Counselling in W1S
At times the challenges of life can make us feel overwhelmed and isolated and it may feel difficult to talk about our feelings and fears to those closest to us. Feelings of shame, guilt or not knowing where to start can add to the feeling of being alone. I offer a space in which to explore these feelings in a safe and confidential setting without judgement, where together we can begin to understand what brought you to therapy in the first place.
At times the challenges of life can make us feel overwhelmed and isolated and it may feel difficult to talk about our feelings and fears to those closest to us. Feelings of shame, guilt or not knowing where to start can add to the feeling of being alone. I offer a space in which to explore these feelings in a safe and confidential setting without judgement, where together we can begin to understand what brought you to therapy in the first place.
You may be living a full, competent life on the outside, while internally feeling overwhelmed, emotionally reactive, shut down, or stuck in patterns that don’t seem to shift. Many of the people I work with have experienced childhood or relational trauma, struggle with intense emotions or self-criticism, or feel disconnected from themselves or others. Often, they’ve tried therapy before and are looking for something deeper, more structured, and more attuned to how their nervous system actually responds under stress.
You may be living a full, competent life on the outside, while internally feeling overwhelmed, emotionally reactive, shut down, or stuck in patterns that don’t seem to shift. Many of the people I work with have experienced childhood or relational trauma, struggle with intense emotions or self-criticism, or feel disconnected from themselves or others. Often, they’ve tried therapy before and are looking for something deeper, more structured, and more attuned to how their nervous system actually responds under stress.
Many people come to therapy feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck in painful relationship patterns, or disconnected from themselves and others. You may find yourself repeating the same experiences despite wanting change, struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or difficulties in relationships and intimacy. I am an experienced psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychotherapist working in Hanover Square, W1S and in Streatham Hill. I work with adults, young adults, and couples seeking deeper understanding and lasting emotional change and I offer open-ended psychotherapy, and when appropriate, brief psychodynamic therapy.
Many people come to therapy feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck in painful relationship patterns, or disconnected from themselves and others. You may find yourself repeating the same experiences despite wanting change, struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or difficulties in relationships and intimacy. I am an experienced psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychotherapist working in Hanover Square, W1S and in Streatham Hill. I work with adults, young adults, and couples seeking deeper understanding and lasting emotional change and I offer open-ended psychotherapy, and when appropriate, brief psychodynamic therapy.
My clients come to me looking for help with a range of difficulties from self-exploration, improving mood, or healing past traumas. I work with conditions such as anxiety, depression, OCD, adjustment to disability, loss, fertility issues and trauma. I also work with clients who may be wanting to improve relationships, a change in their work-life balance, or are struggling with a sense of purpose and meaning.
My clients come to me looking for help with a range of difficulties from self-exploration, improving mood, or healing past traumas. I work with conditions such as anxiety, depression, OCD, adjustment to disability, loss, fertility issues and trauma. I also work with clients who may be wanting to improve relationships, a change in their work-life balance, or are struggling with a sense of purpose and meaning.
I am a fully qualified, experienced and accredited psychotherapist, specialist in psychosexual & relationship therapy, couples therapy, and the treatment of compulsive sexual behaviours. I am a clinical traumatologist specialist in providing therapy for survivors of sexual abuse. I offer clinical supervision to psychotherapists, psychologists, counsellors and other mental health professionals. I hold a full professional insurance.
I am a fully qualified, experienced and accredited psychotherapist, specialist in psychosexual & relationship therapy, couples therapy, and the treatment of compulsive sexual behaviours. I am a clinical traumatologist specialist in providing therapy for survivors of sexual abuse. I offer clinical supervision to psychotherapists, psychologists, counsellors and other mental health professionals. I hold a full professional insurance.
I am a psychoanalytic psychotherapist. The key to my work with clients is the belief that through a psychotherapeutic relationship we can gain insights into our patterns of behaviour. By working relationally we can also explore the possibility for change and begin to think of alternative positions that can lead toward a more compassionate and fulfilled version of ourselves. I have successfully completed the training as a psychoanalytic psychotherapist at The Site for Contemporary Psychoanalysis. UKCP Member.
I am a psychoanalytic psychotherapist. The key to my work with clients is the belief that through a psychotherapeutic relationship we can gain insights into our patterns of behaviour. By working relationally we can also explore the possibility for change and begin to think of alternative positions that can lead toward a more compassionate and fulfilled version of ourselves. I have successfully completed the training as a psychoanalytic psychotherapist at The Site for Contemporary Psychoanalysis. UKCP Member.
I am a Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist.
I work primarily from a psychoanalytic perspective with an attachment-based focus, providing my clients a space to explore how their past might be influencing their life at present, as well as the ways they relate and connect to others. In the therapeutic process I help clients to gain insight into their state of mind by bringing the unconscious to a conscious level.
I also use EMDR protocols to help clients suffering from trauma.
Apart from therapy services, I offer comprehensive psychological and neurodevelopmental assessments, including ADHD and Autism assessments.
I am a Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist.
I work primarily from a psychoanalytic perspective with an attachment-based focus, providing my clients a space to explore how their past might be influencing their life at present, as well as the ways they relate and connect to others. In the therapeutic process I help clients to gain insight into their state of mind by bringing the unconscious to a conscious level.
I also use EMDR protocols to help clients suffering from trauma.
Apart from therapy services, I offer comprehensive psychological and neurodevelopmental assessments, including ADHD and Autism assessments.
While you may be seeking therapy to help you out anxiety, depression, trauma, difficulty with ADHD or relationships- out of a dark or difficult time we can learn a great deal about ourselves and others. I'l help you navigate the crisis to move towards greater ease and enjoyment. Together we'll explore your world-view, your assumptions and even your bodily responses to situations that you face today. We'll see what has worked for you and what causes pain or limits you- to unblock and clear the path forward with compassion, kindness, insight, and even at times, a sense of humour.
While you may be seeking therapy to help you out anxiety, depression, trauma, difficulty with ADHD or relationships- out of a dark or difficult time we can learn a great deal about ourselves and others. I'l help you navigate the crisis to move towards greater ease and enjoyment. Together we'll explore your world-view, your assumptions and even your bodily responses to situations that you face today. We'll see what has worked for you and what causes pain or limits you- to unblock and clear the path forward with compassion, kindness, insight, and even at times, a sense of humour.
My ideal clients are individuals and couples seeking a deeper, more authentic connection with themselves and others, particularly around intimacy, desire, and sexual wellbeing. They may come feeling disconnected, stuck in patterns, or navigating challenges such as communication, shame, or mismatched needs. I work relationally and authentically, creating a safe, collaborative space where we can explore these experiences together. Through open dialogue, curiosity, and attuned support, I help clients build understanding, strengthen connection, and move toward more fulfilling, embodied relationships.
My ideal clients are individuals and couples seeking a deeper, more authentic connection with themselves and others, particularly around intimacy, desire, and sexual wellbeing. They may come feeling disconnected, stuck in patterns, or navigating challenges such as communication, shame, or mismatched needs. I work relationally and authentically, creating a safe, collaborative space where we can explore these experiences together. Through open dialogue, curiosity, and attuned support, I help clients build understanding, strengthen connection, and move toward more fulfilling, embodied relationships.
Present difficulties often have their roots in our past. We are very creative at finding solutions, or self-cures, for what we have experienced. They help us to get by. But often, what troubles us today is a self-cure that no longer works. It's time to time to try something else.
Present difficulties often have their roots in our past. We are very creative at finding solutions, or self-cures, for what we have experienced. They help us to get by. But often, what troubles us today is a self-cure that no longer works. It's time to time to try something else.
OCD Specialist, Dr Pointer - OCD Therapy
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
1 Endorsed
London W1S
Both my own personal experiences of OCD from an early age & my trainings have led me to deeply understand OCD, & how to recover from it. I have been where you are now, & have successfully recovered from OCD. Therefore, I understand the nature of your OCD experiences & how to lead you out of your OCD labyrinth. I provide therapy that goes right to the heart of our OCD experiences, with a special focus upon taboo, bad, sexual, violent, weird, magical, & surreal intrusive thoughts, images, obsessions, urges, physical sensations, & compulsions. So, if you want a doctor of psychology who himself recovered from OCD, then google dr pointer
Both my own personal experiences of OCD from an early age & my trainings have led me to deeply understand OCD, & how to recover from it. I have been where you are now, & have successfully recovered from OCD. Therefore, I understand the nature of your OCD experiences & how to lead you out of your OCD labyrinth. I provide therapy that goes right to the heart of our OCD experiences, with a special focus upon taboo, bad, sexual, violent, weird, magical, & surreal intrusive thoughts, images, obsessions, urges, physical sensations, & compulsions. So, if you want a doctor of psychology who himself recovered from OCD, then google dr pointer
Are you feeling depressed, anxious, stressed or struggling with everyday life? Perhaps you are experiencing feelings you can't quite identify? Are you looking for help with various life challenging issues/situations? Have you got to the point where you can't go on alone and need someone else to help you? Whatever you are facing, you no longer have to do this alone, I am here to provide you with relevant support and address your needs. As an integrative counsellor I am using a compilation of therapeutic methods tailored to the individual's needs and goals providing an environment for enablement and empowerment of their achievement.
Are you feeling depressed, anxious, stressed or struggling with everyday life? Perhaps you are experiencing feelings you can't quite identify? Are you looking for help with various life challenging issues/situations? Have you got to the point where you can't go on alone and need someone else to help you? Whatever you are facing, you no longer have to do this alone, I am here to provide you with relevant support and address your needs. As an integrative counsellor I am using a compilation of therapeutic methods tailored to the individual's needs and goals providing an environment for enablement and empowerment of their achievement.
I am Yianna Kefala, a UKCP/BPC registered Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic Psychotherapist offering both long and short psychotherapy and counselling for adults and couples. Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy enables people to develop a better understanding of themselves and feel more content with various aspects of themselves and their lives. It is usually seen as a journey towards self-discovery and introspection that involves patient and therapist working together. I provide individual sessions, couple counselling/psychotherapy and advice on parenting issues in English and Greek.
I am Yianna Kefala, a UKCP/BPC registered Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic Psychotherapist offering both long and short psychotherapy and counselling for adults and couples. Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy enables people to develop a better understanding of themselves and feel more content with various aspects of themselves and their lives. It is usually seen as a journey towards self-discovery and introspection that involves patient and therapist working together. I provide individual sessions, couple counselling/psychotherapy and advice on parenting issues in English and Greek.
Do you ever feel trapped in your own head, criticised, disconnected, or on high alert? that you’re pretending, failing, or just “wrong”?
Maybe you’ve spent years people-pleasing, holding in anger, or carrying shame that was never yours to begin with. Perhaps you’re exhausted from replaying old patterns, yet no matter what you try, they don’t seem to shift.
Therapy with me is a chance to stop circling in self-doubt and start discovering who you are beneath it all. Together, we can work to loosen the grip of perfectionism, self-hatred, or fear, and help you move toward a life that feels more grounded, connected, and yours.
Do you ever feel trapped in your own head, criticised, disconnected, or on high alert? that you’re pretending, failing, or just “wrong”?
Maybe you’ve spent years people-pleasing, holding in anger, or carrying shame that was never yours to begin with. Perhaps you’re exhausted from replaying old patterns, yet no matter what you try, they don’t seem to shift.
Therapy with me is a chance to stop circling in self-doubt and start discovering who you are beneath it all. Together, we can work to loosen the grip of perfectionism, self-hatred, or fear, and help you move toward a life that feels more grounded, connected, and yours.
My approach is built on creating a safe, confidential, and compassionate space for you to explore the issues that trouble you, without fear of judgment or rejection. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, one that facilitates greater self-understanding, self-acceptance, and more fulfilling relationships with others and with life itself. My aim is to support you in gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and your challenges, helping you move toward healing and positive change.
As an Integrative Psychotherapist, I tailor my approach to suit your unique needs and work with you in a way that feels right for you.
My approach is built on creating a safe, confidential, and compassionate space for you to explore the issues that trouble you, without fear of judgment or rejection. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, one that facilitates greater self-understanding, self-acceptance, and more fulfilling relationships with others and with life itself. My aim is to support you in gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and your challenges, helping you move toward healing and positive change.
As an Integrative Psychotherapist, I tailor my approach to suit your unique needs and work with you in a way that feels right for you.
I am a psychodynamic counsellor and psychotherapist registered with the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC). I worked for five years providing long-term psychotherapy to individuals with histories of addiction and childhood trauma. This gave me an understanding of the extent to which adverse early experiences can impact on behaviour and psychic functioning in adulthood. I have undertaken post-qualifying training in the treatment of PTSD, C-PTSD and dissociation. I have a particular clinical and theoretical interest in states of depersonalisation, derealisation, trauma, and borderline and narcissistic personality organisations.
I am a psychodynamic counsellor and psychotherapist registered with the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC). I worked for five years providing long-term psychotherapy to individuals with histories of addiction and childhood trauma. This gave me an understanding of the extent to which adverse early experiences can impact on behaviour and psychic functioning in adulthood. I have undertaken post-qualifying training in the treatment of PTSD, C-PTSD and dissociation. I have a particular clinical and theoretical interest in states of depersonalisation, derealisation, trauma, and borderline and narcissistic personality organisations.
Are you struggling with anxiety, stress, depression or low confidence? Do you feel trapped by 'what if' thoughts, constant fear and low mood?
I specialise in supporting adults that may be struggling with anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), OCD, Panic, Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety), depression, low self esteem, stress or feeling overwhelmed.
My vision is to support and empower you in healing, to feel your best self and to live a meaningful life.
Are you struggling with anxiety, stress, depression or low confidence? Do you feel trapped by 'what if' thoughts, constant fear and low mood?
I specialise in supporting adults that may be struggling with anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), OCD, Panic, Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety), depression, low self esteem, stress or feeling overwhelmed.
My vision is to support and empower you in healing, to feel your best self and to live a meaningful life.
Your mind may know you’re safe, but your body says otherwise. You might notice this in your relationships—feeling anxious, avoiding difficult conversations, or struggling to say no. The ways you’ve learned to cope: people-pleasing, overthinking, keeping control, isolating — developed for good reasons. They helped you survive. But eventually those strategies become unbearable. Therapy with me helps you feel safe enough to stop holding back: to disagree, to express anger healthily, to stop being the “good” one, or to risk not being liked.
Your mind may know you’re safe, but your body says otherwise. You might notice this in your relationships—feeling anxious, avoiding difficult conversations, or struggling to say no. The ways you’ve learned to cope: people-pleasing, overthinking, keeping control, isolating — developed for good reasons. They helped you survive. But eventually those strategies become unbearable. Therapy with me helps you feel safe enough to stop holding back: to disagree, to express anger healthily, to stop being the “good” one, or to risk not being liked.
I offer integrative psychotherapy for adults experiencing anxiety, emotional overwhelm, relationship difficulties, ADHD, burnout, low self-worth, or a loss of meaning.
My approach is relational, thoughtful, and grounded in the belief that clients often hold more understanding and capacity within themselves than they may initially realise, and symptoms often carry meaning rather than simply needing to be "fixed". Side by side, we explore both present-day challenges and the deeper emotional patterns that may sit underneath them.
I offer integrative psychotherapy for adults experiencing anxiety, emotional overwhelm, relationship difficulties, ADHD, burnout, low self-worth, or a loss of meaning.
My approach is relational, thoughtful, and grounded in the belief that clients often hold more understanding and capacity within themselves than they may initially realise, and symptoms often carry meaning rather than simply needing to be "fixed". Side by side, we explore both present-day challenges and the deeper emotional patterns that may sit underneath them.
You might struggle with intense emotions, identity, or relationships, often feeling misunderstood, overwhelmed, or stuck in painful patterns. You may have a history of emotional pain, trauma, or personality difficulties, and are seeking a deeper understanding of yourself. Your goal isn’t a quick fix but meaningful change through reflection, curiosity, connection, and self-awareness. You want to feel more grounded, belong, and relate more openly, and value the depth, integrity and authenticity that therapy offers. Whether in individual or group therapy, we will work together to explore your difficulties and support your growth.
You might struggle with intense emotions, identity, or relationships, often feeling misunderstood, overwhelmed, or stuck in painful patterns. You may have a history of emotional pain, trauma, or personality difficulties, and are seeking a deeper understanding of yourself. Your goal isn’t a quick fix but meaningful change through reflection, curiosity, connection, and self-awareness. You want to feel more grounded, belong, and relate more openly, and value the depth, integrity and authenticity that therapy offers. Whether in individual or group therapy, we will work together to explore your difficulties and support your growth.
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in W1S
40+
Average cost per session
£110
Counsellors in W1S who prioritize treating:
| 91% | Relationship Issues |
| 91% | Anxiety |
| 89% | Self Esteem |
| 86% | Depression |
| 75% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 75% | Stress |
| 61% | Divorce |
Average years in practice
14 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 65% | WPA |
| 55% | Aviva |
| 45% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Counsellors in W1S see their clients
| 86% | In Person and Online | |
| 14% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 78% | Female | |
| 22% | Male |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in W1S?
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.