What Is Therapy & Counselling?
Therapy and counselling are forms of talking therapy that help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in a safe, confidential space. Whether you're facing a specific challenge or simply want to understand yourself better, therapy can help.
Therapy & Counselling Explained
In the UK, the terms "therapy" and "counselling" are often used interchangeably under the umbrella of "talking therapy." While there are technical differences — counselling tends to be shorter-term and focused on specific behaviours, while psychotherapy explores deeper emotional patterns over a longer period — many practitioners blend both approaches to suit your needs.
What matters most isn't the label — it's finding the right therapeutic relationship. A good therapist creates a safe, non-judgemental space where you can talk openly about what's troubling you, gain insight into your patterns, and develop healthier ways of coping.
Do I Need Therapy?
You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Any concern that's causing you distress — whether it's anxiety, relationship difficulties, low mood, or a general feeling of being stuck — is a valid and appropriate reason to seek support. Therapy is for anyone who wants to understand themselves better and make meaningful changes in their life.
How We Work at HQ Therapy
At HQ Therapy, we match you with a therapist based on your specific needs, preferred approach, and personal preferences. Our practitioners are fully qualified and accredited, with post-graduate training in a range of therapeutic modalities. We offer sessions in person at our London locations in Haggerston and Highbury, as well as online.
What Can Therapy Help With?
Therapy can support you with a wide range of emotional, psychological, and relational challenges. Here are some of the most common issues our clients bring to sessions.
Anxiety & Depression
Understand and manage overwhelming feelings of worry, panic, or persistent low mood that affect your daily life.
Learn more→Relationship Issues
Work through communication breakdowns, trust issues, or patterns that keep showing up in your relationships.
Learn more→Trauma & PTSD
Process traumatic experiences safely with a trained therapist, whether recent events or unresolved childhood experiences.
Learn more→Self-Esteem & Confidence
Build a stronger sense of self-worth and challenge the inner critic that holds you back from living fully.
Learn more→Bereavement & Loss
Find support through grief — whether mourning a loved one, a relationship, or a significant life change.
Learn more→Anger Management
Understand the roots of your anger and develop healthier ways to express and manage intense emotions.
Learn more→Eating Disorders
Address disordered eating patterns, body image concerns, and the emotional drivers behind your relationship with food.
Learn more→Addiction & Substance Abuse
Explore what's driving addictive behaviours and build sustainable strategies for recovery and change.
Learn more→Life Transitions
Navigate major changes — career shifts, parenthood, retirement, or identity questions — with professional support.
Learn more→We work with over 30 issues and conditions
From anxiety and depression to life transitions and identity — explore everything our therapists can help with.
How Therapy Works at HQ Therapy
Starting therapy can feel daunting. Here's what to expect when you reach out to us.
Book a Therapy Assessment
Your journey starts with a 50-minute assessment with one of our experienced assessors. This is a chance to talk about what's brought you to therapy and what you're hoping to get from it. There's no commitment — it's about understanding your needs.
Get Matched With a Therapist
Based on your assessment, we'll match you with a therapist whose expertise, approach, and style suit your needs. We consider everything from therapeutic modality to practical preferences like location and schedule.
Begin Your Therapy Sessions
Start regular sessions with your matched therapist — in person at our Haggerston or Highbury rooms, or online. Sessions are typically weekly and last 50 minutes. The pace and focus are guided by you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy
Answers to the questions we hear most from people considering therapy for the first time.
What is a Therapy Referral Assessment?
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.
Is everything I say in therapy confidential?
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.
How long does therapy take?
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.
How much does therapy cost at HQ Therapy?
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.
How do I choose a therapist?
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.
What happens in a first therapy session?
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.
Does HQ Therapy offer online therapy sessions?
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.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Book a therapy assessment and we'll help you find the right therapist for your needs. No commitment required.