How much does talking therapy cost?

If you have been thinking about starting talking therapy, you may be wondering how you can achieve this in the current climate.

Due to COVID-19 many of us have had to change the way we work and this applies to therapists who have suspended face-to-face work in line with the current guidance.

Please be assured that support is still out there. Many talking therapists offer telephone or online counselling, which may involve messaging, email or video communication. Some practitioners are offering telephone and/or online counselling as an alternative to a suspended face-to-face service.

Fees will vary

Funded counselling services charge

between £10 and £45, based on ability to pay.

Private practitioners' fees vary between

£30 and £100, or more, depending on location. Some practitioners also operate a sliding scale or offer concessionary rates. Sometimes, a lower fee is charged for telephone/online counselling. Hope this helps.

How do I find a 'good' therapist?

If you're considering therapy, you may be asking yourself this question. Searching for a good therapist can feel daunting. By 'good' I mean 'a good fit' for you. After all, this is an investment - an investment in your wellbeing.

You may also find yourself asking:

Where do I find a therapist?

What's on offer and is it what I need?

How will I know that a therapist is right for me?

First, consider your choices.

Some therapies are available through the NHS, including talking therapy. Many workplaces, universities and colleges offer counselling support, and there are charitable organisations offering free and low-cost therapy.

All of these services can be helpful and they are in high demand. Limits may be set on the type of therapy, choice of therapist and the number of sessions available.

If you feel you want more choice or greater flexibility, you may prefer to see a private practitioner. But where to begin?

Shop around.

Many private practitioners will have an online profile on a therapists directory and/or their own website, and/or through a counselling body. Alternatively, or in addition, you can checkout therapy clinics, treatment rooms, and wellbeing centres, and ask them for recommendations. It's also worth remembering that some GP surgeries may have a therapy clinic attached.

Asking yourself the following may help the selection process:

Does their profile 'speak' to me?

Is their therapeutic approach or 'modality' what I'm looking for

Will this be effective for the difficulty I'm experiencing?

What are their working hours?

Can they be flexible?

Are they easily accessible?

What will it cost and can I afford it?

Try before you buy.

Although looking for the right therapist is not like buying a pair of shoes, there may be ways to 'try before you buy'.

After reading what's available online, in an ad or leaflet, make contact to get a feel for the therapist and find the answers to any questions you may have. Some therapists offer an initial consultation free of charge or for a reduced-fee - on the phone or face-to-face.

There is usually an understanding that you will be settling into early sessions. Let your therapist know if things are not working for you - your therapist may be able to make changes. If not, they may be able to refer you to another practitioner whose way of working may be more suited to you. Or you can continue your search. Remember, a responsible therapist will want your therapy to be effective.

You may find the following videos useful:

So, how does talking therapy work?

Today I'm moving on to answering this question.

Put simply, it comes down to some essential ingredients - qualities that the therapist embodies - plus the quality of the relationship between the therapist and the counsellor.

It's important, too, that you are ready to engage with the process of therapy. In some circumstances this may take a little time. A therapist will do all they can to encourage you.

The animation posted below offers a pretty clear explanation of how talking therapy works. Hope this helps...