Cost is one of the most practical, and most commonly unanswered, questions when you're looking into counselling for the first time. Here's a clear, honest answer.
What sessions cost here
A 60-minute session is £50, with some concessions available depending on circumstances — it's worth asking about this directly if cost is a barrier for you. Before any paid session, you're offered a free 30-minute initial consultation, either over Zoom or in person, so you can find out whether counselling feels right for you with no financial commitment at all.
How UK counselling costs generally compare
Private counselling and psychotherapy fees across the UK commonly range from around £40 to £70+ per session, depending on the practitioner's experience, location, and the specific approach offered. There's no single fixed "market rate" — it varies practice to practice.
Why isn't counselling always free?
NHS talking therapies do exist and are free at the point of use, but waiting lists can be long, and the number of sessions offered is often limited to a fixed short-term programme. Private counselling means you can usually start sooner, and you have more say over how long you continue and how the work is paced — led by what you need, not a fixed programme length.
Is it worth the cost?
That's a genuinely personal question, and only you can answer it. What can help is removing some of the uncertainty first: the free consultation exists precisely so you're not spending money to find out whether this is the right fit before committing to anything.
If cost has been the thing holding you back from asking, a free 30-minute consultation costs nothing and comes with no obligation to continue — or see the Fees page for full details.