Why do people choose counselling?
According to the BACP, around a third of us (35%) have had counselling at some point in our lives. People choose counselling for many different reasons. You might need help with a specific issue, like relationship problems, anxiety, or a bereavement. You might feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure why things seem harder now. Or you might want space to reflect and someone to talk to.
Counselling provides a private space. You can speak freely with a professional about what’s bothering you, at your own pace. A counsellor doesn't tell you what to do or provide all the answers. Instead, they help you explore your thoughts and feelings. They can help you spot unhelpful patterns, gain insight, and discover coping strategies that work for you.
Is counselling the same as therapy and psychotherapy?
The terms counselling, therapy, and psychotherapy are often used interchangeably. This can, understandably, be confusing. Counselling and therapy usually help with specific issues and are often short-term. Psychotherapy is often used to describe exploring deeper or long-standing patterns and experiences.
There are often significant overlaps between counselling and psychotherapy. Both are types of talking therapy. They can help with many issues like stress, anxiety, worry, and depression. Both counselling and psychotherapy create a space where you can share how you are feeling in a confidential setting.
But which is right for you? What matters most is choosing a trained professional you trust. Look for someone with experience in the concerns, experiences, and diagnoses you need help with. It's important to feel comfortable opening up to them.
What can counselling help with?
Counselling can help with many different emotional and mental health concerns. It’s important to remember that you don’t need to be at ‘breaking point’ or to have a specific diagnosis to work with a counsellor. Counselling can be helpful for many people. It supports specific issues and provides a space for those feeling stuck or uncertain. It's also a chance to talk to someone without fear of being judged.
Some of the common reasons why people speak with a counsellor include to help with:
- anxiety, depression, stress, and low mood
- low self-esteem, confidence, and loneliness
- bereavement, grief, and loss
- trauma and abuse
- addiction and compulsive behaviours
- relationship difficulties (romantic or family)
- coping with illness or caring responsibilities
- sleep issues
Around seven in 10 UK adults who have tried counselling find that it is helpful. Three in four would recommend it to anyone looking for mental health support to improve their well-being.
What types of counselling and therapy are available?
There are many different approaches to counselling. Different types of therapy and types of mental health professionals can offer various help, support, and guidance.
Some therapeutic approaches are more commonly used or known about than others. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is often used by the NHS. It can help you recognise, challenge, and change negative thoughts and behaviour patterns.
Psychodynamic therapy explores unconscious meanings, motivations, and past relationships, often from your childhood, that might be affecting how you are feeling or behaving now, and helps foster better self-awareness to help you make lasting changes.
Humanistic therapies often focus on self-actualisation, personal growth, and personal responsibility, rather than focusing on individual problems or symptoms.
Mindfulness-based therapies integrate mindfulness with psychotherapy to help promote awareness of the moment and to change your relationship with difficult thoughts, emotions, and sensations.
How does counselling work?
Each counsellor offers different ways of working, tailoring their support to best meet your needs. Generally speaking, counselling is an ongoing process, rather than a quick fix. You may have sessions weekly, biweekly, or monthly, typically lasting around 50-60 minutes. The length of time you work with a counsellor can range from a few short sessions over the space of weeks to working with a counsellor over months or years.
The type of therapy, your goals, the severity of the issues, and the individual bond between yourself and your therapist all influence how your sessions will work and what these may look like. You might work with a therapist short-term (typically 6-12 sessions), medium-term (3-6 months), or longer-term (over a year).
Counsellor Disree Shaw explains the benefits of counselling in this short video.
Talking about your experiences and how you feel may seem uncomfortable at first. Some people feel emotionally drained after sessions. But, over time, many see the benefits of counselling. These can include:
- feeling like you understand yourself better
- developing new, improved coping strategies
- increased confidence and resilience
- noticing improvements in your mental health and well-being
- seeing benefits in your relationships
- feeling more satisfied in life
Is counselling confidential?
Counselling sessions with a trained, qualified counsellor or therapist are confidential. What you share with your counsellor is private, allowing you the space to speak openly and freely about how you are feeling. Trust is an important part of the therapeutic relationship.
There are times when a counsellor may need to break confidentiality. If they feel that there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, for safeguarding reasons, or if it is required by law. Your counsellor should explain how confidentiality works during your first session with them, so you can better understand what to expect.
What happens in your first counselling session?
It’s normal to feel nervous before your first session. Knowing what to expect can be a big help. Usually, your counsellor will start by asking questions about what’s brought you to counselling and what you hope to gain. You can talk about what's been troubling you, your current situation and relationships, and any emotional or physical symptoms you're experiencing.
Your counsellor may ask questions to help them understand more about you and your goals, and explain the approaches they use and how sessions work. You don’t have to share anything before you feel ready. Not everyone starts therapy with a clear goal in mind, and that’s OK. You don’t need to have everything figured out – your therapist is there to help you begin.
Counselling is a professional relationship with clear boundaries, designed to help you feel safe and supported. During your first session, your counsellor should explain how confidentiality works, what to expect from sessions, and any practical details – such as session length, fees, and cancellation policies. This helps build trust and ensures you both understand how you will work together. If anything feels unclear or uncomfortable at any point, it’s OK to ask questions or talk this through with your counsellor.
How long does counselling take?
There is no set number of sessions or length of time that counselling takes. Some people attend for a few sessions to work on a specific issue, while others choose more long-term support. The length really depends on what you are seeking help for, the type of counselling used, and your goals.
How can I access counselling?
Counselling is available in different formats. This means you have the flexibility to have counselling fit around your needs, lifestyle, and schedule. Counsellors may offer a number of different session types, including:
- face-to-face
- telephone
- online or video call
You can work with a counsellor one-on-one, or as part of a group. Some counsellors offer sessions in a dedicated therapy room, while others may offer to come to you.
Is counselling available via the NHS?
Counselling is available through the NHS for a range of issues. While counselling can help with many different worries and concerns, at the moment, the NHS offers counselling for a limited number of mental health conditions. These include depression and anxiety. You can access talk therapy through speaking with your GP to ask for a referral, or going online and self-referring to NHS talking therapies sessions.
The types of therapy available on the NHS vary depending on what you need it for and what is available in your area. You can also access free counselling through some employee assistance programmes, through school or university, as well as through some charities and helplines. Some private therapists offer concessions.
How do I choose the right counsellor?
Finding the right counsellor for you is important. If you are looking to find a counsellor, it can be helpful to find out more about:
- their training and experience
- whether they are registered with a professional body
- their experience with the specific area of concern you are looking for support with
It can also be helpful to reflect after speaking with a counsellor to ask yourself how you feel following your conversation, if you felt comfortable, listened to, and understood. It’s ok to ask questions or to try speaking with a different counsellor if you aren’t quite sure you have found the right fit.
Are counsellors qualified?
In the UK, counsellors, psychotherapists, and therapists are not legally protected or regulated titles. This means that anyone with or without training can use these titles. However, there are professional bodies that individual counsellors, psychotherapists and therapists can sign up for. These professional bodies set out guidelines for training, ethics, and continued professional development.
Choosing a registered professional can offer reassurance that your counsellor meets recognised standards and works within a clear, ethical framework.
Find out more about professional counselling and psychotherapist bodies in the UK.
How much does counselling cost?
Private counselling fees vary depending on the counsellor, location, and type of session. Some counsellors offer concessions or free introductory calls. Free counselling may also be available through the NHS, charities, your workplace, or educational settings.
How do I know if counselling is right for me?
If you are finding life difficult to manage, are feeling emotionally overwhelmed or want space to talk things through, counselling may help. You don’t need to wait until things feel unmanageable. Counselling can be a positive, empowering step towards better emotional well-being.
Ready to take the next steps?
If you are considering counselling, you can search for a qualified, experienced counsellor, therapist, or psychotherapist online or in your local area using Counselling Directory. Use our advanced search to find professionals online and near you.
