Finding a therapist service. How it works
Tell us a bit about what you’re looking for, and we’ll share your request with our therapist community. We’ll send you a selection of responses from people who feel they may be a good fit.
A simpler way to find a therapist
We know starting therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure where to begin.
An online search may deliver hundreds of profiles. Finding the therapists who might be a good fit can be a complex and time-consuming process.
Our Find a therapist service is designed to make that process feel a little more human. You tell us what you’re looking for, and we quietly share your request with our therapist community.
Therapists who feel they may be a good match will respond, and we’ll send you a small, thoughtful selection to consider so you’re not left doing it all alone.
Tell us about your needs
Our online form helps us understand what kind of therapy might feel right for you, whether you’re looking for individual counselling, relationship support, or something else.
Let us know how you’d prefer to meet, whether it’s online, by phone, or in person. Just include your postcode if the location matters, your availability, and your budget.
There’s also space to tell us anything else you’d like us to consider. If this is your first time, you might not know exactly what to ask for, and that’s completely fine. Sometimes it’s enough to share what hasn’t worked in the past, like a particular approach or style. You might also want to tell us about qualities that matter to you in a therapist, for example, someone who’s neurodivergent, or has lived experience of chronic pain or racialised experiences.
There’s no need to go into detail. As long as you help us understand what might be a good fit for you, we can take it from there.
We’ll share your request with our community of therapists
Once you submit your form, we’ll share your request, minus your name or contact details, with our therapist community.
Therapists who feel they may be a good fit will reply to us, and we’ll send you a selection of responses to consider.
If no one meets your requirements, we’ll let you know and invite you to check back. Our community is growing all the time, so it’s worth staying in touch.
We hope our free service takes some of the pressure off, especially if searching on your own has felt overwhelming or uncertain.
What to expect after submitting your form
We’ll send you an acknowledgement within 24 hours of your submission
If you don’t hear from us within that time, please contact us directly at contact@counsellors-staffroom.co.uk so we can check the form and respond to your enquiry straight away.
After that, we’ll gather responses and send you a small list of therapists who’ve expressed interest in working with you, usually within 24 to 72 hours. If we need more time, we’ll let you know.
Your list will include a short message from each therapist and their contact details, so you can get in touch directly. Just keep an eye on your inbox (and check your spam folder, just in case).
Take your time choosing the right person
A brief message and a link to their website or directory profile will be included with every therapist on the list. Please take the time to read more about their approach, background, and way of working.
If more than one feels like a possible fit, you’re welcome to contact them all. Many therapists offer a free introductory call, which can help you get a sense of whether the connection feels right.
And if none feel quite right just yet, let us know. We’ll keep looking or share your request again as our community continues to grow.
How to choose a therapist who feels right for you
Choosing a therapist isn’t about finding the “best” one on paper; it’s about finding someone who feels safe, competent, and able to support you in ways that matter.
Here are some things to keep in mind as you decide who to reach out to.
Check their professional registration
In the UK, “therapist” isn’t a protected title, which means not everyone using it is professionally trained or accountable. That’s why we recommend checking that the therapist is registered with a recognised membership body that is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA), such as the BACP, UKCP, or NCPS.
These organisations require therapists to meet minimum training standards, follow ethical guidelines, and offer a route to raise concerns if something goes wrong.
You can usually verify their registration online. If a therapist isn’t listed, or something feels unclear, ask them directly about their qualifications and membership.
A therapist’s credentials can offer reassurance, but it’s how they work with you that matters most. We recommend asking questions, trusting your instincts, and paying attention to how the relationship feels.
You’re allowed to have preferences
Therapy is personal. You might feel drawn to someone who shares part of your identity or lived experience. The therapist may be offering something different…an approach you’ve never experienced. Some people look for warmth, directness, flexibility, or cultural understanding. Others may just know what hasn’t worked for them in the past.
You don’t need to justify what feels right to you. What matters is whether you feel safe, respected, and able to bring your whole self to the process.
Connection matters, and so can the approach
A strong connection is often at the heart of therapy. Feeling heard, understood, and accepted helps build the trust that makes change possible.
The type of therapy may be important too, especially if you’re looking for something structured, specialist, or goal-focused. Approaches such as CBT and EMDR appeal to some. Others prefer space to explore at their own pace.
It’s okay to ask a therapist how they work and how they think their approach could support you.
Ask questions and note how they’re answered
Most therapists offer a short call before booking. This is a chance to get a feel for the person and how they relate.
It’s okay to ask about their approach, experience, or anything that matters to you. And it’s okay to notice how they make you feel. Do you feel heard? Respected? Clear about next steps?
Good therapists welcome your questions, not just at the beginning, but throughout the process.
Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all
You don’t have to know exactly what you want out of therapy. Some people benefit from a few focused sessions. Others prefer longer-term work. There’s also good evidence for single-session therapy, especially when you’re looking for clarity around something specific.
What’s helpful depends on your goals, your timing, and what feels manageable for you right now.
You deserve clear boundaries and care
Your therapist is responsible for creating a safe and professional space. That means clear boundaries, confidentiality, and communication that respects your pace and autonomy.
If something doesn’t feel right, even if it’s hard to name, you’re allowed to say so. And you’re always allowed to choose differently.
Don’t forget: You’re allowed to leave
If the fit doesn’t feel right, you can step away. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that therapy won’t work. It just might not be the right relationship, the right time, or the right approach for you. That’s okay. You can always come back to it later, or try something else.