Seeking therapy

What is psychotherapy?

Anyone can benefit from psychotherapy. Talking to a trained professional can help you to explore your concerns, thoughts and feelings and improve your mental health.

How to choose a therapist

The right therapist will provide a safe space where you feel heard and understood. Through therapy, you’ll gain valuable coping strategies, empowering you to navigate challenges and improve your wellbeing.

Man with his hands interlocked and over his lips sitting across from a professional with a notepad and pen

How to access psychotherapy in the UK

It can be hard to know where to start when you begin your search for therapy. We've put together some advice on how you can access therapy through the NHS, voluntary sector or privately.

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Types of psychotherapy

All psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors are equipped to support you with challenges such as depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, life events such as childbirth, divorce, bereavement or the loss of a job.

How therapy works

There’s no single explanation for how psychotherapy works because each therapeutic relationship is unique and tailored to individual needs. But, at the heart of psychotherapy is a strong therapy relationship.

Therapy for children and young people

From experiencing anxiety to dealing with a bereavement, there’s a wide range of reasons why children and young people might benefit from seeing a psychotherapist or psychotherapeutic counsellor.

Online and phone psychotherapy

You can access high-quality psychotherapy from UKCP therapists who work on the phone and via video call. Whether it's in-person or remote, you will have the opportunity to explore the issues or concerns you want to work on with your therapist.

Therapy ethics: what to expect

Seeking help takes courage. Feeling safe enables you to get the most out of therapy. Our psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors adhere to rigorous ethical standards, which help set the foundation for your relationship with them.

Psychotherapy FAQs

You’re bound to have lots of questions if you’re thinking about seeing a psychotherapist or psychotherapeutic counsellor for the first time. You might find answers to some of them below.