What it is
Counselling and psychotherapy are structured, confidential conversations with a trained practitioner. Sessions usually last around 50 minutes, weekly or fortnightly, in person or online. Counselling often focuses on a current difficulty; psychotherapy tends to work over a longer period and with deeper patterns.
Who may find it useful
- Low mood, anxiety, stress or burnout that is affecting daily life
- Bereavement, relationship difficulty or a major life change
- Long-standing patterns you would like to understand better
- People who want a confidential space outside friends and family
What it provides
- A confidential, non-judgemental space to talk
- Structured approaches such as CBT, person-centred or integrative therapy
- Agreed goals and a review of whether therapy is helping
What it does not provide
- Medical diagnosis or prescriptions — that is your GP or a psychiatrist
- Emergency or crisis care
- Advice on legal or financial matters
How to choose a provider in the UK
- Start with your GP if you are unsure — NHS talking therapies can be self-referred in England.
- Check the practitioner is registered with a recognised UK body and ask what that registration covers.
- Ask about their experience with your particular difficulty rather than their qualifications alone.
- Most therapists offer a short introductory call — use it to judge whether you feel comfortable.
Registration worth checking
Ask any practitioner directly and check the relevant public register yourself. A listing on Happy As Life is not proof of registration.
- BACP — British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy — public register searchable online.
- UKCP — UK Council for Psychotherapy — register of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors.
- NCPS — National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society — accredited register.
- BABCP — Relevant if you are specifically looking for accredited CBT.
Sensible questions to ask
- Which professional body are you registered with, and what is your membership number?
- What approach do you use, and why might it suit what I have described?
- How many sessions do people usually have, and how will we review progress?
- What are your fees, cancellation terms and waiting time?
UK providers listed with us
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