Your questions answered
Most people have questions about starting therapy – how it works, what to expect, and how to get started. It’s good to ask questions. We’ve included some questions with our answers below.
Proudly helping thousands of clients across London since 2006.
Does therapy work?
Definitely. Counsellors, couples therapists and psychologists don’t just listen; they are highly trained to talk with you in a way that gets to the bottom of whatever is on your mind. We have helped many people resolve all kinds of emotional, psychological and personal problems. Therapy is a good experience for most people.
We’ve helped thousands of people since we opened 20 years ago to resolve all kinds of emotional, psychological and personal problems. We will be happy to help you, too.
What will happen at my first appointment?
At your first appointment, your therapist will ask you a few questions about what’s been happening in your life and what’s brought you to therapy. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask any questions you have about counselling or psychotherapy.
You and your therapist will then discuss next steps, and you’ll be able to decide whether you want to continue with further appointments.
What kind of person goes to counselling or psychotherapy?
People from all walks of life and backgrounds, and of any age, can benefit from therapy. According to the BACP, more than two thirds of people in the UK have experienced a mental health issue in the last five years. Depending on the issue, therapy is very often a transformative solution.
Whether you know exactly what’s bothering you, or whether you’re not sure what’s wrong or where to start, time spent with a therapist is an important investment in your wellbeing. Therapy is non-judgemental and confidential, so you’re free to talk about anything on your mind.
Which is better, face-to-face therapy or online therapy?
Face-to-face therapy is best. There is nothing quite like two people coming together in the same room. The most important factor in therapy is the relationship that forms between client and therapist, and in-person sessions help build this more effectively.
There is, however, a place for online therapy. For some people, it is the preferred or only option. The most important thing is to get the help you need.
A number of our clients choose a hybrid approach, with some appointments face-to-face and some online. This can work very well, so do discuss this option with your therapist at your first appointment if it could be for you.
How do I know if I need counselling?
Therapy is always useful. So if in any doubt, give it a go.
Counselling can help with urgent challenges that are happening now, or with the impact of things that happened long ago. Therapy provides a source of human support for anything that might be going on, whether you feel it’s a big thing or a small thing. And if you think talking with a therapist might be difficult, don’t worry. We know how to make talking easier.
How do I book an appointment?
It’s quick and easy to book an appointment through our online booking system. Booking an appointment takes about five minutes, and you’ll receive an email confirmation straight away.
If you prefer, you can also book by phone on 0333 207 9330 or email at info@onetherapy.london
Will I see the same therapist every time?
Your first session will be with a specific therapist. In most cases, people choose to continue with the same therapist for subsequent sessions, but it’s absolutely fine to ask for someone different if you want. You can do this at the end of your first appointment, or by contacting us afterwards at info@onetherapy.london.
Sometimes, your counsellor at your first session may feel that someone else would be a better fit for you. If this is the case, they’ll discuss this with you. Our number one priority at One Therapy London is that you are comfortable and that you get the right support from your therapist.
How good are the therapists at One Therapy London?
They are excellent. We have more than 30 qualified therapists and psychologists working with us, each carefully chosen for their training, experience and diversity. Our Senior Therapists have between 10 and 30 years of experience and have been working with us for at least five years.
We have male and female therapists, gay and straight therapists, relationship specialists, couples therapists, psychosexual therapists and therapists from different cultural backgrounds.
Our therapists are UK-trained and highly qualified. We are BACP and UKCP registered.
When you’re ready to go ahead, you can read their profiles and book yourself, or use our Therapist Matching Service if you’re not sure where to start.
Can you facilitate therapy in different languages?
In addition to English, online and in-person therapy is available in French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Turkish, German, Danish, Serbian, Croatian, Russian and Portuguese, subject to our therapists’ availability. If you’d need or prefer therapy in one of these languages, please get in touch.
How could a counsellor or psychotherapist help me?
Our therapists provide a private, confidential space for you to reflect, talk about and make sense of the unique challenges or situations you face, as well as support you to find a positive way forward. Therapy should help you:
- identify and resolve issues that are bothering you
- experience a uniquely honest and non-judgmental relationship with your therapist
- develop greater self-awareness – and learn more of who you are
- increase your understanding of your past
- increase your ability to cope with the future
The majority of people we’ve worked with find they start to feel better quickly, even from their first session.
How often are appointments?
Weekly therapy is the most effective way to get the best long-term benefit from counselling. For most people, consistent, weekly appointments are key to making real progress in therapy.
If you cannot commit to weekly therapy, talk to your therapist at your first appointment. We might be able to offer other options to you. We even provide ad hoc support when needed via our Single Session Talks. But if you can, prioritise your mental health by choosing weekly therapy with one of our experienced therapists.
I am under 18 years old. Can I make an appointment with you?
We only see clients who are aged 18 or over at One Therapy. If you’re under 18 and need support, please keep looking as it’s important that you get the right help. Your GP is a good place to start or search online for a child or adolescent therapist in your area.
Will my therapist judge me or my life choices?
Absolutely not. We do not judge behaviour or personal life experiences, and we respect each client for their individual choices. We do not discriminate on any grounds, including age, race, gender, sexuality, religion, criminal background, health status, disability or ethnicity.
Is counselling painful or difficult?
Counselling can be emotionally challenging sometimes, depending on the issues and emotions at play. We are there to support you through whatever happens. Your therapist is skilled at helping people experiencing challenging emotions, and in helping build resilience so difficult emotions start to feel more manageable. Therapy is also exciting, enlightening and life changing.
Are conversations with my therapist confidential?
Yes. Everything you discuss in therapy is confidential. There are certain legal exceptions to this, which we will explain when you take up therapy with us. We create a space where you can discuss anything on your mind in a private, confidential setting without being judged.
Can I stop therapy at any time?
Yes. You can end your sessions whenever you want. Just let your therapist know. You’re also free to take a counselling break and restart when you’re ready. You’re in control, and you’re never tied in.
What if I am not happy with the counsellor or psychotherapist when we first meet, or as the sessions progress?
That’s fine, please just let either your therapist or One Therapy know that you think a different therapist would suit you better. Your relationship with your therapist is at the heart of counselling success, so trust your instinct. We can easily set you up with another therapist who might be a better fit for you. Our therapists are professionals, and they won’t take it personally.
What if I have feedback or a complaint about the service I receive?
All feedback or complaints will be received in confidence. We appreciate feedback as it helps us improve. Email feedback to Dwayne Jackson at jackson@onetherapy.london or telephone 0333 207 9330.
Can I arrange therapy for someone else?
No. It’s important that a person chooses to start counselling, and makes the first approach themselves. We cannot book appointments through any third parties.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone’s needs in therapy are different, and people progress at different rates, so predicting how many sessions you need is difficult. Once you and your therapist have had a few sessions, a conversation with your therapist may help you to establish realistic expectations.
I want to come for couples counselling but my partner isn't keen. What should I do?
Every person will have their own, often mixed feelings coming to counselling. At your first session, your therapist will discuss with both of you about your hopes and fears, and hopefully help you start to get on the same page so that therapy feels like a positive choice for you both. Remember, there’s no obligation to continue past your first session, if it’s not going to work for you.
If, after your first session, one partner in a couple is adamant that they don’t want to engage at all, we’d recommend pausing couples therapy until you’re both in a place to benefit from the experience.
How should my partner and I decide whether we need couples counselling or individual counselling?
Ask yourselves, ‘Are the problems we’re having caused by how the two of us relate to one another?’ If the answer is yes, you would likely benefit from couples counselling. If the problems you’re facing stem from somewhere outside of your relationship, individual counselling may be better. If you’re still not sure, call us on 0333 207 9330 to discuss, or book an initial appointment to talk through your needs with a therapist.
Can I have couples counselling at the same time as individual counselling?
Yes, but not with the same therapist. For those seeing a couples counsellor as well as a different individual counsellor at One Therapy, you can rest assured we have strict procedures in place to ensure that nothing is passed between the therapists involved, so all sessions remain confidential.
How much will therapy cost?
Initial consultation £100
Ongoing sessions for individuals: fees start at £90 per session. Fees vary depending on the therapist, and are included in our therapist profiles.
£130 per session
Single Session Talk with a therapist:
£125 per session
£170 per session
For more, please see Our Fees.
How do I know which therapist is right for me?
Sometimes, our therapist profiles will be enough to draw you towards a specific therapist. If that’s the case, just click to book with that therapist and go from there. If you’re not sure which counsellor to choose, or if you’d like some advice, try our Therapist Matching Service.
Our Therapist Matching Service involves a free 20-minute telephone consultation. We’ll ask you a few questions, and then talk you through our recommendations.
Whatever happens, if you feel at your first appointment that your therapist isn’t quite right for you, just let us know. Switching therapists is easy.
Life is busy, do you have appointment times that will suit me?
We have appointments available seven days a week, from early morning until late in the evening. We also offer a hybrid form of therapy, with some appointments face-to-face at one of our London locations and some online, giving you more flexibility. We will always try to find an appointment that works for you.
How useful is an AI therapist?
AI is an excellent source of information, but it can never replace a human therapist. Relationships between client and therapist are key to therapy, and AI can’t truly provide that. We strongly recommend trying one of our excellent, compassionate, highly trained human therapists!
Is therapy self-indulgent?
Therapy is an important investment in your mental health. We believe that getting help when you need it is a strength and not a weakness. Therapy can make you feel better, and also help you relate better to the people in your life who matter. So, we would say it’s not self-indulgent! Looking after your mental health can only be a good thing.
OUR SERVICES
Therapy for individuals and couples, in-person and online
You are not alone, we’re here to help
Talk to us about anything that’s on your mind. Meeting with a therapist can help in more ways than you can imagine.
Finding support by reconnecting again
Couples therapy brings an unbiased, specially-trained third party into your relationship, to help you both see things more clearly.
Help from the comfort of your own space
Online therapy allows your therapist to come to you, without needing to leave your home or office.
Need help choosing a therapist?
If you are not sure where to start, try our free Therapist Matching Service and we’ll help you choose a therapist that’s right for you.