Frequently Asked Questions

How do I search for a counsellor or psychotherapist?

Simply type your postcode, town or county into the search box on the right of this page and counsellors and psychotherapists in your area will appear. If you click on a counsellors name you can find out more about them, along with their contact details and fees. You'll notice some organisations are listed below the individual counsellors too, some of which may also be able to offer you support.

You can also use the Advanced Search if you'd like to narrow down your search. The refine search allows you to filter the results by type of distress, type of therapy, type of session and by keyword.

What is counselling/psychotherapy?

Though most people will be aware of the term 'counselling', you may have come across the term 'psychotherapy' and differentiating between these terms is useful when understanding which therapy will be best suited to you. Both counselling and psychotherapy involve talking to someone who is trained to listen and there is no definitive distinction between counselling and psychotherapy. However, 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.

However the main factor that usually determines how successful the therapy is does not lie with the technique used, but with the actual counsellor or psychotherapist. How you connect with the counsellor or psychotherapist you choose is likely to determine how successful the treatment is. It is also helpful to have a little knowledge on the different therapies that may be used when deciding upon a counsellor or psychotherapist. There are many different therapies that can be used by counsellors and psychotherapists, some involve looking at past relationships and experiences to make sense of them, and others involve looking at the 'here and now'.

What are the different therapies used?

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 and psychotherapy usually overlaps some of these techniques.

How do I know if I need counselling/psychotherapy?

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

How many people in the UK have counselling or psychotherapy?

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. Visit the counselling statistics page to find out more.

Are counsellors or psychotherapists regulated?

Counsellors and psychotherapists are not currently regulated in the UK. However, in February 2007, the Government published a White Paper on the future of regulation that stated “The government is planning to introduce statutory regulation for psychotherapists and counsellors. Psychotherapists and counsellors will be regulated by the Health Professions Council”.

The Health Professions Council (HPC) is currently reviewing how regulation will be possible, and the final decision on this will be one for the Government. Therefore it is likely to be some time before the regulation occurs.

How can I be assured of a practitioners' professionalism?

If you see the seal to the left, 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 or psychotherapist we would suggest choosing a registered/accredited counsellor or psychotherapist on our site. This way you know they are part of an organisation that offers a code of ethics and a complaints procedure.

What is registration/accreditation with a professional body?

Lots of counsellors and psychotherapists are members of a professional body. Professional bodies ensure counsellors and psychotherapists work to certain standards of good practice as a professional.

Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation. At the bottom of each profile on Counselling Directory, you will be able to see which counsellors are members of a professional body, and which are registered/accredited with their professional body.

Visit the Professional Bodies page for more information.

What training, qualifications and experience should counsellors and psychotherapists have?

There are currently no laws in the UK regarding counselling and psychotherapy. However guidelines recommend that, in order to practice, counsellors should have completed at least an appropriate diploma or completed a minimum of 400 hours therapy training. View the What training, qualifications and experience should counsellors/psychotherapists have? page to find out specific details.

How long does each counselling sessions last?

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.

How regularly will I see my counsellor or psychotherapist?

Many counsellors and psychotherapists offer weekly sessions, however this can vary depending on the type of therapy and your personal requirements.

Do I have to pay for counselling sessions?

All the counsellors and psychotherapists listed on Counselling Directory are 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 individual profile page.

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 and psychotherapists may offer initial sessions free or reductions for the unemployed or those on a low income, so it's always worth asking.

If you go to your GP, school or a charitable organisation, some sessions are often free of charge, but you will need to check this with them directly.

How do I know which counsellor or psychotherapist to choose?

Counselling Directory lists many counsellors and psychotherapists from all over the UK and deciding which to choose may seem daunting. Read our 'Find' section on the Not sure where to start? page.

Can I have counselling by email or telephone?

Lots of counsellors and psychotherapists offer online, email and telephone counselling if you'd rather not see them face to face. To search for a counsellor or psychotherapist offering this service, use or Online, Email and Telephone Search.

Do counsellors offer any seminars, workshops or events?

Many counsellors and psychotherapists offer seminars, workshops and events and would encourage you to go along. Visit our Events page to find out details of any near you.

How can I find out more about counselling and psychotherapy?

Many counsellors and psychotherapists listed on our site provide information and advice articles, which you may find useful. You may also be interested in the history of counselling and psychotherapy, personal experiences of counselling and psychotherapy, useful charities and our News section.