Online Counselling Across the UK
Affordable online counselling with experienced, qualified counsellors
Counselling from the comfort of home, wherever you are in the UK
Online counselling has become a normal, accessible way to get support that fits around real life. For many people it makes therapy easier to start and to keep going, while still offering a genuine, supportive relationship with a counsellor.
At a glance
- £35 for a 60-minute online session (£45 for in-person sessions)
- Available across the UK by secure video call
- BACP / NCPS-registered, professionally supervised counsellors
- Usually no waiting list – most people can start quickly
- Easy to start – just get in touch
OthIf you’d like to explore online counselling, you’re welcome to get in touch for an informal conversation about what you’re looking for and current availability.
Why many people choose online counselling
There’s no single “right” way to access counselling – what matters is finding support that genuinely fits your life. For many people, online works especially well because it offers:
- Easier access wherever you live – including London and other major cities
- Flexibility around work, childcare and caring responsibilities
- No travel time or transport costs
- Comfort speaking from familiar surroundings
- Continuity if you’re travelling, relocating or managing health difficulties
- A manageable first step if face-to-face counselling is hard to access
What is online counselling actually like?
You might feel unsure at first, particularly if you’ve never had therapy before. Our counsellors work both online and in person, and many clients are surprised by how quickly online sessions begin to feel natural. As with any counselling, the relationship builds over time – and finding the right fit matters more than the format itself.
Some people find it easier to open up from their own environment, without the stress of travelling or sitting in a waiting room. Others simply value being able to access support privately and discreetly.
How to get started
Getting started is straightforward:
- Get in touch to ask about the service.
- We request that you fill out a referral form and, if you’d like, look at our Counsellors’ profiles which the team have written about themselves. We’ll let you know what spaces we have.
- Your first session. Your counsellor sends simple joining instructions, and you meet by secure video call at an agreed time.
Affordable counselling that fits around everyday life
We believe counselling should feel accessible, both practically and financially.
- Online sessions: £35 for 60 minutes
- In-person sessions (Bristol & North Somerset): £45 for 60 minutes
If cost has ever held you back, this is designed to be a genuinely realistic option – keeping quality support within reach over the weeks or months that make a difference.
What we can help with
Our counsellors support clients with a wide range of difficulties – including anxiety and overthinking, stress and burnout, low mood and depression, grief and bereavement, relationship difficulties, workplace stress, self-esteem and identity, and feeling overwhelmed by life changes. We also offer support that’s affirming of neurodivergent and LGBTQI+ experiences.
You don’t need to be in crisis to start. Many people reach out simply because life has begun to feel emotionally exhausting or hard to process alone.
Online or face-to-face counselling?
There’s no wrong choice – and online isn’t a compromise. Research suggests it’s just as effective as face-to-face therapy, including anxiety and depression.
In-person may suit you if you:
- Find it grounding to share a room with your counsellor
- Prefer a separation between home and your therapy space
- Are based in or near Bristol and North Somerset
Many clients use both at different stages, and you’re welcome to switch if ever your needs change.
About us
Affordable Counselling UK is run by Tina Free, an accredited counsellor, supervisor and trainer based near Bristol, in Yate (BS37). Alongside her own online counselling and supervision work, Tina oversees the team providing our online and in-person services.
The team supports clients with anxiety, trauma, relationships, neurodivergence and a wide range of other issues. Get to know our counsellors here.
FAQs about our online counselling:
How much does online counselling cost?
Online sessions are £35 for a full 60 minutes, and in-person sessions in Bristol and North Somerset are £45. Many counselling services charge significantly more, particularly in London and other major cities, and some sessions are shorter than a full hour. We aim to keep our fees as affordable and accessible as possible, without compromising on quality.
How long is a session, and how often will we meet?
The weekly sessions last 60 minutes. We do offer some fortnightly sessions too.
Do I have to commit to a set number of sessions?
No. There’s no requirement to commit to a fixed number – you and your counsellor review what feels helpful as therapy progresses.
What do I need for an online session?
Just a phone, tablet or computer with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a private space where you feel comfortable speaking openly. Your counsellor will send simple joining instructions before your first session.
Is there a waiting list?
In most cases, no. We can arrange a first session fairly quickly, and we’ll always be open about current availability when you get in touch.
Is online counselling confidential?
Yes – online counselling is confidential in exactly the same way as face-to-face counselling. We’d encourage you to join from somewhere private where you won’t be overheard.
Is online counselling effective?
Research suggests online counselling is as effective for many of the same issues as in-person therapy, including anxiety, depression, stress and relationship difficulties.
What if I feel awkward or nervous about it?
That’s very common, especially before a first session – and it usually settles within the first session or two as you and your counsellor begin to get to know each other.
Is this the same as AI therapy or chatbots?
No. Online counselling means working with a qualified human counsellor, the same person each week and building a real therapeutic relationship over time. Some people use AI tools for journalling or general wellbeing, but many value the depth, understanding and human connection that counselling provides. You can read more in our blog: Are AI Therapy Chatbots Safe?
Can I access counselling if I live outside Bristol?
Yes. We provide online counselling throughout the UK.
Do you also offer face-to-face counselling?
Yes. Some members of the team also offer limited in-person sessions in Bristol and North Somerset.
Ready to Get Started?
If you would like to take the next step towards your counselling journey, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
You can reach us by email, our Contact form or by WhatsApp, text or call on 07597 302810.