Counselling isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all, it’s about finding the right kind of support when life feels heavy. Many people first turn to the NHS, where services like Therapy For You provide free talking therapies. These are usually short‑term and focused on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which science shows is highly effective for depression and anxiety. CBT is structured, practical, and often exactly what’s needed to help people cope in the moment.
But NHS therapy comes with limits. NHS England sets a target that 75% of people referred to Talking Therapies should start treatment within 6 weeks, and 95% within 18 weeks (NHS Digital). In practice, while many referrals are seen within these timeframes, local free services can experience delays when demand is high. Sessions are also capped, meaning support may end before someone feels fully ready.
That’s where private therapy offers something different. Experiential approaches such as person‑centred counselling or Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) go deeper. Research shows EFT is especially effective for relationship distress, trauma, and depression, helping people restructure emotional responses and build healthier bonds. Unlike NHS CBT, these therapies aren’t rushed or limited to a set number of sessions. They invite lasting change through deeper emotional exploration and self‑understanding.
Of course, cost matters. Free NHS therapy is a lifeline, but private counselling offers flexibility: you choose your therapist, your pace, and the style that resonates with you. Many practitioners, including myself, offer sliding‑scale fees to make sessions more accessible.
If anyone is curious about Emotionally Focused Therapy, I provide local sessions starting from £30. While NHS therapy and charity therapy is free, waits can be long and sessions capped – private therapy offers quicker access and space to go deeper. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to learn more.
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