Find the right counsellor or therapist for you.

Finding the right therapist is usually about fit (the relationship), practicalities (location, price, availability) and specialism (what you want help with).

• Start with your goal: stress, anxiety, low mood, relationship issues, confidence, trauma, grief, etc.
• Use search filters: choose online or in person, add your location, then refine by style of support and preferences.
• Check credentials: look for verified professionals and relevant training/experience.
• Shortlist 2–3 therapists: compare profiles, approach, and what a first session looks like.
• Book an initial session: after 1–2 sessions you should feel heard, safe, and clear on next steps.

If you’re unsure where to begin, try the symptom checker to explore therapy options that commonly help with what you’re experiencing.

Both online and in-person therapy can be effective. The best option often depends on your lifestyle, comfort level and what feels easiest to maintain consistently.

• Online therapy: convenient, flexible, and accessible from home—ideal if you travel, have childcare needs, or prefer privacy.
• In-person therapy: can feel more grounded and structured—helpful if you value a dedicated space away from daily life.
• Hybrid: some people mix both, depending on availability and preference.

Use the session toggle on the homepage to choose Online or In person, then search by location to view therapists who match.

Our search helps you quickly narrow down therapists based on what matters most to you.

• Select session type: choose Online or In person.
• Add your location: enter a postcode, town or county to find local options.
• Explore profiles: review specialties, approach, availability and what to expect in a first session.

If you don’t know what type of therapy to choose, the symptom checker can guide you toward common therapy approaches for your needs.

The symptom checker is a guided way to explore therapy options based on what you’re feeling or struggling with. Instead of starting with a therapy name, you start with your experience.

• Choose symptoms or concerns: for example anxiety, burnout, panic, low mood, intrusive thoughts, relationship stress or grief.
• See suggested therapy approaches: based on common clinical fit and how different therapies typically help.
• Search for therapists: once you’ve found an approach that resonates, you can search for therapists who offer that type of support.

This is especially useful if you’re new to therapy and want a clearer starting point.

Choosing a qualified therapist matters. Look for signs of professional training, clear ethics and a transparent way of working.

• Verified professional status: profiles should indicate professional verification.
• Relevant experience: check they work with your concerns (e.g. anxiety, trauma, relationships, stress).
• Clear boundaries: you should see information on confidentiality, session structure and fees.
• Comfort and trust: a good therapist helps you feel safe, respected and listened to.

If anything feels unclear, it’s okay to ask questions before booking your first session.

Asking a few practical questions can help you feel confident you’re choosing the right person.

• What’s your approach? Ask how they typically work and what sessions are like.
• Do you have experience with my issue? Share the key themes you want support with.
• How long are sessions and how often? Agree a realistic schedule.
• What are the fees and cancellation policy? Make sure it fits your budget and routine.
• How will we measure progress? A good therapist can explain what “improvement” could look like.

Use search to shortlist a few therapists, then compare how clearly they explain their way of working.

Start times depend on therapist availability and the session type you choose.

• Online therapy can sometimes start sooner due to wider availability.
• In-person therapy may depend on local availability near your postcode or town.
• Flexibility helps: being open to different days/times can speed things up.

Use search to view therapists and check their availability details. If you’re in urgent distress, contact emergency services or a crisis line in your area.

A first session is usually about understanding what brings you to therapy and deciding how you’ll work together.

• Exploring your situation: what’s been happening and what you want to change.
• Background and context: relevant history, relationships, work, health and stressors.
• Agreeing next steps: goals, session frequency and the therapist’s recommended approach.
• Space to ask questions: confidentiality, boundaries and what to do between sessions.

It’s normal to feel nervous. Many people leave the first session feeling relieved and clearer about what support could look like.

Yes—changing therapists is common and completely okay. The most important factor in therapy is that you feel safe, understood and able to be honest.

• Give it a little time: some nerves are normal, but you should still feel respected.
• Talk about it: a good therapist will welcome feedback and adjust where possible.
• Switch if needed: if the fit isn’t right, use search to find another therapist that better matches your needs.

Using the symptom checker can also help you reassess which therapy approaches might suit you best.

Therapy is confidential in most situations, but there can be exceptions depending on the therapist’s professional obligations and local safeguarding laws.

• Most sessions are private: what you share stays between you and your therapist.
• Exceptions may apply: for example if there’s a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or where disclosure is legally required.
• Clarity matters: your therapist should explain confidentiality and any limits in your first session.

If confidentiality is a concern for you, ask about it before booking so you feel fully informed.