Counselling FAQs

Simply type your postcode, town or county into the search box on our site and counsellors, psychotherapists and therapists in your area will appear. If you click on a counsellor's name you can find out more about them, along with their contact details and fees. You can also use the advanced search if you'd like to narrow down your search. This allows you to filter the results by type of therapy, type of session, what's worrying you and by keyword.

Psychotherapy is a broad term used to describe talking therapies, including counselling. Both counsellors and psychotherapists provide a service for those looking for support and treatment for a wide range of mental health and emotional concerns. Some claim that counselling tends to tackle problems at the time of the crisis, whereas psychotherapy focuses on longer-term psychological problems. Additionally, psychotherapists often use other methods alongside talking therapies, for example, art, music and movement therapy. Whether you choose a counsellor or psychotherapist, the most important thing is that you choose the right individual for you. How you connect with the counsellor or psychotherapist you choose can make an impact on how successful the treatment is.

The terms counselling and therapy have become used interchangeably in recent years. The NHS states that counselling is a talking therapy involving a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues. 'Counselling' and 'therapy' are often used to mean the same thing but, generally, counsellors look at specific issues over a short time period, whilst therapists may go 'deeper', with treatment typically over a longer period of time. It is common for counselling to be referred to as 'therapy' and vice-versa. Equally, counsellors may utilise elements of therapy and therapists may counsel.

There are many different terms to describe professionals working in mental health - each helping in different ways: Psychiatrist: A medical doctor who specialises in mental illness, covering diagnosis, management and prevention. They can prescribe medication and assist in medical treatment. Psychologist: Studies the human mind and the way we think, act and behave. Most psychologists are either research-oriented or applied (working directly with patients). Psychotherapist: Works with clients to help them overcome emotional, social and mental health issues through talk therapies. Counsellor: Uses psychotherapy to help clients develop understanding and insight into their behaviours and feelings, to overcome difficulties. Understanding the key differences between these professionals should help you decide which one is right for you.

Psychological therapies generally fall into the following categories: • Cognitive and behavioural therapies - Focus on cognitions and behaviours • Psychoanalytical and psychodynamic therapies - Focus on unconscious relationship patterns that evolved from childhood • Humanistic therapies - Focus on self-development in the 'here and now' • Arts therapies - Use creative arts within the therapeutic process • Couples counselling - Looks to resolve issues experienced by couples • Trauma-focused therapies - Including EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and trauma-informed CBT Read more about the different types of therapy on our Types of Therapy page.

Only you can decide whether you want to try counselling or psychotherapy, but if you are struggling to cope and are finding day-to-day life difficult, you may benefit from professional help. Just talking to someone confidentially who is not a friend or family member can make all the difference. Counselling provides a regular time for you to explore your feelings and talk about any problems you're experiencing. A counsellor can help you develop better ways of coping, allowing you to move forward and get the most out of life. There's no 'right' time to start therapy - if you feel it could help, it's worth exploring.

All profiles displaying our verification badge have been verified using our stringent approvals policy - this means we've checked that they're registered and/or accredited by a relevant professional body. By choosing a therapist registered with a professional body you can be reassured that they have met the standards of training and experience required by that organisation. Most professional bodies will also have a Code of Ethics and a complaints process to follow if things don't work out as planned. When you choose a counsellor who meets professional standards, you have confidence that your therapist has studied, meets recognised standards, and participates in ongoing professional development.

There are various professional bodies (also known as member organisations) in existence that have taken on the role of self-regulation of counselling and psychotherapy. Whilst counsellors and psychotherapists are under no legal obligation to become a member of a professional body, membership will mean they have met certain requirements set by their professional body and must abide by a code of ethics and complaints procedure. In the UK, key professional bodies include the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy), and NCS (National Counselling Society).

There are currently no laws in the UK regarding counselling and psychotherapy. However, guidelines recommend that, to practise, counsellors should have completed at least an appropriate diploma, or completed a course that was a minimum of 400 hours of therapy training. Most reputable counsellors will have completed recognised qualifications and will be registered with a professional body. When choosing a counsellor, it's worth asking about their training background and any specialisations they may have.

Each session will usually last 50 minutes or one hour depending on your chosen counsellor or psychotherapist. However, this is often flexible and should be discussed with your therapist before attending the first session. Some therapists may offer longer sessions for specific types of therapy, such as EMDR or intensive trauma work. The length and frequency of sessions will be agreed between you and your therapist based on your individual needs.

Many counsellors and psychotherapists offer weekly sessions, however, this can vary depending on the type of therapy and your personal requirements. Some people prefer fortnightly sessions, while others may benefit from more intensive support initially before reducing frequency. Your counsellor will work with you to determine the best schedule for your needs.

The counsellors and psychotherapists listed on our directory are typically private therapists and will usually charge for sessions. You can find out how much each charges by having a look at the 'Fees' section on their profile page. We also list charities and some counsellors and organisations offer schemes where you can get free or reduced sessions, depending on your circumstances. If you go to your GP, school or employee assisted programme (EAP) at work, counselling sessions can be free of charge, but you will need to check this with them directly.

Fees often depend on different factors, including the experience of the therapist and the type of session. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between £40 - £100 per 50-minute session. Some therapists will offer initial consultations for free, and some offer concessions for the unemployed, students or those on a low income, so it's always worth asking for clarity. If you have any questions regarding the cost of counselling, reach out to the counsellor you want to work with and ask them more. They'll be happy to explain how it all works and what the cost involves.

Choosing a counsellor may seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some questions to ask yourself: • Would I recommend them to a friend? • Where are they operating from? Does it look professional? • Are they making me feel uncomfortable? • Are they promising the impossible? • Do I trust them? • Do I feel comfortable? • Can a trustworthy person or organisation vouch for them? • Can I see their credentials? • Are they qualified? The most important factor is finding someone you feel comfortable talking to openly.

Yes, lots of counsellors and psychotherapists offer online and telephone counselling if you'd rather not see them face to face. Online therapy has become increasingly popular and can be just as effective as in-person sessions for many people. It offers flexibility and convenience, especially if you have mobility issues, live in a remote area, or have a busy schedule. To search for a counsellor or psychotherapist offering this service, use our search filters to select 'Online' or 'Telephone' sessions.

Yes, counselling is confidential. What you discuss with your counsellor stays between you and them. This confidentiality is essential for building trust and allowing you to speak openly. However, there are some rare exceptions where a counsellor may need to break confidentiality, such as if there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, or if required by law. Your counsellor will explain their confidentiality policy during your first session. All counsellors registered with professional bodies are bound by strict ethical guidelines regarding confidentiality.

Your first session is usually an opportunity for you and your counsellor to get to know each other. The counsellor will likely ask you about what's brought you to therapy and what you hope to achieve. They'll explain how they work, discuss confidentiality, and answer any questions you have. This is also your chance to see if you feel comfortable with them - it's okay to decide they're not the right fit. There's no pressure to share everything in the first session. Therapy is a gradual process, and your counsellor will work at a pace that feels right for you.

If you're worried about someone else's mental health then you're probably wondering what you can do to help. It can be very difficult to talk about mental health and suggest counselling. Some tips for supporting someone: • Listen without judgement • Let them know you're there for them • Encourage them to seek professional help • Offer to help them find a counsellor • Look after your own wellbeing too Visit our 'Worried About Someone' page for more detailed guidance on how to approach this sensitive subject.

That's totally fine - we're here to help. Browse our website for more information, and if you can't find what you're looking for, you can contact us directly. You can also reach out to individual counsellors listed on our directory - they're usually happy to answer questions about their services before you book. Remember, there's no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your mental health and wellbeing.