Find a Therapist or Counsellor in Reading
In person in Reading, Berkshire, or online
Start with a free 20-minute conversation. No pressure to commit.
What Our Therapists in Reading Can Help With
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure where to start. At Holistically Human, we make that process easier by taking the time to understand you and what you’re looking for, before thoughtfully matching you with a counsellor whose experience and approach best suit your needs.
Our carefully selected counsellors offer professional, compassionate support, with sessions available in person in Reading or online, depending on what works best for you.
Our therapists in Reading work with a wide range of difficulties, from anxiety and low mood to trauma, grief and the pressure of everyday life. You do not need to know which of these fits. We start with your experience as a whole person and help you find the right support.
Anxiety and Depression
When worry or low mood make ordinary days feel heavy, therapy offers space to understand what is happening and find a way forward at your pace.
Trauma
Past experiences can shape how safe you feel in yourself and with others. Our trauma-informed counsellors work gently with mind and body together, at a pace you set.
Grief and Bereavement
Loss can affect every part of life, sometimes long after it happens. Counselling gives you room to grieve in your own way, without being rushed or judged.
Stress and Burnout
When work, caring or life in general has left you running on empty, therapy can help you notice what your mind and body need to recover.
Relationships
Difficulties with a partner, family or friends can affect everything else. Counselling helps you understand the patterns in how you connect and what might change.
Conflicting Parts
Sometimes one part of you wants change while another feels afraid. Parts work helps you understand these different feelings with curiosity rather than judgement.
Book an assessment
If you are ready to book your assessment, then use the button below to reach our online booking form. You can choose an available slot that suits you.
How matching works
1. Tell us a little
Complete our enquiry form with what you are looking for, and whether you would like to meet in Reading or online. You do not need to share your whole story.
2. Speak to a person
Book a free 20-minute introductory call. We consider your needs and where in Reading is easiest for you to reach. A separate assessment fee may apply.
3. Choose your counsellor
We suggest a selection of carefully chosen practitioners near you. You decide who feels right and arrange your sessions, with support from our team if you need it.
Prefer Online? The Same Therapists by Video
We understand that finding time for yourself isn’t always easy. That’s why our counselling services are also available online, giving you the flexibility to access professional, compassionate support wherever you feel most comfortable.
You’ll work with the same qualified counsellors and benefit from the same relational, trauma-informed approach as you would in person, with sessions tailored to you and your individual needs.
Whether you prefer the convenience of online therapy or the connection of meeting face to face, we’re here to help you find the support that feels right for you.
Your first session and fees
Your first session is a chance to begin getting to know your counsellor and to talk about what has brought you to counselling. They will explain how you will work together, including confidentiality, boundaries and practical arrangements. You can share as much or as little as feels manageable, and you do not need to arrive with the right words or a clear goal.
Sessions typically last 50 to 60 minutes, and most people meet weekly at first. Sessions with qualified counsellors are currently £55 to £85. A professional assessment is £25. If you would like more information before committing we offer a free 20 minute introductory call to answer any questions you have. Simply fill out our enquiry form below.
Affordable Counselling and Mental Health Support in Reading
At Holistically Human, we believe everyone deserves access to professional, compassionate mental health support, whatever their circumstances.
We offer counselling for adults and young people, taking a relational, trauma-informed approach that recognises the whole person — their experiences, relationships, emotional wellbeing and individual needs.
Alongside our qualified counsellors, we offer a limited number of lower-cost counselling places with trainee counsellors who are working towards professional qualifications. All our trainee counsellors receive clinical supervision and work within our professional and safeguarding standards.
We also work with community partners to help make counselling more accessible to people who might otherwise struggle to access support.
Our affordable counselling places are limited and subject to availability and suitability. Our team can talk you through the options and help you understand which type of support may be right for you.
Other free and low-cost mental health support in Reading
We recognise that private counselling isn’t always the right option or accessible to everyone.
If you’re looking for free NHS support, advice or other mental health services, there are organisations available locally and nationally that may be able to help.
NHS Berkshire Talking Therapies:
A free, confidential NHS service supporting people experiencing anxiety, depression, stress and other common mental health difficulties. People aged 17 and over who are registered with a Berkshire GP can refer themselves directly.
Telephone: 0300 365 2000 (option 2)
Website: https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/talking-therapies
Your GP: Your GP can help you explore your mental health concerns, discuss treatment options and refer you to additional NHS or specialist services where appropriate.
How we differ: Holistically Human™ is a private service, so you can choose your counsellor, start without a referral and work in a way shaped around you. We also offer lower-cost online sessions with supervised counsellors in advanced training at £39, subject to suitability.
If you need urgent mental health support: Holistically Human is not a crisis or emergency mental health service. If you or someone you care about needs urgent support, please don’t wait for a counselling appointment.
NHS 111 mental health support: Call 111 and select the mental health option for urgent advice and access to appropriate mental health services.
Berkshire Mental Health Crisis Team: Call 0800 129 9999 for support if you are experiencing a mental health crisis.
Samaritans: Call 116 123, free, 24 hours a day, for someone to listen without judgement.
Childline: Children and young people can call 0800 1111 for free, confidential support.
In an emergency: If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or attend your nearest A&E department.
Your first session
What happens when we first meet?
Your first counselling session is a chance to begin getting to know your therapist and to talk about what has brought you here. They will explain how you will work together, including confidentiality, boundaries and practical arrangements. You can ask questions and share as much or as little as feels manageable.
You do not need to arrive with the right words, a clear goal or a complete account of your past. Therapy is a collaborative process, and your counsellor will help you explore what matters to you. You can discuss how often to meet and review what you need as you go.
Meet our Holistic Humans
If you need urgent help
We are not a crisis service and cannot respond immediately. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. For urgent mental health help in England, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. If you need someone to talk to at any hour, call Samaritans free on 116 123.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are counsellors and therapists regulated in the UK?
Counselling and psychotherapy are not regulated by law in the UK. Instead, practitioners can join voluntary registers, such as the BACP register, which is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. Members agree to an ethical framework and a complaints process, and you can check a counsellor’s registration on the register’s website.
Do I need a GP referral to see a therapist in Reading?
No. You can contact us directly without a GP referral or a formal diagnosis. If you would prefer a free NHS service, you can refer yourself to NHS Berkshire Talking Therapies instead.
How often are sessions, and how many will I need?
Most people meet their counsellor weekly, at least at first, for 50 to 60 minutes. There is no fixed number of sessions. Some people want support with a specific difficulty over a shorter period, while others value more time. You can review your progress with your counsellor as you go.
How much does therapy in Reading cost?
Sessions with qualified counsellors are currently £55 to £85. Lower-cost online sessions with supervised counsellors in advanced training are £39, subject to suitability. A professional assessment is £25, and the first 20-minute call is free. We will explain the relevant fees before you book.
Can I have some sessions in person and some online?
Yes, with many of our counsellors. Some people start in person and move online, or switch between the two around work and travel. You can ask about this during your introductory call.
Is what I tell you confidential?
Counselling is a confidential professional relationship, and your counsellor will explain how information is handled before you begin. There are limited circumstances in which confidentiality may need to be broken, for example, where serious safety or legal obligations apply. You can ask questions about privacy and records at any time.
What if I do not get on with my therapist?
Feeling safe and understood matters. It can take a little time to settle, but you should feel able to say if the fit is not right. Because we work with a community of counsellors across Reading, our team can help you find someone who suits you better.