Online counselling, your questions answered

Online counselling is talking therapy that takes place over a secure video call instead of in a room. You still work with a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist who helps you explore your feelings, understand what you're going through and make changes in your life — you just do it from home.

There's growing evidence that online therapy is at least as effective as traditional face-to-face counselling for many people. What matters most is feeling heard and understood, and that's just as possible over video.

It suits people who are comfortable using a phone, tablet or computer and who value convenience — for example if you're busy, work long hours, have childcare to juggle, live somewhere rural, or find travelling to appointments difficult. It also means you're not limited to therapists who live nearby.

Yes. The bond with your therapist is one of the most important parts of counselling, and it's built on feeling emotionally safe, accepted and cared for. All of that can be created on a video call.

Every therapist is vetted by Kay, who runs our private practice. Counsellors are interviewed and must pass Kay's interview to join us, and we check their qualifications, insurance and professional registration. We only work with therapists who have the right experience, knowledge and compassion to support our clients.

After your first session you'll usually have a good sense of whether you feel comfortable with your therapist. If it doesn't feel right, just let us know and we'll talk about other options. Bear in mind that progress takes time, so you may not see results straight away.

Our therapists draw on a range of approaches including CBT, psychodynamic therapy, person-centred counselling and integrative counselling. We'll help you find the approach that suits you.

We use Zoom, WhatsApp or FaceTime — whichever gives you the best connection and feels most comfortable for you.

A private, quiet space where you won't be overheard, and ideally a laptop, computer or tablet with a working camera and microphone. If you're using your phone, rest it on a flat surface rather than holding it. It helps to check everything works before your session.

You and your therapist will take a moment to make sure you can see and hear each other and that the camera is in a comfortable position. Your therapist will also explain what to do if the connection drops.

Everyone is different, so the length of therapy varies from person to person. As we're a private practice, you can have as much or as little therapy as feels right for you.

Yes. There are only a handful of reasons we may have to break confidentiality — such as illegal activity, or a risk of harm to yourself or others. Apart from these, everything you share in your sessions stays confidential.

Individual counselling is £85 for 50 minutes, or £110 with Kay. Couples counselling is £130 for 50 minutes and family counselling is £180 for 75 minutes. See our fees page for full details.

We can usually offer you an appointment within a few days of your enquiry. Appointments are available 7 days a week.

Because your time slot is reserved just for you each week, we need at least 24 hours' notice to change or cancel an appointment. More details are in our terms & conditions.

Yes. Our terms set out all the boundaries of your sessions. You'll find them in your confirmation email, or you can read them here.

We're not able to provide crisis support. If you're in danger or feel unable to keep yourself safe, call 999, or contact Samaritans free, day or night, on 116 123. Our crisis support page lists more places that can help.