Services
A space to talk, and be truly heard
Qualified counsellors offering confidential support — online across the UK and face-to-face in England.
NCPS Organisational Member
Professionally registered therapists
Free 15-minute consultation
★ ★ ★ ★ ★“From the very first session, I felt genuinely listened to. I didn’t have to perform being okay before being heard.”
Counselling client
5,000+
People supported
90+
Qualified therapists
5 ★
Website Testimonials
20+
Counties across England
What is counselling?
Sometimes you just need someone to listen — properly
If you have been carrying something for a while — something that feels too complicated to explain to the people around you, or too heavy to keep pushing aside — you are not alone. That feeling of not quite being able to put it into words, or not knowing where to start, is one of the most common reasons people reach out for counselling.
Counselling is a form of talking therapy. You work with a trained professional in a confidential space — someone whose job is not to judge, advise, or fix, but to help you explore what you are going through at your own pace. It is a relationship built on trust, where you set the direction and your counsellor walks alongside you.
Sessions typically last around 50 minutes and are usually held weekly, though this can be adjusted to suit your needs. You can attend online from anywhere in the UK, or face-to-face at locations across England. There is no script, no homework unless you want it, and no expectation that you arrive with everything figured out.
People come to counselling for all kinds of reasons
- Feeling overwhelmed without a clear reason why
- Going through a difficult period — a loss, a change, a relationship strain
- Living with anxiety or low mood that will not shift
- Wanting to understand patterns that keep repeating
- Needing space to think that is completely your own
- Feeling disconnected from the people closest to you
- Carrying something from the past that still affects the present
- Not being in crisis, but knowing something is not right
How counselling works
It starts with talking — and being met with genuine understanding
Counselling works through the relationship between you and your therapist. That relationship — built on trust, confidentiality, and mutual respect — is what creates the conditions for something to shift. It is not about being told what to do. It is about having a space where you can say the things you have not been able to say elsewhere, and have someone help you make sense of them.
Your counsellor may draw on different approaches depending on what feels most useful for you. Some people benefit from exploring how past experiences shape present feelings. Others prefer to focus on practical strategies for managing what is happening right now. Most counselling involves a combination — your therapist adjusts the approach to fit you, not the other way around.
Over time, many people find that counselling helps them develop a clearer understanding of themselves: what drives their reactions, what they need, and what they want to change. This does not happen through a single insight or a particular technique — it happens through an honest, sustained conversation with someone who genuinely understands the process.
A note on confidentiality: Sessions are confidential. There are limited circumstances in which this may need to change — for example, if there is a serious risk of harm to you or others, or where we have a legal obligation to disclose. Your therapist will explain these limits clearly before you begin your work together.
What counselling can help with
Whatever you are going through, there is support available
Counselling can offer a space to explore a wide range of emotional, psychological and relational challenges.
Is counselling right for you?
You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from talking to someone
Counselling can be helpful whether you are dealing with something specific — anxiety, a relationship difficulty, a bereavement — or whether you simply feel that something is not right and you are not sure what it is. You do not need a diagnosis, a referral, or a certain level of distress. If you feel you might benefit from talking to someone, that is enough.
Counselling tends to work well for people who are open to exploring their thoughts and feelings in conversation. It is particularly suited to those who want to understand themselves better, develop different ways of responding to difficult situations, or process something they have been carrying.
It may not be the best fit if you are looking primarily for structured techniques or practical skills training — in those cases, CBT or coaching might be more appropriate. Your free consultation is designed to help you work out which approach suits you best.
Our counsellors
Over 90 qualified therapists — and we help you find the right one
Finding the right therapist matters. Research consistently shows that the quality of the relationship between you and your counsellor is one of the most important factors in how useful therapy feels. That is why we take matching seriously.
Our team of over 90 therapists includes counsellors registered with the NCPS, BACP, and BABCP. They hold qualifications including CPCAB diplomas, postgraduate degrees in counselling and psychotherapy, and specialist training in areas such as integrative therapy, person-centred practice, and psychodynamic approaches. Many have additional training in working with specific presentations, populations, or therapeutic modalities.
During your free 15-minute consultation, we listen to what you need — your situation, your preferences, your availability — and match you with a therapist who suits you. If the first match does not feel right, we will find someone else at no extra cost.
What Our Clients Say
Real experiences
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
After a life-changing event five years ago, I needed help understanding who I am. My counsellor was amazing — very perceptive. I learnt so much about myself and have been able to go forward with my life.
Client who sought support for anxiety and self-esteem
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I was nervous about starting but my therapist made me feel comfortable from the very first session. Having someone truly listen without judgement made all the difference. I finally feel like I understand myself better.
Client who sought support for relationship difficulties
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The matching process was really thoughtful — they took time to understand what I needed and found exactly the right person. I have recommended Hope Therapy to several friends since.
Client who sought support during a difficult life transition
Client experiences are unique. Results vary between individuals.
What to expect
From first conversation to first session
Starting counselling can feel like a big step. Here is what the process looks like.
1
Book a free consultation
A relaxed 15-minute conversation with a member of our team. We listen to what is going on, answer your questions, and explore whether counselling could help. No pressure, no obligation.
2
We match you with a therapist
Based on what you have told us — your needs, your preferences, your availability — we carefully match you with the most suitable counsellor from our team of over 90.
3
Begin at your own pace
Your first session is a space to start talking about what has brought you to counselling. Your therapist will help you feel comfortable and support you in setting the pace. There is no rush.
Most clients hear back from us the same working day, and typically begin sessions within a week of the free consultation — depending on your preferences and therapist availability.
Standards you can trust
How we match you with the right therapist for counselling support
Choosing a therapist is a personal decision, and we take time to get the match right.
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.
Our fees
Transparent pricing, no hidden costs
No hidden costs. Your fee is confirmed during your free consultation.
Individual Counselling
From £65
per 50-minute session
- Online or face-to-face
- Matched to a qualified counsellor
- Flexible scheduling
- No minimum commitment
Couples Counselling
From £85
per 50-minute session
- Online or face-to-face
- Experienced relationship therapists
- Joint and individual sessions available
- Flexible scheduling
Full details on our fees page. Reduced rate options may be available — just ask during your free consultation.
London clients: Location-adjusted rates may apply. Please ask during your free consultation and we will confirm the exact fee before you commit to anything.
A printable overview of our counselling service — useful to keep or share.
Common Questions
Questions you might have about counselling
How many sessions will I need?
There is no fixed number. Some people find that a handful of sessions gives them what they need; others prefer longer-term support. Your therapist will review this with you regularly so the work stays useful and relevant. You are never locked into a set number of sessions.
Is online counselling as effective as face-to-face?
Research consistently shows that online counselling can be as effective as in-person sessions for many people. It offers flexibility, removes travel barriers, and allows you to work with a therapist who suits your needs regardless of location. All our therapists offer online sessions via Zoom, Skype or telephone.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Sessions are confidential in line with professional ethical standards. There are some limited circumstances where this may need to change — for example, if there is a serious risk of harm to you or others, or where there is a legal obligation to disclose. Your therapist will explain these clearly before you begin.
What happens in the first session?
Your first session is a space to begin talking about what has brought you to counselling. Your therapist will help you feel comfortable, explain how sessions work, and support you in setting the pace. There is no pressure to cover everything at once — it is a beginning, not an assessment.
How much does counselling cost?
Individual counselling starts from £65 per session. Couples counselling starts from £85. Costs are discussed during your free 15-minute consultation so you are clear before committing. We also offer reduced-rate sessions — ask during your consultation for details.
What if I do not feel comfortable with my therapist?
The relationship between you and your therapist matters. If it does not feel right, let us know and we will match you with someone better suited at no extra cost. Finding the right fit is an important part of the process.
Still have questions? The free consultation is the easiest way to ask them — no pressure to book sessions.
Explore Further
You might also find these helpful
Conditions we support
Other therapy approaches
Meet Our Founder
Built by someone who saw the need from the inside
★
SCoPEd Band C
MBACP & SNCPS Senior Accredited
“Having worked for more than 25 years in senior management, I saw the same thing repeatedly — people struggling with mental health and relationship challenges, and so often struggling to access the right support when it was needed. It was out of this recognition of human need that Hope was born.”
Ian Stockbridge founded Hope Therapy after 25+ years leading large commercial teams – watching colleagues carry stress, anxiety, and personal difficulty with nowhere to turn. He retrained rigorously, now holding Senior Accredited status with both the BACP and NCPS, alongside SCoPEd Band C — the highest independent competence verification in the UK counselling profession.
He remains a practising therapist, clinical supervisor, published author of PMDD Uncovered, and co-presenter of The Talk Room Podcast. Hope Therapy was built on the things he saw were most broken – and designed, from the ground up, to do better.
MBACP (Senior Accredited)
SNCPS (Acc)
SCoPEd Band C
BSc (Hons) CBT
PGCert Supervision L7
Quality Award 2024 — 95%+
You do not have to know what is wrong before you reach out
A free, no-obligation 15-minute conversation. No pressure, no script — just a chance to be heard, ask questions, and see whether we feel like the right fit.
Get in Touch
Not quite ready to book? Get in touch.
If you have questions or would prefer to talk things through before booking a consultation, we are here. All enquiries are treated in the strictest confidence. There is no obligation to book sessions, and we will never share your details with anyone outside our team. We typically respond the same working day.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“From the very first phone call, I felt heard. They didn’t rush me — they helped me work out what I needed.”
Hope Therapy enquiry feedback
NCPS Organisational Member
Est 2014
90+ Qualified Therapists
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies
Individual registrations vary per therapist. Last reviewed: May 2026.