When lying feels like the only option you have

For many people, lying begins as a coping mechanism — a way of managing anxiety, protecting self-esteem, or avoiding consequences in situations where honesty felt dangerous or simply impossible. Over time, the behaviour can become automatic. The brain, in a sense, practises lying until it feels easier than telling the truth.

Low self-esteem and a need for approval are common threads. If you grew up in an environment where your real self didn’t feel accepted — or where mistakes carried serious consequences — learning to present a more acceptable version of yourself may have felt necessary. Trauma, neglect, and earlier experiences of feeling powerless or unheard can all play a role.

Mythomania is not currently listed as a standalone diagnosis in the DSM-5, but it is widely recognised by clinicians as a significant psychological pattern. It is often associated with conditions such as anxiety, borderline personality disorder, or ADHD — not because these cause dishonesty, but because the emotional regulation challenges they involve can make compulsive patterns harder to interrupt. Whatever its origins for you specifically, this pattern can be explored, understood, and worked with.

A careful match, not a long list

Therapist availability changes from week to week, so rather than asking you to choose from a directory, we take time during your free 15-minute consultation to understand what you are looking for — and then match you with a therapist suited to your needs.

During the consultation, we will ask about:

• What you would like the work to focus on, and any specific concerns you would like support with
• Whether you would prefer face-to-face counselling, online sessions, or a combination of the two
• Any preferences around therapy approach (counselling, CBT, EMDR, hypnotherapy, mindfulness, ACT, compassion focused therapy and others)
• Day and time availability that works around your life
• Any specialisms that matter to you — for example LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy, neurodiversity-affirming support, or particular life experiences
• Practical preferences — for example therapist gender, age range, or shared lived experience where that matters to you

All therapists we work with are qualified and registered with appropriate UK professional bodies, and we will confirm the most suitable options with you before any sessions begin.

Professional standards across our team

Hope Therapy & Counselling Services has been operating since 2014, and we hold Organisational Membership with the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). We work in line with the NCPS Code of Ethics and BACP Good Practice, and our wider clinical standards include:

• Qualified, professionally registered therapists across the team — registrations vary per therapist and are confirmed before matching
• Ongoing clinical supervision in line with professional body requirements
• Continuing professional development to maintain and develop practice
• Clear confidentiality standards, with limits explained before sessions begin
• Client-centred, non-judgemental and inclusive practice across all areas of identity and experience
• Founder-led clinical oversight from Ian Stockbridge — MBACP (Senior Accredited) – who continues to lead the practice and oversee its standards

Whether you choose face-to-face counselling near you or online therapy from anywhere in the UK, you can expect to be matched with a therapist who is appropriately qualified and suited to the support you are looking for.