Frequently Asked Questions

You have two simple options at HQ Therapy. Use our therapist finder to browse profiles and choose someone yourself, or book an assessment where we’ll help match you with the right therapist. If the first therapist isn’t the right fit, we’ll help you find someone who is.

This varies depending on your goals. Some people find 6-8 sessions helpful for specific issues, while others benefit from longer-term therapy for deeper personal development. You can discuss timeframes with your therapist and adjust as needed. Many people start noticing positive changes within the first few sessions.

An assessment is your first step with HQ Therapy. It’s a practical conversation where we understand your needs and goals, explain how therapy could help, and match you with the right therapist. We’ll also discuss which of our services – standard therapy or low-cost program – would work best for you. The assessment helps ensure you get the most suitable support from the start.

Your first session is about getting started with your therapist. You’ll discuss what brings you to therapy, what you’d like to achieve, and how you’ll work together. Your therapist will explain their approach and answer any questions you have. There’s no pressure – it’s about finding out if you work well together.

It depends on the route you choose. Qualified therapists set their own fees, typically £50–£90 per session. Our low-cost programme with supervised trainee therapists ranges from £27 to £45 per session, depending on the number of sessions you commit to. An HQ Therapy Assessment is £25.

Yes. Low-cost therapy sessions with supervised trainee therapists range from £27 to £45, depending on the number of sessions you commit to — 8, 12, 16, or 20+. Our trainees are on advanced postgraduate programmes at institutions like UEL and Metanoia, working under dual supervision. It's open to anyone who's happy to work with a supervised trainee. Book a 30-minute assessment for £25 to get started.

Once that is done you will receive an email confirming your booking and guiding you through the process:

• There will be a client invitation link leading you to a form that will be used to gather some details about you. Don’t panic, the process is very simple and all you need to do is put your answers into the form.
• There will be an invitation link to join the referral assessment video call on the day and time you have chosen (a reminder email will be sent near the assessment date to alert you).
• Now you are all set up for your initial referral assessment and on the road to finding the right therapist for your issues.
• We look forward to meeting you.
• If you cannot make your appointment date, let us know at least 24 hours before and we can reschedule it for another available slot on our calendar. Please be advised that referral assessments are non-refundable

A client therapy referral assessment provides you with a safe and confidential space to discuss the issues that have brought you to therapy and helps you decide whether counselling is the right choice for you with one of our referral therapists.

• Counselling referral assessments are up to 30 minutes long and cost £. All assessments take place over a video call, for your convenience at the time you have chosen. We ask that you be in a private space when taking the assessment call.
• The referral assessment is also to determine whether a trainee therapist is suitable for the client. If the assessment counsellor thinks a referral to another service is more appropriate, they will discuss this with you.
• If the service is deemed unsuitable, we do not offer refunds for referral assessment appointments, but you will be offered the option for your notes to be transferred to our Fully Qualified Therapy Practice.
• Although our therapists endeavour to be flexible around your schedule, due to the nature and the high demand of the low-cost service, session times are limited and we ask that you be flexible with your availability. Please be aware that the only session times we can guarantee are on weekends between 7 am-10 pm and assessment appointments are non-refundable.
• Please note: Our low-cost service trainees cannot currently offer therapy sessions with clients who are residing abroad.

Once the therapy assessment process has been completed, we will begin to arrange your sessions with a therapist.

• The prices range from £27.50, depending on a sliding scale of your annual income. A £50 deposit will be required when beginning your sessions, which will be refunded at the end of your client contract, on meeting the contract terms of cancellation
• If you earn above 40k per annum, you can still opt to use the low-cost service; however, the session rate will start at £45 per session. Payments are set up on a monthly basis.
• The Low-cost service is intended to make therapy accessible to all. However, we are restricted to the number of clients that can receive the lowest fee bracket, so please bear this in mind when booking your assessment appointment. Currently, the lowest monthly block booking fee is £108
• Make sure you take time to look at the information on the’ Low-Cost Counselling Subscription Information’ document and understand how ongoing Low-Cost Therapy works for you.
• Our low-cost service is a training program for therapists that includes conducting client sessions and assessments; therefore, the initial referral assessments take place via a video call with a client and a trainee therapist.

It depends on your preferences and what feels right for you — both options deliver effective therapy. Qualified therapists set their own fees (typically £50–£120 per session) and bring years of post-qualification experience. Trainee therapists are on advanced postgraduate programmes and work under dual supervision — sessions range from £27 to £45 depending on the number you commit to. Research consistently shows that the therapeutic relationship matters more than the therapist's experience level, so both paths lead to meaningful progress.

Yes, many of our therapists offer online sessions via secure video call. You can filter by online availability when browsing our therapist directory. Online therapy is just as effective as in-person for most concerns, and it removes the barrier of travel — particularly helpful if you're outside London or have a busy schedule.

We work with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, grief, low self-esteem, stress, OCD, eating difficulties, and many more. Our therapists offer 40+ therapeutic approaches, so whatever you're experiencing, there's likely someone on our team who specialises in it. Browse our full list of issues to find therapists with relevant expertise.

Most qualified therapists can offer an initial consultation within one to two weeks. For low-cost trainee therapy, you'll first attend an in-person assessment (usually available within a week or two), then be matched with a trainee therapist who typically begins sessions within two to three weeks of your assessment. We know that reaching out is the hardest step, so we work to keep waiting times as short as possible.

Yes, therapy is confidential. What you share stays between you and your therapist. The only exceptions are rare situations where there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else — your therapist will explain this clearly in your first session. Trainee therapists discuss their work in clinical supervision, but your identity is protected and supervisors are bound by the same confidentiality standards.

Your first session is about getting to know each other. Your therapist will ask about what's brought you to therapy, a bit about your background, and what you're hoping to get from the process. There's no pressure to share everything at once — you set the pace. It's also your chance to see if you feel comfortable with your therapist. Think of it as a two-way conversation, not an interview.

Absolutely. The therapeutic relationship is the single biggest predictor of successful outcomes, so feeling comfortable with your therapist matters enormously. If you're seeing a qualified therapist, you can browse our directory for someone new at any time. If you're in our low-cost programme, we'll re-match you with a different trainee at no extra cost — just let your assessor know.

Yes. Several of our qualified therapists specialise in couples counselling, and some work with children and young people. You can filter by these specialisms in our therapist directory. Our low-cost trainee programme currently focuses on individual adult therapy, though some trainees are trained in couples work — ask during your assessment if this is what you need.

All qualified therapists in our directory hold recognised professional qualifications and are registered with or accredited by bodies such as BACP, UKCP, or BPC. Our trainee therapists are completing postgraduate diplomas or master's degrees in counselling or psychotherapy at established training institutions. Every therapist's profile shows their qualifications and registration details.

For most concerns, yes. Research shows online therapy delivers equivalent outcomes to face-to-face sessions for conditions like anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. Some people actually find it easier to open up from the comfort of their own space. That said, certain approaches — particularly body-based therapies — may work better in person. Your therapist can help you decide what suits your situation.

Qualified therapists typically offer initial consultations within one to two weeks — many have availability this week. For our low-cost trainee programme, the assessment can usually be booked within a fortnight, and you'll be matched with a therapist within two to three weeks after that. This is significantly faster than NHS waiting lists, which can stretch to several months.

Low-cost session pricing is based on the number of sessions you commit to — not your financial circumstances. The more sessions you book, the lower the per-session rate: 8 sessions at £45 each, 12 at £37.50, 16 at £30, or 20+ at £27. Your assessor will talk you through the options and help you choose the right package. Sessions are paid in advance in small batches — we'll walk you through the payment schedule at your assessment.

Sessions are 50 minutes, the same length as most qualified therapists offer. They take place weekly at the same time and day, which helps build a reliable rhythm. Consistency is one of the things that makes therapy effective, so we prioritise regular scheduling.

Your therapist will give you plenty of notice — typically several weeks — and you'll work together on a planned ending. If you'd like to continue therapy, we'll match you with another trainee at no additional assessment cost. Endings are a natural part of the therapeutic process, and your therapist will help you process the transition as part of your work together.

Research shows that trainee therapists achieve comparable outcomes to experienced practitioners. What matters most is the quality of the therapeutic relationship, not years of experience. Our trainees are completing rigorous postgraduate training, receive weekly clinical supervision, and often bring a freshness and dedication to their work that clients value highly.

Yes. Therapy blocks are typically reviewed at agreed intervals, and if you and your therapist agree that continuing would be beneficial, sessions can be extended. Some clients work with the same trainee for their entire placement. The length of therapy depends on your needs and goals — there's no one-size-fits-all timeline.

If there's a gap between blocks (for example, over a training institution's break period), your therapist will prepare you for the pause and you'll agree a plan together. Many clients find that breaks give them time to integrate what they've been working on. When sessions resume, you'll pick up where you left off with the same therapist wherever possible.

Yes, and we encourage it. Having therapy in your first language can make it easier to express emotions and feel understood. During your assessment, tell us which language you'd prefer and we'll do our best to match you with a therapist who speaks it. Our team includes therapists who work in a range of languages beyond English.

Our HQ Therapy Assessment is designed primarily for individual therapy. For couples work, we recommend browsing our therapist directory and filtering for couples therapy — you can contact therapists directly to arrange an initial session. Some of our trainees do train in relational work, so it's worth mentioning during your HQ Therapy Assessment if this is something you're interested in.

Our assessors are experienced, qualified therapists or clinical leads with years of practice. They're trained to understand a wide range of therapeutic approaches and client needs, which is what makes human matching so effective — they can pick up on nuances that no questionnaire could capture. You're in experienced hands from the very first meeting.

That's great — tell your assessor. If you've had positive experiences with CBT, psychodynamic therapy, or any other approach, we'll factor that into your match. The assessment isn't about overriding your preferences; it's about making sure we find the best possible therapist for you, taking into account everything that matters — including what you already know works.

Yes, and this is where human assessment really shows its value. If you're dealing with several overlapping concerns — for example, anxiety alongside relationship difficulties and a history of trauma — our assessor can identify which therapeutic approach and therapist personality would work best for the whole picture, not just one part of it. If your needs are beyond what our trainees can support, we'll recommend a qualified therapist instead.

Yes, purpose-built rooms accommodate talking therapy, creative arts therapy, EMDR, and body-oriented work. Each room is designed to be adaptable to different therapeutic modalities and client needs.

Yes, membership provides access to book rooms across all HQ Therapy locations. Therapists can choose convenient locations for each client or vary working locations based on schedule.

No long-term contracts required. Therapists book flexibly with hourly rates, regular weekly slots, or intensive periods. You can establish your practice at your own pace without commitments.

Yes, HQ Therapy hosts regular CPD workshops, networking events, and professional development sessions. These help therapists stay current with best practices and connect with fellow practitioners.

Yes, many HQ Therapy therapists offer secure online sessions via video call. Online therapy is available for individual, couples, and teen therapy across all programmes and pricing options.

Yes, HQ Therapy matches new clients with therapists based on speciality and approach. We handle initial assessments and administration. Therapists receive qualified client referrals to build their practice.

Start with a £19.50 assessment session to understand your needs. We’ll match you with the right therapist and programme. Book online to schedule your initial assessment.

Contact your therapist directly to cancel or reschedule sessions. Most therapists require 24-48 hours notice. Cancellation policies vary by therapist and will be explained during your first session.

Book a viewing to see spaces and meet the team. Complete a simple application process after discussing your needs and membership options. Start booking rooms once approved.

Room rental starts from £17.25 per hour with flexible hourly, daily, and block booking rates. Newly qualified therapists receive discounted rates. Pricing varies by location across Highbury Fields, Haggerston, and online.

Most clients attend weekly 50-minute sessions. Session frequency can be adjusted based on your needs – some people prefer fortnightly or more intensive schedules. Discuss timing with your therapist.

Yes, all therapy sessions are strictly confidential. Therapists follow professional ethical guidelines and only share information with your explicit consent or in rare safety situations as required by law.

HQ Therapy works with children, teenagers, adults, couples, and families. Specialist teen and adolescent therapists available. Individual adult therapy is the most common format offered.

Each therapy room includes comfortable seating, natural light, soundproofing, and climate control. Additional facilities include therapist lounges, co-working spaces, kitchens, and full accessibility at Highbury Fields.

To get started please click the ‘Select’ button above and choose a time when you are free. As mentioned we recommend you choose a time when you have some privacy. The assessment fee is £25

Please note: If there are no assessment dates available on the booking calendar below please email us HERE and you will be added to the waiting list and contacted as soon as more dates become available.

Once this is done you will receive an email confirming your booking and guiding you through the process:

• There will be a client invitation link leading you to a form that will be used to gather some details about you. The process is very simple; all you need to do is put your answers into the form.
• There will be an invitation link to join the assessment video call on the day and time you have chosen (a reminder email will be sent near the assessment date to alert you).
• Now you are all set up for your initial assessment and on the road to finding the right therapist for your issues.
• We look forward to meeting you.
• If you cannot make your appointment date, let us know at least 24hrs before and we can reschedule it for another available slot on our calendar. Please be advised that assessments are non-refundable

A client therapy assessment with one of our qualified therapists provides you with a safe and confidential space to discuss the issues that have brought you to therapy and help you to decide whether counselling is right for you.

• Counselling assessments are up to 30 minutes long and cost £25. All assessments take place over Zoom. We ask that you be in a private space when taking the assessment call.
• You can use your assessment to talk about the reasons you’re seeking therapy as well as practical matters. The therapist will ascertain your preferences for therapy, be it online or face-to-face, or whether you have a gender preference for the therapist you work alongside. You will asked questions about your current difficulties, the impact they are having on your life, and aspects of your personal history. You can identify your goals for therapy and ask any questions you may have.
• A therapy assessment is a collaborative process. By developing an understanding of your difficulties, we can assess your needs and determine which therapist can best support you. Once we have determined your requirements we will recommend an appropriately qualified and experienced therapist. Find out more about choosing a therapist and therapy sessions here.
• If we think a referral to another service is more appropriate, we will discuss this with you.
• Assessments for all services happen online.
• Please note: We can also offer therapy sessions with clients who are residing abroad.

HQ Therapy provides community support, peer supervision groups, SEO profiles for therapists, co-working space, regular newsletters, networking opportunities, professional development events, and client referral system.

Therapists need professional insurance, relevant qualifications or accredited training enrollment, and membership with BACP, UKCP, or BPS.

HQ Therapy offers 40+ therapy approaches including CBT, psychodynamic therapy, EMDR, mindfulness, couples therapy, and creative therapies. Individual, group, family, and teen therapy formats available.

Once the therapy assessment process has been completed, we can begin to arrange your sessions with a fully qualified therapist.

• Their prices range upwards from £60 per session. If you are earning below 25k per annum, you can still opt to use our reduced-rate or low-cost therapy services.
• We ask that clients book their sessions in blocks of 4, which can be extended as many times as you wish. This means the therapy can be as short-term or as long-term as you would like it to be (Please note, sessions are weekly), which can be extended as many times as you wish. This means the therapy can be as short-term or as long-term as you would like it to be.
• Our assessment service happens online. Once we have determined what your requirements are we will select a therapist who will work with your requests of face-to-face/online/or both options.
• PLEASE NOTE:All of the therapists based at HQ Therapy are working under their own private practice.

HQ Therapy has locations in Highbury Fields N5, Haggerston E8, and online.

It is quite normal to be hesitant when sharing private and intimate information about yourself with a stranger.

• Your therapist will discuss the confidentiality terms within your first session and will supply you with a contract which sets out such terms before your first session together.
• We consistently ensure compliance with GDPR guidelines to protect personal data and uphold individual privacy rights.
• Read our full privacy policy for more information.

Yes, many trainees join our therapist community after qualifying. We offer support transitioning from trainee to qualified practitioner, including room rental and continued client referrals.

Yes, all trainees receive clinical supervision from qualified supervisors. Supervision frequency matches your course requirements. Group supervision and peer support also available through our trainee community.

Yes, many trainees provide therapy through our low-cost programme. This provides valuable experience while making therapy accessible to more people.

Submit an application through our website including CV, training course details, and placement requirements. We review applications based on course stage, supervision needs, and available placement slots.

Trainee client loads vary based on course requirements and placement stage. Most trainees see 3-8 clients per week. We match client loads to your learning needs and capacity.

Trainees must be enrolled in accredited counselling or psychotherapy courses, have professional insurance, and require clinical supervision. Previous therapy experience helpful but not essential.

Trainees need professional insurance, DBS check, course enrollment verification, and placement agreement. We help coordinate required documentation with your training institution.

Trainees work across our locations in Highbury Fields, Haggerston, and online.