What is counselling, and how can it help you?
Counselling is a talking therapy where a trained professional listens, without judging, and helps you make sense of what you're going through. If you've never tried it before, it's natural to wonder what it actually involves. Here's a plain guide.
- Qualified, vetted therapists
- Evening & weekend sessions
- Talk from home
A safe space to talk things through
Counselling is a type of talking therapy. You meet regularly with a trained counsellor, in a private and confidential space, to talk about whatever is troubling you. The counsellor listens carefully, helps you explore your thoughts and feelings, and supports you to find your own way forward.
A counsellor isn't there to tell you what to do or to judge you. They're not a friend or family member with their own opinions and history either. That's exactly what makes counselling different: it's time that is entirely about you.
Counselling can help with almost anything, from a specific problem like a breakup, bereavement or stress at work, to a general sense that life doesn't feel right. You don't need to be in crisis, and you don't need a diagnosis, to benefit.
How counselling can change your life
Putting feelings into words is powerful. Here are some of the ways counselling can make a real difference.
Lighter
Feelings that are bottled up tend to grow. Saying them out loud to someone who really listens can bring genuine relief.
Clearer
Talking helps untangle thoughts that feel jumbled. You start to see your situation, and your options, more clearly.
Stronger
Counselling helps you understand your patterns and build ways of coping, so you feel more able to handle what life brings.
More connected
As you understand yourself better, relationships with others often improve too.
What to expect from counselling
Sessions usually last 50 minutes and happen at the same time each week. In the first session your counsellor will get to know you, explain how they work and talk about what you'd like to get from counselling. After that, you decide what to bring. Some weeks you might talk about something specific, other weeks just how you've been feeling.
Everything you say is kept confidential. The only rare exceptions are if your counsellor believes you or someone else is at serious risk of harm, and they'll explain this at the start. You might also wonder about counselling vs psychotherapy: the two overlap a lot, but psychotherapy is often longer term and goes deeper. Our guide to what psychotherapy is explains more.
Starting is simpler than you think
Reaching out is often the hardest part. From there, we'll guide you through each step.
Get in touch
Fill in our short contact form and tell us the best time to call. Share as much or as little as you like.
We'll call you
We'll ring at the time you chose for a relaxed, no-pressure chat about what's going on and what you'd like help with.
Start your sessions
We'll match you with a therapist who suits you and send a secure video link. Then you just log on.
Common questions about counselling
They overlap a great deal and the words are often used interchangeably. Counselling tends to focus on current problems and can be shorter term, while psychotherapy often explores deeper, longer-standing patterns. Both involve talking with a trained professional.
Yes. We offer online counselling by secure video, WhatsApp or FaceTime. Many people find it easier to open up from home, and it saves travel time.
Yes. Your counsellor won't share what you say, except in rare situations where there's a serious risk to you or someone else. They'll explain this clearly in your first session.
It varies. Some people find six to eight sessions enough, others prefer longer-term support. You'll review how things are going with your counsellor, and you're never locked in.
Just fill in our contact form. We'll reply within 24 hours, call you at a time you choose, and match you with a counsellor who suits you.
You'll find our current prices on our fees page. Sessions last 50 minutes.
Ready to talk to someone?
Send us a message and we'll get back to you within 24 hours to arrange a call at a time that suits you.
Opening hours
- Monday – Friday9:00 – 20:00
- Saturday10:00 – 15:00
- Sunday10:00 – 15:00
We can't offer crisis support. If you're in danger or feel unable to keep yourself safe, call 999 or go to A&E. You can call Samaritans free, day or night, on 116 123, or NHS 111 (option 2 for mental health). See our crisis support page for more.