Counselling in Bristol
Marium Akhund
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS16
Looking for a therapist can be an overwhelming experience; however, it is already a good step in your journey. You may be needing to be listened to or seeking support for a particular challenge. Emotional pain and mental distress need a space to be explored and processed and therapy can offer a safe environment for this.Counseling and psychotherapy can provide an opportunity to be in a safe space where you can be listened to by someone who is unbiased and non-judgmental. By sharing your story and your experiences, and building trust and openness in the relationship with your therapist, we can attempt to gain deeper understanding.
Looking for a therapist can be an overwhelming experience; however, it is already a good step in your journey. You may be needing to be listened to or seeking support for a particular challenge. Emotional pain and mental distress need a space to be explored and processed and therapy can offer a safe environment for this.Counseling and psychotherapy can provide an opportunity to be in a safe space where you can be listened to by someone who is unbiased and non-judgmental. By sharing your story and your experiences, and building trust and openness in the relationship with your therapist, we can attempt to gain deeper understanding.
Awareness Counselling and Supervision
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS3
If you have experienced trauma as a result of your past and you find that is affecting you and your relationships in the present, I can help you gently explore these difficulties and support you to make the changes you need to make. Through childhood experiences and life events we try to fit into the world we live in. From very early on we tend to adapt ourselves to meet the needs of others, to be loved, liked and accepted. We twist and manage ourselves into expected ways of being and mask what is really going on for us. In doing this we lose the sense of who we are before we ever know.
If you have experienced trauma as a result of your past and you find that is affecting you and your relationships in the present, I can help you gently explore these difficulties and support you to make the changes you need to make. Through childhood experiences and life events we try to fit into the world we live in. From very early on we tend to adapt ourselves to meet the needs of others, to be loved, liked and accepted. We twist and manage ourselves into expected ways of being and mask what is really going on for us. In doing this we lose the sense of who we are before we ever know.
Andrew Cope
Counsellor, PhD, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS9
If you're feeling depressed, or need to address a difficult issue in your life, I can deliver a bespoke programme of therapeutic counselling. This will afford you opportunities to challenge yourself and develop fresh outlooks and perspectives for the benefit of finding new meaning and direction in your life. My counselling style is primarily 'person-centred'. This means I can offer sensitive flexibility for young people and adults who feel they'd benefit from a less structured and more exploratory alternative to the the CBT programmes typically offered by schools, employers and the NHS.
If you're feeling depressed, or need to address a difficult issue in your life, I can deliver a bespoke programme of therapeutic counselling. This will afford you opportunities to challenge yourself and develop fresh outlooks and perspectives for the benefit of finding new meaning and direction in your life. My counselling style is primarily 'person-centred'. This means I can offer sensitive flexibility for young people and adults who feel they'd benefit from a less structured and more exploratory alternative to the the CBT programmes typically offered by schools, employers and the NHS.
Susannah Gill
Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
Bristol BS6
Not accepting new clients
Psychotherapy is a rare invitation to truth - a place to explore your self and your story, make sense of why you feel the way you do and ask how you might meet life's challenges in a more authentic, meaningful and fulfilling way. My approach is integrative, creative and embodied. It considers who you are and what happened to you, as well as what your heart desires. As a relational therapist, I also put your experience with me in therapy at the heart of our work together.
Psychotherapy is a rare invitation to truth - a place to explore your self and your story, make sense of why you feel the way you do and ask how you might meet life's challenges in a more authentic, meaningful and fulfilling way. My approach is integrative, creative and embodied. It considers who you are and what happened to you, as well as what your heart desires. As a relational therapist, I also put your experience with me in therapy at the heart of our work together.
Catherine Alcock
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS2
I understand that taking those first steps on your counselling journey can feel very daunting, and maybe even a bit frightening, but I aim to create an empathetic, non-judgemental, warm, and friendly environment for us to work in. I believe that every client is unique and that your needs are different, so am happy to undertake and support you through this process at your pace.
I understand that taking those first steps on your counselling journey can feel very daunting, and maybe even a bit frightening, but I aim to create an empathetic, non-judgemental, warm, and friendly environment for us to work in. I believe that every client is unique and that your needs are different, so am happy to undertake and support you through this process at your pace.
Dr Gerrie Holloway
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS8
I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years of experience working with adults in both NHS and private practice settings. Crises are often important moments in our lives that signify the need to make changes. These times can indicate that old ways of coping or patterns in relationships and behaviour are now no longer working. I offer a non-judgemental reflective space in which to support individuals to increase understanding and insight into their difficulties and to identify the changes they wish to make. I have been trained in a number of therapeutic modalities which I integrate and tailor to each individual.
I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years of experience working with adults in both NHS and private practice settings. Crises are often important moments in our lives that signify the need to make changes. These times can indicate that old ways of coping or patterns in relationships and behaviour are now no longer working. I offer a non-judgemental reflective space in which to support individuals to increase understanding and insight into their difficulties and to identify the changes they wish to make. I have been trained in a number of therapeutic modalities which I integrate and tailor to each individual.
Becky Lewis
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS8
Unexpected life events, such as as death of a loved one, divorce, end of a relationship, loss of employment and sexual/domestic abuse, can be overwhelming that we find ourselves reacting or behaving in uncharacteristic ways such as overcome with anxiety, depression, extreme anger or adopt unhelpful coping mechanisms such as dependence on alcohol or drugs. Therapy provides the opportunity to process such life changing events and examines our response/behaviour as we deal with these issues. It is an opportunity to be truly heard, and heal without fear of judgement, being diminished or shamed.
Unexpected life events, such as as death of a loved one, divorce, end of a relationship, loss of employment and sexual/domestic abuse, can be overwhelming that we find ourselves reacting or behaving in uncharacteristic ways such as overcome with anxiety, depression, extreme anger or adopt unhelpful coping mechanisms such as dependence on alcohol or drugs. Therapy provides the opportunity to process such life changing events and examines our response/behaviour as we deal with these issues. It is an opportunity to be truly heard, and heal without fear of judgement, being diminished or shamed.
Finn Buchanan
Counsellor, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS5
When events in life are overwhelming we can feel frozen, scattered or out of connection with ourselves. Coping mechanisms which served us at one point can become redundant & damaging, leaving us stuck in patterns of self destructive behaviour.
When events in life are overwhelming we can feel frozen, scattered or out of connection with ourselves. Coping mechanisms which served us at one point can become redundant & damaging, leaving us stuck in patterns of self destructive behaviour.
Gina Simeon
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS9
Hi, I am Gina. If you choose to meet me, I will accompany you on a journey of self-discovery, amazement and acceptance of life in all its diversity. You will be able to build skills to achieve the joy and connection human beings long for. I offer you a safe space to explore difficult issues, to be listened to and to be heard, to become aware of thought and behaviour patterns that prevent you from being your healthiest self. I connect to you as client relationally and in a co-creative way to involve you actively in the healing process of your therapy and counselling.
Hi, I am Gina. If you choose to meet me, I will accompany you on a journey of self-discovery, amazement and acceptance of life in all its diversity. You will be able to build skills to achieve the joy and connection human beings long for. I offer you a safe space to explore difficult issues, to be listened to and to be heard, to become aware of thought and behaviour patterns that prevent you from being your healthiest self. I connect to you as client relationally and in a co-creative way to involve you actively in the healing process of your therapy and counselling.
Catherine Lawrence
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Bristol BS5
I’m accepting new clients. Do you need someone to talk to? You’re welcome here. Feeling stuck in life, ruminating, or reliving difficult moments? I know how painful it can be. Together we can create a relationship where you feel seen and learn to be more in touch with yourself and others. Whether it’s your mental health, relationships, or life changes that you need help with, I believe that somewhere inside, you know best how to right yourself. I work with clients with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, identity, family issues, singleness, stress, work-related issues and more
I’m accepting new clients. Do you need someone to talk to? You’re welcome here. Feeling stuck in life, ruminating, or reliving difficult moments? I know how painful it can be. Together we can create a relationship where you feel seen and learn to be more in touch with yourself and others. Whether it’s your mental health, relationships, or life changes that you need help with, I believe that somewhere inside, you know best how to right yourself. I work with clients with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, identity, family issues, singleness, stress, work-related issues and more
Dr Will Partridge
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
Bristol BS2
I'm a UKCP registered psychotherapist in training. My training incorporates mindfulness and has a psychodynamic approach that places the relationship between therapist and client at the heart of transformative change and healing. I seek to create a safe, empathic and non-judgemental space for you to explore whatever difficulties you are currently working with. I aim to connect and work with you to help you understand your present moment experience, and what may be underlying any distress or suffering in your life. This understanding can help identify where you feel stuck and what you may need to heal and thrive.
I'm a UKCP registered psychotherapist in training. My training incorporates mindfulness and has a psychodynamic approach that places the relationship between therapist and client at the heart of transformative change and healing. I seek to create a safe, empathic and non-judgemental space for you to explore whatever difficulties you are currently working with. I aim to connect and work with you to help you understand your present moment experience, and what may be underlying any distress or suffering in your life. This understanding can help identify where you feel stuck and what you may need to heal and thrive.
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Jenny Morgan
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS6
Hello, I'm Jenny, an accredited CBT/REBT therapist based in Bristol. I offer my clients a combination of a compassionate, respectful and non-judgmental space in which to share their experiences and problems, and an approach to therapy that is focused on equipping them to achieve their goals. I'm a big believer in people’s ability to change their own situations and so I see my job as being to help my clients see the power and agency they have over how they experience their lives, where many feel stuck, helpless, or like 'victims of circumstance'. I'm especially interested in working with anxiety, phobias, and anger.
Hello, I'm Jenny, an accredited CBT/REBT therapist based in Bristol. I offer my clients a combination of a compassionate, respectful and non-judgmental space in which to share their experiences and problems, and an approach to therapy that is focused on equipping them to achieve their goals. I'm a big believer in people’s ability to change their own situations and so I see my job as being to help my clients see the power and agency they have over how they experience their lives, where many feel stuck, helpless, or like 'victims of circumstance'. I'm especially interested in working with anxiety, phobias, and anger.
Gemma Owen Counselling (MBACP) Accred
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Bristol BS32
I am a Humanistic, trauma informed counsellor and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. I understand there are times when life can feel overwhelming and daily life can become more of a struggle. This can often feel isolating and confusing, but it is important to know that you don’t have to go through it alone. My aim is to provide a warm, welcoming and supportive environment in which you feel able to explore your feelings and emotions without fear of judgement. I am able to help with many of life's challenges and have specialist experience of working with survivors of sexual abuse and sexual violence.
I am a Humanistic, trauma informed counsellor and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. I understand there are times when life can feel overwhelming and daily life can become more of a struggle. This can often feel isolating and confusing, but it is important to know that you don’t have to go through it alone. My aim is to provide a warm, welcoming and supportive environment in which you feel able to explore your feelings and emotions without fear of judgement. I am able to help with many of life's challenges and have specialist experience of working with survivors of sexual abuse and sexual violence.
Leah Head
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS34
Life can be a challenge in all sorts of ways, sometimes we need some independent support finding our way through those challenges. The issues affecting you may be current or things from the past that still impact you. You may be experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness and isolation. Perhaps you have experienced a bereavement, trauma or a life event that you need a safe space to process. Therapy can help you understand what you are feeling and find a way forward.
Life can be a challenge in all sorts of ways, sometimes we need some independent support finding our way through those challenges. The issues affecting you may be current or things from the past that still impact you. You may be experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness and isolation. Perhaps you have experienced a bereavement, trauma or a life event that you need a safe space to process. Therapy can help you understand what you are feeling and find a way forward.
Cloud Nine Counselling
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS15
Your counselling journey will be a unique reflection of you and your needs. Counselling lends itself both to short-term work, for example, to help you identify current challenges and action changes and longer term work, if you wish perhaps to gain a better understanding of established behaviour patterns or how your childhood, relationships or past development can continue to impact you. Non judgemental support, connection and the ability to be truly heard can increasingly be missing in our lives and counselling can provide this. You may already know what brings you to counselling or you may discover this on your journey.
Your counselling journey will be a unique reflection of you and your needs. Counselling lends itself both to short-term work, for example, to help you identify current challenges and action changes and longer term work, if you wish perhaps to gain a better understanding of established behaviour patterns or how your childhood, relationships or past development can continue to impact you. Non judgemental support, connection and the ability to be truly heard can increasingly be missing in our lives and counselling can provide this. You may already know what brings you to counselling or you may discover this on your journey.
Dayana Eastwood
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS7
Not accepting new clients
If there's something you want to understand better or change, I can help you move from feeling confused, stuck or overwhelmed to a place where things make sense, there’s a way forward, and you feel in charge of your life. Feeling stressed, burnt out, anxious or depressed are some of the most common reasons people seek therapy, but there may be many reasons; some challenges feel hard to pin down or are a quiet, niggling sense that builds up over time. Or perhaps you have experienced a major life change or event and feel you need some support as you find a new way through.
If there's something you want to understand better or change, I can help you move from feeling confused, stuck or overwhelmed to a place where things make sense, there’s a way forward, and you feel in charge of your life. Feeling stressed, burnt out, anxious or depressed are some of the most common reasons people seek therapy, but there may be many reasons; some challenges feel hard to pin down or are a quiet, niggling sense that builds up over time. Or perhaps you have experienced a major life change or event and feel you need some support as you find a new way through.
Tom Abbott
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS5 (Online Only)
What brings you to counselling could be any number of reasons: You may have experienced the loss of a loved one; perhaps your life is in such chaos you can no longer see the forest for the trees; or, you may simply wish to look at yourself and your patterns of behaviour in a clearer light. What I offer is a space for you to come to terms with your life, free of judgement, so that you can live it to the fullest.
What brings you to counselling could be any number of reasons: You may have experienced the loss of a loved one; perhaps your life is in such chaos you can no longer see the forest for the trees; or, you may simply wish to look at yourself and your patterns of behaviour in a clearer light. What I offer is a space for you to come to terms with your life, free of judgement, so that you can live it to the fullest.
Horus Wellbeing Contemporary Therapy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS5
Feeling safety in a complex world is no mean feet. Childhood, historic, or current experiences, interacting/reacting with the complexities brought about by the pandemic, can exhaust any capacity for resilience. maybe you're a parent/carer of children transitioning from the intensity of lockdown to the uncertainty of the easing of restrictions? Is this further complicated by returning to education settings for children with Autism, ADHD, FASD, SPD, trauma and attachment? Maybe you are a foster care or adoptive parent wondering how to rebalance the attachment bond after the intensity of lockdown, recalibrating interfamilial dynamics?
Feeling safety in a complex world is no mean feet. Childhood, historic, or current experiences, interacting/reacting with the complexities brought about by the pandemic, can exhaust any capacity for resilience. maybe you're a parent/carer of children transitioning from the intensity of lockdown to the uncertainty of the easing of restrictions? Is this further complicated by returning to education settings for children with Autism, ADHD, FASD, SPD, trauma and attachment? Maybe you are a foster care or adoptive parent wondering how to rebalance the attachment bond after the intensity of lockdown, recalibrating interfamilial dynamics?
Claire Nunan
Counsellor, MSc, SNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1 (Online Only)
I’m Claire. I am a Senior Accredited Counsellor providing safe and supportive online counselling sessions. I work with a wide range of people but I specialise in working with individuals from the LGBTQ+ and GSRD community, those who are neurodivergent (or think they might be) as well as Millennials and Gen Z-ers.
I’m Claire. I am a Senior Accredited Counsellor providing safe and supportive online counselling sessions. I work with a wide range of people but I specialise in working with individuals from the LGBTQ+ and GSRD community, those who are neurodivergent (or think they might be) as well as Millennials and Gen Z-ers.
Chris Smith
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS8
I have experience working with a diverse range of clients struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, codependency, low self-esteem. grief, loss, work-related stress, anger issues, trauma and addiction.
I have experience working with a diverse range of clients struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, codependency, low self-esteem. grief, loss, work-related stress, anger issues, trauma and addiction.
See more therapy options for Bristol
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Bristol
600+
Average cost per session
£60
Counsellors in Bristol who prioritize treating:
90% | Anxiety |
85% | Depression |
85% | Self Esteem |
78% | Relationship Issues |
78% | Stress |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
63% | Bereavement |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
61% | AXA PPP |
60% | Aviva |
45% | Bupa |
How Counsellors in Bristol see their clients
74% | In Person and Online | |
26% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
74% | Female | |
25% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Bristol?
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.