Question 1

How do I find the right therapist for me?

Accepted Answer

Start by being honest with yourself about what you want from therapy. Is it a specific issue like anxiety, or a broader sense that something is not right? Then use the search to filter by issue, modality (video, phone or in-person), location and fee. Most therapist profiles include a short video or a description in their own words. If something resonates, book a first session. You can always change therapists if it does not feel right.

Question 2

What is the difference between a therapist, a counsellor and a psychotherapist?

Accepted Answer

In the UK these terms overlap. A counsellor often works with shorter-term, more focused issues. A psychotherapist usually trains for longer and works at greater depth. A clinical or counselling psychologist holds a doctoral-level qualification and is registered with the HCPC. All can be a good choice depending on what you need.

Question 3

What does it mean for a therapist to be registered?

Accepted Answer

Registration means a therapist is a member of a UK professional body that holds them to a code of ethics, requires ongoing training and offers a complaints process. The main UK registers are BACP, UKCP, BPS, NCPS and BABCP. Every therapist on Therapy Connect is registered with at least one of these.

Question 4

How do I know if a therapist is qualified?

Accepted Answer

Look at the credentials section of each profile. We list their core training, their professional body memberships and any further qualifications. If you want to double-check, you can search for them on the relevant body's public register.

Question 5

Can I have an initial chat before committing?

Accepted Answer

Most therapists offer a free 15 to 20 minute introductory call so you can see whether you feel comfortable with them. Look for this in their profile or just ask when you enquire.

Question 6

Can I find a therapist who shares my cultural background?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can filter by language and look at therapist profiles to see whether they mention specific cultural competencies. Many therapists have experience working across cultures, and some explicitly specialise in issues that arise from migration, diaspora identity, racism or intergenerational family dynamics.

Question 7

Can I see a therapist who specialises in LGBTQ+ issues?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can filter by specialism and look for therapists who list LGBTQ+ or gender identity as areas they work with. All therapists on Therapy Connect are required to work in a non-discriminatory way regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Question 8

Can I switch therapists if it is not working?

Accepted Answer

Yes, at any time. You are never locked in. If the fit is not right, you can book with a different therapist. It is very common to try two or three before finding the right match, and a good therapist will not take it personally if you move on.

Question 9

Is it okay to see more than one therapist at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Generally not advisable. Working with two therapists simultaneously can fragment the process and occasionally pull in conflicting directions. If you want a second opinion, it is usually better to take a break with one and try another, then decide.

Question 10

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Most therapists on Therapy Connect have availability within one to two weeks. Some have slots the same week. You can see each therapist's next available date directly on their profile before you book.

Question 11

How much does therapy cost in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Fees vary by city and by therapist. As a rough guide, expect £40 to £80 in smaller cities, £50 to £100 in most of the UK and £70 to £150 in central London. Each therapist sets their own price and you can see it before you book.

Question 12

Why are some therapists more expensive than others?

Accepted Answer

More experienced therapists, those with additional specialist training and clinical psychologists usually charge more. It does not always mean they are a better fit for you. Match matters as much as credentials.

Question 13

Are there low-cost options?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Some therapists offer reduced-fee slots, sliding-scale fees or work with trainees at lower rates. You can also ask in your enquiry if any concessions are available.

Question 14

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

Payment is taken at the time of booking through our secure payment partner, Mollie. The therapist receives their fee directly, minus our 10 percent platform fee.

Question 15

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Each therapist sets their own cancellation policy and it is shown on their profile and at the time of booking. Most ask for 24 to 48 hours notice. Cancel earlier than that and you are usually refunded in full.

Question 16

Can I use private health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Some therapists accept private health insurance. Look for the insurance section of their profile or ask in your enquiry. You typically pay the therapist directly and reclaim from your insurer.

Question 17

Can I get therapy on the NHS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, via the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme, now called NHS Talking Therapies. You can self-refer without going through your GP. The main limitation is waiting time, which can be several months in some areas. Private therapy through Therapy Connect is typically available within one to two weeks.

Question 18

How does NHS therapy compare to private therapy?

Accepted Answer

NHS Talking Therapies is free, but the waiting list can be long and the number of sessions is usually limited to six to twelve. Private therapy costs more but you can usually start quickly, choose your therapist and continue for as long as you need. The quality of NHS therapy is generally high, but access varies a lot by area.

Question 19

What is EAP counselling and can I use it here?

Accepted Answer

An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a benefit offered by many employers that provides a number of free therapy sessions. EAP sessions are usually capped at six to eight. If you need more sessions after your EAP allocation runs out, many therapists on Therapy Connect are happy to continue with you privately.

Question 20

Is therapy tax-deductible?

Accepted Answer

For individuals, personal therapy is not usually tax-deductible in the UK. For self-employed therapists or other professionals where therapy is a recognised requirement of their work, it may qualify as a business expense. It is worth checking with an accountant if this applies to you.

Question 21

Does online therapy work as well as in-person?

Accepted Answer

For most people and most issues, yes. Research since 2020 has shown that online video therapy is broadly as effective as in-person therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma and many other presentations. It also removes travel and can fit more easily into a busy life.

Question 22

Which is better, video or phone sessions?

Accepted Answer

Video is the default for most clients because seeing each other supports the therapeutic relationship. Phone sessions are a good option if you find video tiring, if your internet is unreliable, or if you simply prefer it.

Question 23

Are online sessions confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sessions take place through our encrypted video platform, the same technology used by NHS trusts for clinical calls. We do not record sessions unless you and your therapist specifically agree to.

Question 24

What do I need for online therapy?

Accepted Answer

A reliable internet connection, a quiet private space, and a device with a camera and microphone. That is it. You log in through your account at the time of your session.

Question 25

What happens in a first therapy session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is mostly about getting to know each other. Your therapist will ask what brought you in, a little about your background and what you hope therapy might help with. You can ask them questions too. There is no pressure to share more than you are ready to.

Question 26

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you are bringing and what kind of therapy you are doing. Short-term CBT might be six to twelve sessions. Open-ended psychotherapy can run for months or years. Your therapist will review with you regularly and you can stop whenever you feel ready.

Question 27

Will my therapist tell me what to do?

Accepted Answer

Most therapists will not give direct advice. Their job is to help you think more clearly and understand yourself better so you can make your own choices. CBT therapists may be more practical and suggest specific strategies between sessions.

Question 28

Is everything I say confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with a few legal exceptions. A therapist may need to break confidentiality if there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, if a child is at risk, or if required by court order. They will explain this clearly in your first session.

Question 29

What if I do not feel comfortable with my therapist?

Accepted Answer

That is important information. The therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of outcome, so if it is not working you should feel able to raise it or to find someone else. Many therapists will help you find a better fit if they are not right for you.

Question 30

What should I talk about in therapy?

Accepted Answer

Whatever feels pressing. Many people worry they will run out of things to say or will not know where to start. In practice, once you are in the room (or on a call) the conversation usually flows. You do not need to prepare. Just turn up and say what is on your mind.

Question 31

Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy?

Accepted Answer

No. You can start therapy at any point, whether or not you have a formal diagnosis. Many people come simply because they feel stuck, low or overwhelmed, without any label attached.

Question 32

What if I cry in therapy?

Accepted Answer

It is completely normal. Therapy often touches things that have not been spoken about before. Your therapist will not be alarmed, will not rush you past it and will not think less of you for it.

Question 33

How will I know if therapy is working?

Accepted Answer

Progress in therapy is not always linear. You might feel worse before you feel better as you start talking about difficult things. Over several weeks you may notice changes in how you respond to situations, how you feel in yourself or how you relate to people around you. Regularly checking in with your therapist about how the work feels is the best way to gauge it.

Question 34

What happens between sessions?

Accepted Answer

Some therapists, particularly those using CBT, will suggest exercises or reflection tasks between sessions. Others leave it entirely open. It can help to keep a brief journal, note things that come up in the week, or just let the session settle without any specific task.

Question 35

How does therapy end?

Accepted Answer

Good therapy has a clear ending rather than just stopping. Usually you will discuss ending with your therapist, agree a final session and use that time to reflect on what has changed. Endings in therapy are often meaningful in their own right.

Question 36

Can I take a break from therapy and come back?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Life gets busy or expensive, and it is common to take a break. Many people return to therapy at a later point, either with the same therapist or a different one. There is no shame in pausing.

Question 37

How is my personal data stored?

Accepted Answer

Your personal information is stored on UK-based servers and protected to the standards required by UK GDPR. We never sell your data, we never share it with advertisers, and we only share information about you with your therapist.

Question 38

Will my GP or employer find out I am having therapy?

Accepted Answer

No, unless you tell them. We do not share information with GPs, employers or insurers without your explicit consent.

Question 39

What happens to my data if I leave the platform?

Accepted Answer

You can request deletion of your account and personal data at any time. Some clinical records may need to be kept for a period of years as required by professional bodies, but they are kept securely and used only as required by those rules.

Question 40

How is my personal data stored?

Accepted Answer

Your personal information is stored on UK-based servers and protected to the standards required by UK GDPR. We never sell your data, we never share it with advertisers, and we only share information about you with your therapist.

Question 41

Will my GP or employer find out I am having therapy?

Accepted Answer

No, unless you tell them. We do not share information with GPs, employers or insurers without your explicit consent.

Question 42

What happens to my data if I leave the platform?

Accepted Answer

You can request deletion of your account and personal data at any time. Some clinical records may need to be kept for a period of years as required by professional bodies, but they are kept securely and used only as required by those rules.

Question 43

What should I do if I am in crisis right now?

Accepted Answer

If you are in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. For urgent mental health support, you can call the Samaritans any time on 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258. Your GP can also make an urgent referral to your local mental health team. Therapy Connect is not a crisis service, but we can help you find a therapist for ongoing support once you are safe.

Question 44

Is Therapy Connect regulated?

Accepted Answer

Therapy Connect is a booking and practice management platform. We are not regulated as a clinical service, but every therapist we list is regulated by their own professional body (BACP, UKCP, BPS, NCPS or BABCP), which sets the clinical and ethical standards they work to.

Question 45

What should I do if I have a complaint about my therapist?

Accepted Answer

Start by raising it with the therapist directly if you can. If you are not able to resolve it that way, you can complain to their professional body. Details of which body your therapist belongs to are on their profile. You can also contact us and we will try to help.

Question 46

What is CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach that looks at the connections between your thoughts, feelings and behaviour. It is particularly well-studied for anxiety, depression, OCD, phobias and PTSD. CBT tends to be time-limited and practical, often with exercises between sessions. It is the most common therapy offered through NHS Talking Therapies.

Question 47

What is EMDR therapy?

Accepted Answer

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy developed specifically for trauma and PTSD. It uses guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation while you briefly bring a distressing memory to mind. This appears to help the brain process the memory so it loses its emotional charge. NICE guidelines recommend EMDR for PTSD. It is also used for phobias, grief and anxiety.

Question 48

What is DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy)?

Accepted Answer

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is a structured therapy originally developed for borderline personality disorder. It combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness and teaches specific skills in four areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. It is also used for self-harm, eating disorders and chronic suicidality.

Question 49

What is psychodynamic therapy?

Accepted Answer

Psychodynamic therapy explores how unconscious processes and past experiences, particularly from childhood and close relationships, shape how you think, feel and behave today. It tends to be longer term and less structured than CBT, working at greater depth. It is well-suited for longstanding patterns, relationship difficulties, identity questions and issues that feel hard to pin down.

Question 50

What is person-centred therapy?

Accepted Answer

Person-centred therapy (also called Rogerian therapy) is based on the idea that people have an innate capacity to grow and heal when the conditions are right. The therapist offers unconditional positive regard, empathy and honesty rather than technique. It is particularly suited to people who want to be heard and understood without being directed.

Question 51

What is integrative therapy?

Accepted Answer

An integrative therapist draws on more than one therapeutic approach, tailoring the work to the individual rather than following a fixed method. Many experienced therapists are integrative. It can be a great option if your needs are mixed or do not fit neatly into one modality.

Question 52

What is MBCT (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy)?

Accepted Answer

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy combines CBT techniques with mindfulness meditation. It was developed primarily to prevent relapse in people who have had three or more episodes of depression. NICE recommends it for recurrent depression. It is usually delivered as an eight-week group programme.

Question 53

What is ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)?

Accepted Answer

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy encourages you to accept difficult thoughts and feelings rather than fight them, and to commit to actions that align with your values. It has good evidence for anxiety, depression, chronic pain and stress. It is part of the broader group of 'third-wave' cognitive therapies.

Question 54

What is somatic therapy?

Accepted Answer

Somatic therapy approaches focus on the connection between mind and body, working with physical sensations, breath and movement as well as thoughts and feelings. Approaches include Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. They are often used for trauma, particularly where the body holds tension or freeze responses.

Question 55

What is solution-focused therapy?

Accepted Answer

Solution-focused brief therapy concentrates on what you want to achieve rather than analysing problems in depth. It asks questions like 'what would your life look like if this was sorted?' and builds on existing strengths. It is time-efficient and can be useful for specific, clearly defined goals.

Question 56

Can therapy help with anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people seek therapy and one of the areas where therapy has the strongest evidence. CBT is the most researched approach and is recommended by NICE. Other effective approaches include ACT, mindfulness-based therapy and psychodynamic therapy. Most people see meaningful improvement within eight to sixteen sessions.

Question 57

Can therapy help with depression?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Therapy is a first-line treatment for mild to moderate depression and is recommended alongside or instead of medication depending on severity. CBT, interpersonal therapy and psychodynamic therapy all have good evidence for depression. If your depression is severe, your GP should also be involved.

Question 58

What is the best therapy for trauma and PTSD?

Accepted Answer

NICE recommends trauma-focused CBT and EMDR as first-line treatments for PTSD. Both have strong research behind them. For complex trauma (repeated or early-life trauma), longer-term approaches including somatic therapy and schema therapy may be more appropriate. A trauma-trained therapist will be able to guide you.

Question 59

Can therapy help with grief and bereavement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Grief does not always need therapy, but when bereavement is complicated, prolonged or leaves you unable to function, a therapist can help. Grief counselling provides a safe space to process loss at your own pace. Some therapists specialise in bereavement and can be found by filtering for that specialism.

Question 60

Can therapy help with relationship problems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can work on relationship patterns in individual therapy, or attend couples counselling with a partner. Individual therapy is useful for understanding your own contribution to relationship dynamics, attachment patterns and communication habits. Couples counselling works directly on the relationship between two people.

Question 61

Can therapy help with work stress and burnout?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Work stress, burnout and people-pleasing at work are extremely common presenting issues. Therapy can help you understand the patterns that lead to overload, set better limits and decide what changes to make. Some therapists specialise in occupational stress.

Question 62

Can therapy help with OCD?

Accepted Answer

Yes. OCD responds well to Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which is a specific form of CBT. NICE recommends ERP as the primary treatment. It is important to work with a therapist who has specific OCD training, as generic CBT is less effective. You can filter for OCD specialism when searching.

Question 63

Can therapy help with eating difficulties?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Various forms of therapy are used for anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder, including CBT-E (CBT adapted for eating disorders), EMDR for underlying trauma, and family-based therapy for younger people. Because eating difficulties can have serious physical consequences, your GP should also be involved.

Question 64

Can therapy help with low self-esteem?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Low self-esteem is often at the root of many other difficulties and responds well to therapy. CBT focuses on identifying and challenging self-critical thought patterns. Schema therapy looks at the earlier experiences that shaped those patterns. Person-centred therapy offers consistent acceptance which can itself begin to shift a negative self-image.

Frequently asked questions about therapy in the UK

Finding a Therapist

Cost and Payment

Online vs In-Person

What to Expect from Therapy

Safety and Privacy

Safety and Privacy

Types of Therapy

Common Issues

For Therapists

Tech Requirements

Still have a question?

Frequently asked questions about therapy in the UK

Finding a Therapist

How do I find the right therapist for me?

What is the difference between a therapist, a counsellor and a psychotherapist?

What does it mean for a therapist to be registered?

How do I know if a therapist is qualified?

Can I have an initial chat before committing?

Can I find a therapist who shares my cultural background?

Can I see a therapist who specialises in LGBTQ+ issues?

Can I switch therapists if it is not working?

Is it okay to see more than one therapist at the same time?

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Cost and Payment

How much does therapy cost in the UK?

Why are some therapists more expensive than others?

Are there low-cost options?

How do I pay?

What is your cancellation policy?

Can I use private health insurance?

Can I get therapy on the NHS?

How does NHS therapy compare to private therapy?

What is EAP counselling and can I use it here?

Is therapy tax-deductible?

Online vs In-Person

Does online therapy work as well as in-person?

Which is better, video or phone sessions?

Are online sessions confidential?

What do I need for online therapy?

What to Expect from Therapy

What happens in a first therapy session?

How many sessions will I need?

Will my therapist tell me what to do?

Is everything I say confidential?

What if I do not feel comfortable with my therapist?

What should I talk about in therapy?

Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy?

What if I cry in therapy?

How will I know if therapy is working?

What happens between sessions?

How does therapy end?

Can I take a break from therapy and come back?

Safety and Privacy

How is my personal data stored?

Will my GP or employer find out I am having therapy?

What happens to my data if I leave the platform?

Safety and Privacy

How is my personal data stored?

Will my GP or employer find out I am having therapy?

What happens to my data if I leave the platform?

What should I do if I am in crisis right now?

Is Therapy Connect regulated?

What should I do if I have a complaint about my therapist?

Types of Therapy

What is CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)?

What is EMDR therapy?

What is DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy)?

What is psychodynamic therapy?

What is person-centred therapy?

What is integrative therapy?

What is MBCT (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy)?

What is ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)?

What is somatic therapy?

What is solution-focused therapy?

Common Issues

Can therapy help with anxiety?

Can therapy help with depression?

What is the best therapy for trauma and PTSD?

Can therapy help with grief and bereavement?

Can therapy help with relationship problems?

Can therapy help with work stress and burnout?

Can therapy help with OCD?

Can therapy help with eating difficulties?

Can therapy help with low self-esteem?

Can therapy help with ADHD?

Can therapy help if I feel low but am not sure why?

For Therapists

What does it cost to list as a therapist?

Who can join as a therapist?

Can I keep my clients if I leave the platform?

How do I get paid?