Counselling in W8
Dr. Michael Acton Psy.D., M.Ed. (Psych.) Hons., M.A.C. Psych., AfBPsS, BACP (Accred)., MICF - is a relationship consultant and author known for his ability to cause intense shifts in his clients. He is the founder of the London-based private practice MPA Mind, and has worked with celebrities, aristocracy, CEOs, and Family Offices, worldwide. Acton is a trusted psychologist, in demand expert for the media, and well known global relationship guru. He is deeply devoted to his clients, and keeps his list open for people who have worked with him over the years and a small number of occasional urgent situations.
Dr. Michael Acton Psy.D., M.Ed. (Psych.) Hons., M.A.C. Psych., AfBPsS, BACP (Accred)., MICF - is a relationship consultant and author known for his ability to cause intense shifts in his clients. He is the founder of the London-based private practice MPA Mind, and has worked with celebrities, aristocracy, CEOs, and Family Offices, worldwide. Acton is a trusted psychologist, in demand expert for the media, and well known global relationship guru. He is deeply devoted to his clients, and keeps his list open for people who have worked with him over the years and a small number of occasional urgent situations.
I am a person who believes that our capacity to embrace the ups and downs of life is our greatest strength. Adversity can be a brilliant teacher if we are willing to learn and consequently, change. My objective is to help you find your own voice, recognise your greatest strengths and empower you to live a fulfilling life. I am confident that by working together we will make sense of your fears, whether you are struggling with debilitating anxiety, or you feel isolated from your friends and family. It is important that you know that paths exist that can help you to move ahead.
I am a person who believes that our capacity to embrace the ups and downs of life is our greatest strength. Adversity can be a brilliant teacher if we are willing to learn and consequently, change. My objective is to help you find your own voice, recognise your greatest strengths and empower you to live a fulfilling life. I am confident that by working together we will make sense of your fears, whether you are struggling with debilitating anxiety, or you feel isolated from your friends and family. It is important that you know that paths exist that can help you to move ahead.
Therapy sessions will be a non-judgemental, safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings. In our sessions you will have the opportunity not only to understand yourself better but also to develop new perspective and approach towards your presenting problems.
Fundamental to my therapeutic approach is to integrative treatment that is tailored to the client uniqueness drawing on various aspects of their identity (e.g. age, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender, ability and socioeconomic background). The evidence based and person-centred approach are the central to our journey in therapy .
Therapy sessions will be a non-judgemental, safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings. In our sessions you will have the opportunity not only to understand yourself better but also to develop new perspective and approach towards your presenting problems.
Fundamental to my therapeutic approach is to integrative treatment that is tailored to the client uniqueness drawing on various aspects of their identity (e.g. age, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender, ability and socioeconomic background). The evidence based and person-centred approach are the central to our journey in therapy .
I treat adults in all stages of life who find themselves in need of help dealing with distress and in making important transitions in life. My clients often feel anxious, depressed or disappointed in life and in themselves. Some feel stuck in life, have difficult work or personal relationships, are raising a family, grieving, have chronic illness or are dealing with old age. Many have tried and been disappointed by short-term therapies. Together we examine both past and present experience to find meaning and new perspectives in order to resolve distress and move forward toward a more fulfilling way of life.
I treat adults in all stages of life who find themselves in need of help dealing with distress and in making important transitions in life. My clients often feel anxious, depressed or disappointed in life and in themselves. Some feel stuck in life, have difficult work or personal relationships, are raising a family, grieving, have chronic illness or are dealing with old age. Many have tried and been disappointed by short-term therapies. Together we examine both past and present experience to find meaning and new perspectives in order to resolve distress and move forward toward a more fulfilling way of life.
My approach is influenced by 8 years of clinical training and practice and over 10 years of cross-cultural experience in Europe and the Middle East. I am experienced in working with many issues including anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma, and supporting people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. I place importance on exploring the root cause of emotional pain and behaviour and providing a safe space to explore the complexity behind the issues, causing your difficulties. I help you with reaching your full potential and working towards promoting a self that is more confident and empowered.
My approach is influenced by 8 years of clinical training and practice and over 10 years of cross-cultural experience in Europe and the Middle East. I am experienced in working with many issues including anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma, and supporting people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. I place importance on exploring the root cause of emotional pain and behaviour and providing a safe space to explore the complexity behind the issues, causing your difficulties. I help you with reaching your full potential and working towards promoting a self that is more confident and empowered.
I use a combination of psychodynamic, attachment-based and Jungian approaches to help individuals think about their relationships. Relationships can be the place where we feel the most creative and alive but they can also leave us vulnerable to abandonment, unhealthy dependancy, feelings of impotence and despair. If you are struggling with intimate relationships, it feels difficult to find a partner, a recent break-up is keeping you hostage or your relationships are following the same pattern, it might be crucial to explore what might be going on underneath the surface.
I use a combination of psychodynamic, attachment-based and Jungian approaches to help individuals think about their relationships. Relationships can be the place where we feel the most creative and alive but they can also leave us vulnerable to abandonment, unhealthy dependancy, feelings of impotence and despair. If you are struggling with intimate relationships, it feels difficult to find a partner, a recent break-up is keeping you hostage or your relationships are following the same pattern, it might be crucial to explore what might be going on underneath the surface.
About me In life, we all face challenges and need someone to support as we go through these difficult times. We may need support for a short time or perhaps longer. I am a qualified integrative counselor which means that I bring a combined approach to our sessions with the thought that there are time when using only one approach, may not meets the client’s need. Drawing on different approaches and styles without comprising the quality of the work or relationship and keeping with the goal of bringing resolution to the client and the situation or challenge they are faced with.
About me In life, we all face challenges and need someone to support as we go through these difficult times. We may need support for a short time or perhaps longer. I am a qualified integrative counselor which means that I bring a combined approach to our sessions with the thought that there are time when using only one approach, may not meets the client’s need. Drawing on different approaches and styles without comprising the quality of the work or relationship and keeping with the goal of bringing resolution to the client and the situation or challenge they are faced with.
I am an accredited psychotherapist and counsellor who works is based in the Kensington, Nottinghill area of central / west London. I meet and talk with people who, maybe like you, want to change how they feel. There may be something specific that you are aware of (depression, anxiety, bereavement), but often the specifics of the difficulty might not be apparent, but the unhappiness is. My work with my clients is about surfacing what's going and helping clients process their feelings to reach a happier, more settled place. I am Certified by the European Association of Psychotherapy and have been DBS checked and cleared.
I am an accredited psychotherapist and counsellor who works is based in the Kensington, Nottinghill area of central / west London. I meet and talk with people who, maybe like you, want to change how they feel. There may be something specific that you are aware of (depression, anxiety, bereavement), but often the specifics of the difficulty might not be apparent, but the unhappiness is. My work with my clients is about surfacing what's going and helping clients process their feelings to reach a happier, more settled place. I am Certified by the European Association of Psychotherapy and have been DBS checked and cleared.
My approach to therapy is existential-phenomenological, but my training is integrative and I draw on psychodynamic and person-centred models of therapy as well as CBT whenever I feel they may be helpful to my clients. I gained my MA in Psychotherapy at Regent’s University’s School of Psychotherapy & Counselling Psychology in London where I wrote a dissertation on the experience of regret as a catalyst for change. I have and Advanced Diploma in Existential Psychotherapy and existential philosophy tends to influence the way I look at the world. I am bilingual and practice in English and Italian.
My approach to therapy is existential-phenomenological, but my training is integrative and I draw on psychodynamic and person-centred models of therapy as well as CBT whenever I feel they may be helpful to my clients. I gained my MA in Psychotherapy at Regent’s University’s School of Psychotherapy & Counselling Psychology in London where I wrote a dissertation on the experience of regret as a catalyst for change. I have and Advanced Diploma in Existential Psychotherapy and existential philosophy tends to influence the way I look at the world. I am bilingual and practice in English and Italian.
I am a fully qualified psychodynamic psychotherapist with experience in clinical and private settings. I have completed extensive and rigorous training at WPF Therapy, one of the leading and most established training institutions in UK.
I am a fully qualified psychodynamic psychotherapist with experience in clinical and private settings. I have completed extensive and rigorous training at WPF Therapy, one of the leading and most established training institutions in UK.
I am an integrative psychotherapist with experience in relational psychoanalysis. My aim is to help individuals understand the root causes of their difficulties to transform their lives in meaningful ways. I work with clients on a wide range of issues, including: dealing with anxiety and/or depression, difficulties with pregnancy, postpartum depression, pregnancy loss, abuse (past and/or present), addiction, bereavement, and trauma, among other concerns. I appreciate how past experiences can impact present relationships and contribute to feelings of low mood, anxiety and disconnection.
I am an integrative psychotherapist with experience in relational psychoanalysis. My aim is to help individuals understand the root causes of their difficulties to transform their lives in meaningful ways. I work with clients on a wide range of issues, including: dealing with anxiety and/or depression, difficulties with pregnancy, postpartum depression, pregnancy loss, abuse (past and/or present), addiction, bereavement, and trauma, among other concerns. I appreciate how past experiences can impact present relationships and contribute to feelings of low mood, anxiety and disconnection.
I am a qualified Systemic Family Psychotherapist, registered with the Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice. I specialise in supporting individuals, couples, and families who are navigating emotional difficulties, relationship challenges, communication issues, and periods of transition. My therapeutic approach is grounded in a contextual relational perspective, meaning I look at how your relationships, life experiences, cultural contexts, and environments shape the challenges you’re facing. Together, we work to understand patterns, strengthen connection, and create new ways of relating.
I am a qualified Systemic Family Psychotherapist, registered with the Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice. I specialise in supporting individuals, couples, and families who are navigating emotional difficulties, relationship challenges, communication issues, and periods of transition. My therapeutic approach is grounded in a contextual relational perspective, meaning I look at how your relationships, life experiences, cultural contexts, and environments shape the challenges you’re facing. Together, we work to understand patterns, strengthen connection, and create new ways of relating.
I am Zehra, a registered psychotherapist working in private practice. My approach to therapy is pluralistic/integrative where I tailor our work according to your therapeutic needs and goals. I specialise in working with loss and grief which includes bereavement and death but also loss of self/identity through significant life changes such as the end of a relationship(s), changes in physical and mental health due to chronic illness and life transitions such as moving countries or settling into university or work. Other sub-specialisations of mine include working with anxiety, depression and relational trauma (childhood and adult).
I am Zehra, a registered psychotherapist working in private practice. My approach to therapy is pluralistic/integrative where I tailor our work according to your therapeutic needs and goals. I specialise in working with loss and grief which includes bereavement and death but also loss of self/identity through significant life changes such as the end of a relationship(s), changes in physical and mental health due to chronic illness and life transitions such as moving countries or settling into university or work. Other sub-specialisations of mine include working with anxiety, depression and relational trauma (childhood and adult).
Hello! I’m Tilly – a qualified and accredited psychotherapist, who is captivated by human emotion and behaviour!
In my sessions, I strongly believe in not only revisiting the past (which can be very painful) but also the importance of focusing on the present state and also hopes for the future. I feel passionate about incorporating all three elements of time and feel that this gives a more holistic framework to the therapy. I am an Integrative psychotherapist and also pay particular attention to the connection between mind and body. I believe our bodies tell us alot and that we should listen!
Hello! I’m Tilly – a qualified and accredited psychotherapist, who is captivated by human emotion and behaviour!
In my sessions, I strongly believe in not only revisiting the past (which can be very painful) but also the importance of focusing on the present state and also hopes for the future. I feel passionate about incorporating all three elements of time and feel that this gives a more holistic framework to the therapy. I am an Integrative psychotherapist and also pay particular attention to the connection between mind and body. I believe our bodies tell us alot and that we should listen!
Do you ever feel stuck in your emotions, overwhelmed, or disconnected? You’re not alone. Life can sometimes feel like a struggle, but you don’t have to navigate it on your own. Sessions with me provide a safe, supportive space where your emotions can gently be released, allowing you to move forward with clarity and ease.
I believe in the power and neurological benefit of real human connection, which is why I prioritise face-to-face sessions. In-person therapy creates a space for deeper understanding, warmth, and trust, helping you feel truly seen, heard and supported.
Do you ever feel stuck in your emotions, overwhelmed, or disconnected? You’re not alone. Life can sometimes feel like a struggle, but you don’t have to navigate it on your own. Sessions with me provide a safe, supportive space where your emotions can gently be released, allowing you to move forward with clarity and ease.
I believe in the power and neurological benefit of real human connection, which is why I prioritise face-to-face sessions. In-person therapy creates a space for deeper understanding, warmth, and trust, helping you feel truly seen, heard and supported.
I believe that we all have a deep need to be understood; the feeling that another human being gets it. For some of us, that feeling is all too rare. Without it, our lives can become deeply unfulfilling, painful and hard, and we can feel let down by others, hurt and alone. Sometimes we don't even understand for ourselves why things are so difficult. Perhaps we've become trapped by events of the past, or can’t imagine a new future because the present is so intolerable. Faced with this, we can turn to ways of being that, although they helped initially perhaps, over time just made things worse.
I believe that we all have a deep need to be understood; the feeling that another human being gets it. For some of us, that feeling is all too rare. Without it, our lives can become deeply unfulfilling, painful and hard, and we can feel let down by others, hurt and alone. Sometimes we don't even understand for ourselves why things are so difficult. Perhaps we've become trapped by events of the past, or can’t imagine a new future because the present is so intolerable. Faced with this, we can turn to ways of being that, although they helped initially perhaps, over time just made things worse.
I offer confidential therapy sessions in a safe, non judgemental environment. I believe everyone has the right to fulfil their potential so if something or someone is stopping that together we can work through the issue or reasons why you feel stuck. It can be easy to blame others but sometimes we need to look at ourselves to really see what is going on. The only person guaranteed to always be with you is YOU! so why not be the best possible version of yourself.
I offer confidential therapy sessions in a safe, non judgemental environment. I believe everyone has the right to fulfil their potential so if something or someone is stopping that together we can work through the issue or reasons why you feel stuck. It can be easy to blame others but sometimes we need to look at ourselves to really see what is going on. The only person guaranteed to always be with you is YOU! so why not be the best possible version of yourself.
Positive outcomes in therapy are largely shaped by the quality of the therapist–client relationship. My approach encourages a collaborative process to create lasting change throughout your healing and growth journey. I offer an individualised understanding of what you bring to therapy, and together we set meaningful goals to work toward. I integrate various therapeutic modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, QEEG brain mapping to explore your brain patterns, followed by Neurofeedback to support emotional regulation and balance, helping you uncover the most optimal and authentic version of yourself.
Positive outcomes in therapy are largely shaped by the quality of the therapist–client relationship. My approach encourages a collaborative process to create lasting change throughout your healing and growth journey. I offer an individualised understanding of what you bring to therapy, and together we set meaningful goals to work toward. I integrate various therapeutic modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, QEEG brain mapping to explore your brain patterns, followed by Neurofeedback to support emotional regulation and balance, helping you uncover the most optimal and authentic version of yourself.
I trained in Integrative Psychotherapy at CCPE in London and consult in French and English both as an adult psychotherapist and as a relationship/couples psychotherapist. My approach is dynamic, trauma informed and relational. Trust, integrity and safety are key in establishing a therapeutic alliance which promotes change, growth and healing. I work psychodynamically and creatively to analyse and make meaning of the patterns, core beliefs and relational dynamics that have shaped your existence and your relationships.
I trained in Integrative Psychotherapy at CCPE in London and consult in French and English both as an adult psychotherapist and as a relationship/couples psychotherapist. My approach is dynamic, trauma informed and relational. Trust, integrity and safety are key in establishing a therapeutic alliance which promotes change, growth and healing. I work psychodynamically and creatively to analyse and make meaning of the patterns, core beliefs and relational dynamics that have shaped your existence and your relationships.
I am an accredited OCD specialist with 18 years of professional experience following my own journey with OCD. I train, treat, write, speak about OCD and am a huge advocate of specialised mental healthcare. I believe all clients have the right to this, as they do with physical healthcare. I have developed a NICE-directed, evidence-based CBT protocol for OCD which offers real, effective 3rd generation treatment, delivered with compassion & expertise.
I am an accredited OCD specialist with 18 years of professional experience following my own journey with OCD. I train, treat, write, speak about OCD and am a huge advocate of specialised mental healthcare. I believe all clients have the right to this, as they do with physical healthcare. I have developed a NICE-directed, evidence-based CBT protocol for OCD which offers real, effective 3rd generation treatment, delivered with compassion & expertise.
See more therapy options for W8
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in W8
100+
Average cost per session
£86
Counsellors in W8 who prioritize treating:
| 94% | Anxiety |
| 88% | Depression |
| 88% | Self Esteem |
| 86% | Stress |
| 80% | Relationship Issues |
| 67% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 59% | Bereavement |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 87% | Aviva |
| 68% | AXA PPP |
| 55% | WPA |
How Counsellors in W8 see their clients
| 75% | In Person and Online | |
| 25% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 79% | Female | |
| 21% | Male |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in W8?
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.