Therapists practise in all walks of life and all parts of society, from NHS clinics to workplaces and education. They are trained to deal with a range of situations, helping people to cope with such issues as anxiety and bereavement, relationship difficulties, sexual and racial issues, child abuse and trauma, or personal problem solving.
We use the word 'therapy' to cover talking therapies, such as counselling, psychotherapy and coaching. Therapy offers a safe, confidential place to talk to a trained professional about your feelings and concerns. You might talk about difficult events in your life or your relationships and emotions. Or you might have negative thoughts and behaviours that you want to change.
Therapists will not give you advice or solve your problems for you. They will listen to your story, helping you to understand yourself better and make positive changes in your life.
What is counselling?
Find out how counselling works, what therapists do and what happens in a therapy session.
What therapy can help with
An A-Z list of issues and concerns which may be helped by talking to a counsellor.
How to get therapy
Where and how you can get access to counselling and psychotherapy, including free and paid for services
Therapist Directory
How to use our online therapist directory to search for a counsellor or psychotherapist by location, services or specialisms
Types of therapy
An A-Z list of the different approaches, modalities or ways of working within counselling and psychotherapy.
Support in a mental health crisis
Therapy may not always be the answer. There may be a time when you or your loved ones are experiencing a mental health crisis and don’t know who to reach out to.
Counselling terms and concepts
We explain some of the key terms and concepts you may hear if you're considering or having therapy
Get help for someone else
How to offer support and where to get advice.
Get help with counselling concerns
BACP's Get help with counselling concerns service provides confidential telephone and email guidance on what to do if you have any concerns about your therapy or your therapist
Articles from our members
Loneliness
What is loneliness? How can loneliness affect your mental health? Our member Siri Lewis explains how counselling can help.
Social anxiety
Our member Lou Baker explains what social anxiety is, how you can overcome a fear of social situations and how counselling can help you cope.
Relationships
What is relationship counselling? How can therapy improve your relationships? BACP member Cate Campbell explains how counselling can help.
See also ...
Useful links and resources
Information leaflets and links to charities, services and other associations offering support and counselling.
BACP Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists
The BACP Register is a public record of therapists who meet our standards for registration
Protecting the public
How we safeguard clients and raise public confidence in the counselling professions