Find Registered Counsellors in the UK

Our directory helps you search for and connect with counsellors across the country.

The title "counsellor" is not protected by law. Most professional counsellors and psychotherapists are registered with a main professional body, among them the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the National Counselling Society (NCS), and the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). Membership or accreditation indicates that a practitioner has met rigorous standards for training, ethical practice, and ongoing professional development. These bodies hold accredited registers approved by the Professional Standards Authority.²

We ensure that our featured counsellors (our Pro members) have provided evidence of their relevant qualifications and, where applicable, current registration or accreditation with recognised professional bodies such as the BACP, NCS, or UKCP. You can filter your search by location, by the specific issues counsellors support you with, or by identity, for example a male or female counsellor.

Counsellors by Gender in UK Cities

Birmingham

Brighton

Bristol

Exeter

London

Norwich

Nottingham

Worcestershire

Types of Counsellors in the UK

Because "counsellor" and "psychotherapist" are not legally protected titles in the UK, the practical test is whether someone is registered or accredited with a recognised professional body. Registered and accredited counsellors and psychotherapists are the usual starting point for general support. They belong to bodies like BACP, UKCP or NCS, and they help with common issues such as anxiety, depression, stress and relationship difficulties, using various talking therapies.

Many therapists also identify by their primary method. CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) therapists focus on changing unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns, and specialists may be BABCP accredited. Person-centred counsellors provide a supportive, non-judgemental space for you to find your own answers, while psychodynamic therapists explore how past experiences influence your present. Many blend approaches, so professional body membership is always the crucial check.

Others focus on a particular area after further training, such as relationship or couples counselling, grief and bereavement, addiction, or child and adolescent therapy. Creative arts therapists work using drama, music or art as their main way of communicating.

Art therapist, Dramatherapist and Music therapist all sit on the HCPC Register. These titles are protected by law, and professionals must be registered to use them.¹ You can check that register to confirm someone is registered.

Qualifications to Look For

Registration or accreditation with a recognised professional body shows that a therapist has met standards for training, ethics and supervised practice. Look for affiliation with:

• BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)
• UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy)
• NCS (National Counselling Society)
• BABCP (for CBT specialists)
• HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council - for legally protected titles like Clinical Psychologist or Arts Therapist)

Registered and accredited therapists typically have significant training, often a diploma or degree in counselling, psychotherapy, or a specific therapeutic approach. It is also worth considering whether someone has experience with issues similar to yours. There is nothing wrong with asking.

Key Tips for Choosing the Right Counsellor

After you have checked the register, the rest is about fit. Look for someone whose experience matches the concerns you are bringing, and think about whether their way of working, CBT or person-centred for instance, suits you. Cost, location and when they can see you are worth settling early.

A good connection and feeling comfortable are essential, so ask about their experience and how they work. If the fit is not right, it is fine to look for another counsellor.

References

1. [1] Health and Care Professions Council (2026). Professions and protected titles. The professions the HCPC regulates have designated titles protected by law (including Art therapist and Dramatherapist); professionals must be registered to use them. hcpc-uk.org.
2. [2] Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (2026). Our work with Accredited Registers. The Accredited Registers programme accredits registers of practitioners in health and social care occupations that are not regulated by law. professionalstandards.org.uk.