Frequently Asked Questions

What is Counselling/Psychotherapy?

In general, counselling is a talking therapy which allows individuals to deal with specific life issues, whereas psychotherapy is used to deal with 'deeper' issues, most commonly with those whose past experiences are still causing them distress. It may be helpful to think of counselling and psychotherapy as being at either ends of a scale. At one end would be brief counselling to deal with a specific problem, at the other end would be intense psychotherapy to deal with deep rooted problems. Find out more >>

What are the different approaches to counselling?

Psychological therapies generally fall into three categories. These are behavioural therapies, which focus on cognitions and behaviours, psychoanalytical and psychodynamic therapies, which focus on the unconscious relationship patterns that evolved from childhood, and humanistic therapies, which focus on looking at the 'here and now'. This is a generalisation though and counselling usually overlaps some of these techniques. Find out more >>

How do I know if I need counselling?

Only you can decide whether you wish to try counselling. Just talking to someone confidentially who is not a friend or family member can make all the difference. Counselling provides a regular time for those in distress to explore their feelings and talk about their problems. A counsellor should help you develop better ways of coping, allowing you to live the life you deserve. To find out more about specific types of distress click here.

How many people in the UK have counselling?

The figures are uncertain, however, the number of qualified counsellors has tripled in the last 10 years to keep up with demand. There are millions of people all over the world affected by mental health problems. Those who do not experience some form of mental distress at some time during their lives are probably fairly unusual and extremely lucky. Find out more >>

How can I be assured of the counsellors' professionalism?

If you see the seal, it means Counselling Directory has seen a relevant qualification and insurance cover OR proof of registration with a professional body. Please read our Counselling Directory Policy page for details.

If you are wary about visiting a counsellor/psychotherapist we would suggest choosing an accredited/registered counsellor on our site. This way you know they are part of an organisation that offers a code of ethics and a complaints procedure. To find out about registration/accreditation please click here.

How do I know which counsellor to choose?

Counselling Directory lists many counsellors from all over the UK and deciding which to choose may seem daunting. Here's a quick guide to using the website:

1. Location
   Use the search on the homepage to select a list of counsellors/psychotherapists in your town or region (you may also search by region and type of distress). It's often best to select a counsellor/psychotherapist relatively near to where you live to ensure you stay committed to the sessions. However you may feel more comfortable visiting a therapist away from your home town so the choice is yours.
   
   
2. Type of counselling
   Read each profile page to see how much experience the counsellor/psychotherapist has in the area of counselling you'd like to have. Some may specialise in a certain area, however the majority of counsellors/psychotherapists listed on the website offer counselling for a variety of areas. If you are unsure which area of counselling you need, have a look at our types of distress page first.
   
   
3. Registration/accreditation
   Decide if you'd rather see a counsellor/psychotherapist that is registered/accredited with a professional body. Counsellors/psychotherapists who are registered/accredited with a professional body will make this clear on their profile. See the registration/accreditation page for more information about what this means.
   
   
4. Qualifications
   You may want to know how qualified the counsellor/psychotherapist is; details of different qualifications can be found on the what training, qualifications and experience should counsellors/psychotherapists have? page.
   
   
5. Counselling approaches
   Counsellors/psychotherapists have different approaches/styles to counselling. Although all can be effective, you may find one approach more appealing than another, or find that some approaches are better for a certain area of counselling/psychotherapy than others. Read our page on counselling approaches page to find out more.
   
   
6. Fees
   Fees may be important to your decision. Fees can range from free (some charities or organisations sometimes offer free counselling) up to around £90 per 50 minute session. Fees often depend on the location (e.g. London will usually be more expensive) and the experience of the counsellor/psychotherapist. On average, expect to pay about £35 - £45 per 50 minute session. Some counsellors/psychotherapists may offer initial sessions free or reductions for the unemployed or those on a low income, so it's always worth asking.
   
   
7. Full profiles
   The reason each counsellor/psychotherapist has an entire web page to display their profile is so you can get a feel for their background and personality - the more comfortable you feel with your therapist, the more successful the therapy will usually be. You may also want to think about whether you'd be more comfortable with a male or female, and consider how important it may be for them to speak a different language.
   
   
8. Final decision
   Remember, counselling/psychotherapy is an important step forward for you so take your time, read about as many counsellors/psychotherapists as you wish before deciding upon one that best suits your individual needs. You may also want to contact a number of therapists before making your final decision. The most important thing is that you are comfortable with your choice and feel you can tell your counsellor/psychotherapist anything.