anxiety, low-self worth or relationship struggles as a result. Others come to me during periods of trauma, burnout, stress, bereavement or life changes, or when overwhelming feelings make everything difficult to manage. Therapy with me has also helped neurodivergent individuals feel heard and understood.
Hi , welcome. I’m the founder of RLS Therapy. I’m a down-to-earth person-centred therapist offering support for anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem and life transitions, like grief and loss.
Many of my clients grew up in difficult or emotionally neglectful environments and are now experiencing anxiety, low-self worth or relationship struggles as a result. Others come to me during periods of trauma, burnout, stress, bereavement or life changes, or when overwhelming feelings make everything difficult to manage. Therapy with me has also helped neurodivergent individuals feel heard and understood.
At any stage in life, we can experience changes or moments where it becomes difficult to cope with our thoughts and feelings. This can result in feeling stuck and not knowing how to process what we're experiencing. What can make this more difficult is knowing who or how to open up to others or feeling like what you're experiencing is too much for someone to understand. Having a therapist allows you to share all parts of you, parts that are accepted wholeheartedly without shame or judgement, which may not feel possible even with those you feel closest to.
At any stage in life, we can experience changes or moments where it becomes difficult to cope with our thoughts and feelings. This can result in feeling stuck and not knowing how to process what we're experiencing. What can make this more difficult is knowing who or how to open up to others or feeling like what you're experiencing is too much for someone to understand. Having a therapist allows you to share all parts of you, parts that are accepted wholeheartedly without shame or judgement, which may not feel possible even with those you feel closest to.
Hello! In some respects, because you're reading this, you’ve already made the biggest step. I get that reaching out for support can be scary, but recognising you need some support is often the first step in the journey to become the best version of you!
Sometimes, life can be tough...! You may be at a point in your life when you feel stuck, and unable to move on, and don’t know what to do - this is absolutely ok. You might feel that your life could improve and that you could live it more fully - this is definitely ok. You may have noticed you keep repeating unhelpful behaviour patterns - this is ok, too.
Hello! In some respects, because you're reading this, you’ve already made the biggest step. I get that reaching out for support can be scary, but recognising you need some support is often the first step in the journey to become the best version of you!
Sometimes, life can be tough...! You may be at a point in your life when you feel stuck, and unable to move on, and don’t know what to do - this is absolutely ok. You might feel that your life could improve and that you could live it more fully - this is definitely ok. You may have noticed you keep repeating unhelpful behaviour patterns - this is ok, too.
I have been offering listening support in various roles for the past 10 years. I am able to help you with anger, depression, bullying, relationships, anxiety, confidence, loneliness, isolation and many more. Do you sometimes feel suicidal and feel there is no way forward? I can provide you with a listening empathic ear, to understand why you feel suicidal and work with you, so that you may find the reason why, and work with with you to see a better future.
I have been offering listening support in various roles for the past 10 years. I am able to help you with anger, depression, bullying, relationships, anxiety, confidence, loneliness, isolation and many more. Do you sometimes feel suicidal and feel there is no way forward? I can provide you with a listening empathic ear, to understand why you feel suicidal and work with you, so that you may find the reason why, and work with with you to see a better future.
Looking into therapy might be a new experience for you, but you’re looking into it for a reason; whether it’s work-related stress, relationship issues, feeling low or anxious, experiencing low self-esteem, or trying to process something that has had an impact on your wellbeing. I offer a safe space for you to talk, and say things that you may find difficult to say to anyone else, or even say out loud. You won’t be judged, you will be accepted, heard and valued. I’m very down to earth, open minded and do not shock easily. My aim is to help you feel at ease so that we can work together to improve your wellbeing.
Looking into therapy might be a new experience for you, but you’re looking into it for a reason; whether it’s work-related stress, relationship issues, feeling low or anxious, experiencing low self-esteem, or trying to process something that has had an impact on your wellbeing. I offer a safe space for you to talk, and say things that you may find difficult to say to anyone else, or even say out loud. You won’t be judged, you will be accepted, heard and valued. I’m very down to earth, open minded and do not shock easily. My aim is to help you feel at ease so that we can work together to improve your wellbeing.
I offer Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT - tapping) which is like acupuncture but without the needles. You tap on specific parts of your body whilst working on difficult experiences or emotions. There are over 100 studies which found it to be effective with a large variety of difficulties but more higher quality studies are still needed.
It works by activating the parasympathetic nervous system (the system that makes the body relaxed) whilst thinking about difficult things so that the brain then associates the difficulties with relaxation in the future rather than distress.
I offer Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT - tapping) which is like acupuncture but without the needles. You tap on specific parts of your body whilst working on difficult experiences or emotions. There are over 100 studies which found it to be effective with a large variety of difficulties but more higher quality studies are still needed.
It works by activating the parasympathetic nervous system (the system that makes the body relaxed) whilst thinking about difficult things so that the brain then associates the difficulties with relaxation in the future rather than distress.
There are many reasons why someone might seek therapy. You could be a stage in your life where you are confused about who you really are and what to do next. You may be haunted by old traumas or facing new challenges. It may be that you are experiencing relationship or family issues, there may be problems at work. You may be going through grief and loss, or facing illness or disability. Any of this could leave you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed or burnt out. Alternatively, you may not know why you are struggling with your mental health. I provide a calm, warm, supportive presence to help you figure it all out.
There are many reasons why someone might seek therapy. You could be a stage in your life where you are confused about who you really are and what to do next. You may be haunted by old traumas or facing new challenges. It may be that you are experiencing relationship or family issues, there may be problems at work. You may be going through grief and loss, or facing illness or disability. Any of this could leave you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed or burnt out. Alternatively, you may not know why you are struggling with your mental health. I provide a calm, warm, supportive presence to help you figure it all out.
I am a warm and approachable psychotherapist offering psychotherapy and EMDR trauma therapy in a supportive, collaborative space. I work in a neuro-affirming way, adapting therapy to meet individual needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. I aim to create a calm, non-judgemental environment where you feel heard and understood, whether you are navigating anxiety, trauma, overwhelm, relationship difficulties, or life transitions.
I am a warm and approachable psychotherapist offering psychotherapy and EMDR trauma therapy in a supportive, collaborative space. I work in a neuro-affirming way, adapting therapy to meet individual needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. I aim to create a calm, non-judgemental environment where you feel heard and understood, whether you are navigating anxiety, trauma, overwhelm, relationship difficulties, or life transitions.
I support individuals and couples who feel stuck, frustrated, overwhelmed or disconnected. I provide a calm, relaxing, confidential space where you will always feel genuinely heard, valued, respected and supported. I work on personal growth, anxiety, stress, depression, loss, loneliness, adapting to life transitions, relationship or marriage issues, family challenges, and work or health pressures. Together we will work to understand what’s driving your problems, strengthen your capacity to cope better, then develop strategies and solutions to change and improve your situation so life can be healthier, happier and more fulfilling.
I support individuals and couples who feel stuck, frustrated, overwhelmed or disconnected. I provide a calm, relaxing, confidential space where you will always feel genuinely heard, valued, respected and supported. I work on personal growth, anxiety, stress, depression, loss, loneliness, adapting to life transitions, relationship or marriage issues, family challenges, and work or health pressures. Together we will work to understand what’s driving your problems, strengthen your capacity to cope better, then develop strategies and solutions to change and improve your situation so life can be healthier, happier and more fulfilling.
Welcome. I’m a warm and compassionate Senior Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals, families, and groups. I also work in secondary care mental health services with people experiencing difficulties such as shame, self-criticism, dissociation, and relational challenges. I hold a non-pathologising view of distress and draw on a range of models to support meaningful change. I offer individual and group supervision to therapists and lead Internal Family Systems (IFS) practice groups.
Welcome. I’m a warm and compassionate Senior Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals, families, and groups. I also work in secondary care mental health services with people experiencing difficulties such as shame, self-criticism, dissociation, and relational challenges. I hold a non-pathologising view of distress and draw on a range of models to support meaningful change. I offer individual and group supervision to therapists and lead Internal Family Systems (IFS) practice groups.
Hello, I'm Imogen, an accredited CBT Therapist with 10-years experience working in NHS psychotherapy services. Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like you’re carrying something you can't quite put into words? I specialise in working with negative body image, OCD and social anxiety, as well as other difficulties. You may have never had therapy before and feel nervous about starting; or have tried it before and want a more structured, practical approach. I want to make you feel understood in therapy, and to look at the bigger picture of patterns and triggers and what might be maintaining the way you feel.
Hello, I'm Imogen, an accredited CBT Therapist with 10-years experience working in NHS psychotherapy services. Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like you’re carrying something you can't quite put into words? I specialise in working with negative body image, OCD and social anxiety, as well as other difficulties. You may have never had therapy before and feel nervous about starting; or have tried it before and want a more structured, practical approach. I want to make you feel understood in therapy, and to look at the bigger picture of patterns and triggers and what might be maintaining the way you feel.
Loss changes us. It can turn our world upside down, whether it comes through the death of a loved one, the loss of a cherished pet, the end of a relationship, loss of identity, or a major life change. Each of these losses carries its own weight, and no two experiences are ever the same. These experiences often bring a range of valid emotions such as anxiety, sadness, anger, exhaustion, overwhelm, feeling lost, or a sense of being disconnected from oneself. I specialise in supporting clients navigating this difficult times, and I draw from my extensive training, working at Macmillan Cancer Support, and my own personal experience.
Loss changes us. It can turn our world upside down, whether it comes through the death of a loved one, the loss of a cherished pet, the end of a relationship, loss of identity, or a major life change. Each of these losses carries its own weight, and no two experiences are ever the same. These experiences often bring a range of valid emotions such as anxiety, sadness, anger, exhaustion, overwhelm, feeling lost, or a sense of being disconnected from oneself. I specialise in supporting clients navigating this difficult times, and I draw from my extensive training, working at Macmillan Cancer Support, and my own personal experience.
Welcome.
You're probably here because you’re a high performer who keeps everything together on the outside. But underneath, you might feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in patterns of overthinking, perfectionism and self-criticism. Perhaps the strategies that once helped you cope aren't working anymore. Or maybe you’ve experienced a recent diagnosis or life change, and now feel uncertain about who you are or what comes next. When these struggles stay hidden, they quickly become isolating and exhausting. But you don’t have to do this alone anymore. Over time, this can impact your confidence, relationships, and overall wellbeing.
Welcome.
You're probably here because you’re a high performer who keeps everything together on the outside. But underneath, you might feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in patterns of overthinking, perfectionism and self-criticism. Perhaps the strategies that once helped you cope aren't working anymore. Or maybe you’ve experienced a recent diagnosis or life change, and now feel uncertain about who you are or what comes next. When these struggles stay hidden, they quickly become isolating and exhausting. But you don’t have to do this alone anymore. Over time, this can impact your confidence, relationships, and overall wellbeing.
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
£64
Counsellors in Manchester who prioritize treating:
| 91% | Anxiety |
| 84% | Depression |
| 82% | Self Esteem |
| 78% | Stress |
| 75% | Relationship Issues |
| 68% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 68% | Complex PTSD |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 70% | Aviva |
| 59% | AXA PPP |
| 55% | Bupa |
How Counsellors in Manchester see their clients
| 64% | In Person and Online | |
| 36% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 70% | Female | |
| 28% | Male | |
| 2% | 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.