Counsellors
What counsellors do, how they are registered in the UK, how to check a registration, and NHS and private routes. General information only, not personal advice.
What Counsellors Do
Counselling offers a safe, confidential space to talk with a trained professional about what is troubling you. A Counsellor listens without judgement and helps you explore your thoughts, feelings and patterns — they will not usually give advice or tell you what to do, but help you find your own way forward or ways of coping. People come for many reasons: anxiety, low mood, loss, relationship difficulties, stress at work, or a sense that something does not feel right. You might meet on your own, as a couple or family, or in a group; in person, online or by phone. Sessions are often weekly and around fifty minutes. Different Counsellors draw on different approaches — for example person-centred, psychodynamic or integrative — so it is worth asking how they work.
Registration and Titles
“Counsellor” is not a protected title in the UK, so look for membership of an accredited register, such as those of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society or the UK Council for Psychotherapy.
How to Check a Registration
Because the title is not protected, check the person is on a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, and note their membership level and number.
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy register
- National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society
- Professional Standards Authority accredited registers search
Our guide on how to check a register explains what to look for. Every practitioner on Therapist Circle shows their register and number on their profile so you can check it yourself.
NHS and Other Routes
In England, adults can refer themselves to NHS Talking Therapies, which offers counselling for some conditions as well as other talking therapies. Many GP practices, universities and workplaces also have counsellors, and charities often offer free or reduced-cost sessions. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland arrange services differently, so ask your GP practice.
See finding NHS support and free and low-cost therapy for more routes.
Private Sessions and Fees
Private fees vary by area, experience, session length and setting, so ask each practitioner for their fee, cancellation terms and any reduced-fee places before booking. Our guide to fees, private practice and NHS routes explains what to ask.
Questions to Ask Before You Start
- Which register are you on, and what is your registration number?
- What experience do you have with the kind of difficulty I have?
- How long are sessions, how often, and what do they cost?
- Do you offer online, phone or in-person sessions?
Find Counsellors
Other Professions
Informed by: British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy · National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society · UK Council for Psychotherapy. Not affiliated with any professional body. If you need urgent help, call NHS 111, Samaritans free on 116 123, or 999 if life is at risk.