What is psychotherapy, and is it right for you?
Psychotherapy is a talking therapy that helps you understand your feelings, thoughts and behaviour at a deeper level, so you can make lasting changes. If the word sounds a bit intimidating, don't worry. This guide explains it in plain terms.
- Qualified, vetted therapists
- Evening & weekend sessions
- Talk from home
Talking, understanding and lasting change
Psychotherapy is a form of talking therapy where you work with a trained psychotherapist to explore emotional and psychological difficulties. Through regular conversations, you come to understand what's driving how you feel and behave, and find healthier ways of living and relating to others.
It's often used for emotional and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and relationship problems. It can also help with the emotional side of physical health conditions, like the stress of living with long-term pain or the shock of a difficult diagnosis.
Psychotherapy isn't about being told what to do. It's a collaborative process, built on a trusting relationship between you and your therapist, where you're the expert on your own life.
There's more than one way to do it
Psychotherapy is an umbrella term. Different approaches suit different people and problems. Here are some of the main ones.
Psychodynamic
Explores how unconscious feelings and early experiences shape your life now. Learn more about psychodynamic therapy.
Cognitive behavioural
Focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings and actions, with practical tools for change. Read what CBT is.
Humanistic
Centres on your potential for growth, with a warm, accepting relationship at its core. See humanistic therapy.
Integrative
Blends different approaches to suit you as an individual. Find out about integrative counselling.
How psychotherapy differs from counselling
The two overlap a lot, and many therapists offer both. Broadly speaking, counselling tends to focus on a current problem and can be shorter term. Psychotherapy usually goes deeper, looking at long-standing patterns and where they came from, and often continues for longer.
In practice, what you'll experience is similar: regular 50-minute sessions with a qualified professional, in a confidential space. Your therapist will start by getting to know you and what you'd like to change, then you'll work together at a pace that feels right.
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 psychotherapy
Your first session is mostly about getting to know each other. Your therapist will ask what's brought you, what's been happening and what you'd like to be different. There's no pressure to share everything at once.
It depends on your needs. Some people come for a few months, others work with a therapist for a year or more to explore deeper patterns. You'll review progress together and you're never locked in.
Yes. Research suggests online therapy can be as effective as face-to-face sessions for many common difficulties. We offer online sessions by secure video, WhatsApp or FaceTime.
No. You can contact us directly. If you're finding things very hard, it's still worth seeing your GP too, as they can talk to you about other support that might help.
You don't have to work it out alone. On your call back, we'll talk about what you're looking for and match you with a therapist whose approach suits you.
You'll find our current prices on our fees page. Sessions last 50 minutes.
Take the first step towards change
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.