Telephone Counselling Services

Connect with qualified therapists from the comfort and privacy of your own space. Our telephone counselling services offer confidential, effective support when you need it most.

At UK Therapy Guide, we've spent over a decade personally connecting people throughout the UK with qualified therapists who offer effective telephone counselling sessions. Our telephone therapy services provide convenient, accessible mental health support without compromising on quality or confidentiality.

Telephone counselling eliminates geographical barriers, allowing you to access specialist support regardless of location - particularly valuable for those in rural communities.

Telephone counselling services provide effective, confidential support from experienced therapists, bridging geographical gaps and offering a convenient alternative to in-person sessions.

When Reaching Out Feels Challenging

Telephone counselling can help overcome challenges when reaching out for support feels overwhelming, offering a convenient solution for those unable to visit in person.

Life's challenges don't always arrive when it's convenient to visit a therapist's office. Work commitments, childcare responsibilities, health limitations, or simply the anxiety of face-to-face interactions can create significant barriers to accessing the support you deserve.

For many, the thought of discussing personal struggles in person can feel overwhelming. With NHS Talking Therapies receiving a record 1.82 million referrals in 2023, waiting lists can be long, leaving you feeling stuck and unsupported during critical times when you need guidance most.

Telephone therapy reduces traditional barriers to mental health support, with studies showing it can even improve engagement, compared to in-person sessions particularly for those experiencing social anxiety or stigma concerns.

Support That Fits Into Your Life

Phone counselling offers a flexible, accessible alternative that maintains the human connection essential for effective therapy. Speaking with a trained professional from a location where you feel safe and comfortable can actually enhance openness and facilitate deeper therapeutic work.

Our telephone therapists are highly qualified mental health professionals who specialise in delivering support remotely. They build strong therapeutic relationships through vocal communication alone, allowing you to address depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, trauma, and many other concerns with the same effectiveness as traditional in-person therapy.

Clinical research demonstrates telephone-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy produces equivalent outcomes to in-person sessions for conditions like depression and anxiety, with patients reporting no significant differences in therapist empathy or attentiveness.

Phone counselling offers flexible access to mental health support, fitting seamlessly into your life and environment, enhancing therapeutic engagement by providing comfort and familiarity.

Common Questions About Telephone Counselling

Research shows no significant difference in outcomes between telephone and face-to-face therapy, making telephone counselling an effective alternative for many.
Is telephone counselling as effective as face-to-face therapy?

Yes. Research consistently shows telephone therapy produces comparable outcomes to in-person therapy. Meta-analyses confirm telephone-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) produces equivalent outcomes to in-person sessions for depression and anxiety disorders, with particularly strong results for generalised anxiety disorder and PTSD.

Will I be able to form a good relationship with my therapist over the phone?

Absolutely. A 2020 systematic review found no significant differences in patient-reported empathy or therapist attentiveness between telephone and face-to-face therapy. Many clients find they can open up more quickly without the pressure of being physically present.

What if I need immediate support during a crisis?

Our telephone therapists provide scheduled sessions rather than crisis support. For immediate help during a mental health emergency, we recommend contacting crisis services like Samaritans (116 123) or your local NHS urgent mental health helpline.

How private and secure is telephone counselling?

Our therapists follow strict BACP ethical guidelines for telephone therapy, ensuring your sessions remain completely confidential. They conduct sessions from private spaces and will help you establish appropriate boundaries for your calls.

Telephone therapy offers significant cost benefits, saving patients between £28–£45 weekly on transportation, childcare, and lost wages while maintaining equivalent clinical outcomes to traditional in-person approaches.

Not Sure if Telephone Counselling is right for you?

Our quick quiz can help you understand if therapy could be beneficial.

Our Quick Quiz Helps You:

  • Learn what therapy actually involves
  • Understand how it might help you
  • Discover what to expect from sessions
  • Get clarity on practical matters like costs
Our personal matching service connects you with telephone therapists suited to your unique needs, ensuring high-quality and personalized mental health support.

Why Choose UK Therapy Guide for Telephone Counselling

Telephone counselling offers therapeutic support via voice calls, maintaining the human connection and effectiveness of traditional therapy sessions.
  • Personal matching service - Our placement team personally matches you with therapists suited to your specific needs and preferences
  • Exclusively qualified professionals - Every therapist is fully accredited, insured and personally vetted
  • Proven expertise - With 12+ years connecting clients to therapists, we understand what makes successful therapeutic relationships
  • Flexible scheduling - Evening and weekend appointments to fit around your commitments
  • UK-wide coverage - Access specialists regardless of your location
  • Secure and confidential - Adhering to the highest ethical and privacy standards

UK Therapy Guide's personal matching approach ensures you connect with a telephone therapist who has the right expertise and therapeutic style for your unique situation, rather than relying on impersonal algorithms.

How it Works

Finding the right online therapist shouldn't feel overwhelming. Our simple, personalised process ensures you're matched with the perfect counsellor for your needs.

Share Your Preferences

Complete our brief placement form to tell us about your needs, schedule preferences, and what you're looking for in a therapist.

Free Consultation Call

Have a friendly chat with our placement specialists who'll take the time to understand your situation and match you with the perfect therapist for your needs.

Begin Your Journey

Meet your carefully matched therapist and start working together through regular sessions to achieve your therapeutic goals.

Meet Our Online Therapists in the UK

Finding the right online counsellor shouldn't be complicated. Our placement team personally knows every counsellor in our network, ensuring we can match you with someone who truly understands your needs.

Why we recommend Veronica

Veronica is a compassionate counselling psychologist with extensive NHS and corporate experience. Blending CBT, EMDR, and psychodynamic approaches, she supports individuals and adolescents to overcome trauma, anxiety, and low self-esteem while helping them reconnect with their true selves.

Veronica
United Kingdom
Online
In-person
Veronica

Veronica

£85/week

Adolescent Support 10+ Years NHS Experience CBT & Psychodynamic Expert

Discover the transformative power of therapy with me, a dedicated counselling psychologist empowering individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and habit disorders to reclaim their lives. With over a decade of...

Discover the transformative power of therapy with me, a dedicated counselling psychologist empowering individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and habit disorders to reclaim their lives. With over a decade of NHS and corporate experience, I offer personalised CBT and MBCT sessions that build resilience and foster lasting change.
 

My Style & How I Work

My journey into therapy started as a Criminal Lawyer in Italy, where I worked daily with people facing intense psychological stress, sparking my passion to support mental health. My core belief is that people can transform even the toughest situations—like being in prison or overcoming impossible obstacles—when they embrace the right mental attitude. The most rewarding part of my work is helping clients become their true selves. Every client takes me on a journey of learning about life, love, and compassion. I have a very practical approach, my expertise is full of helpful tools but at the same time I also work with dreams and the unconscious communication of the psyche.

My Story & What Drives Me

My style is supportive and helpful. In the right situation, I share a witty sense of humour with my clients. I find this to be a bonding experience that put things in perspective. I believe I am a robust therapist, I have listened to many traumatic stories with compassion and the ability to still think and process the experience with the client. I believe in boundaries and compassionate listening. I am a problem solver and I can interpret dreams that very often offer a surprising solutions or insight.

Types of Therapy I Offer
 

I offer therapy to individuals and young adults from 15 years of age to the older population. I am trained in CBT. This approach allows me to offer the client practical tools and focus on the here and now. I am trained in EMDR – this is a specific approach approved by NICE guidelines for trauma and complex trauma. I am trained in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. This is a deeper approach exploring how the past is linked to the present and how sometimes we make unconscious choices. My aim is to bring the into focus unhelpful hidden dynamics.

My Expertise & Focus Areas

My strongest area of expertise is work related to borderline personality disorder, emotional dysregulation and other personality disorders thanks to the MBT programme’s extensive training at The Maudsley. Working with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, stress and insomnia has been the core of my practice in the NHS during the many years I worked for IAPT and various GP surgeries. I developed a particular interest in health anxiety and chronic pain when I was working as part of the Health Department at St. Thomas. My passion is psychodynamic psychotherapy, working with dreams, and the deeper meaning of our psyche. Recently, I completed work as a psychologist for a large consultancy company. My work informed their EAP programme, as it explored and outlined key work-related issues and employee coaching opportunities. Thanks to my extensive training and clinical expertise I can confidently work with abuse, anger, divorce, low self esteem and stress.

My Therapeutic Approach & Methods

The core of being a Counselling Psychologist is to be trained in different therapeutic modalities. No approach should be superior to another, instead, the idea is to use the appropriate approach with the right presentation. Thanks to my extensive training and clinical expertise I believe I can offer a variety of methodologies. I use CBT to help clients solving practical everyday challenges. I focus on EMDR for trauma. I use MBT for personality disorders, emotional dysregulation, stress, anxiety, anger, emotional abusive relationships. I use psychodynamic psychotherapy for deeper issue, adverse childhood events and low self esteem problems.
I warmly invite you to take the next step on your journey toward healing—reach out today to schedule a session, and let’s explore how I can support you in becoming your truest self.

Therapy Offered

  • Behaviour Therapy
  • EMDR
  • Integrative Therapy
  • Interpersonal Therapy
  • Jungian Analysis
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Clinical Supervision

Speciality areas

AbuseAngerAnxietyChronic painDepressionDivorceLow self esteemPanic attacksSuicidal thoughtsTraumaWork related issuesBereavementBi-PolarInsomnia

Qualifications

  • MSc in Counselling Psychology from City University
  • CBT for Generalised Anxiety Disorder – Institute of Psychiatry & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
  • MA in Foundations of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy – University of Essex & Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust
  • EMDR Certificate

Session Fees

Session Type Online & Phone In-Person
Individual£85£85
Adolescent£85£85

Why we recommend Ylenia

Ylenia creates a warm, non-judgmental space for individuals and couples to explore emotions, improve communication, and rebuild connection. Her integrative approach is compassionate, culturally sensitive, and tailored to each client’s unique needs.

Ylenia
United Kingdom
Telephone
Online
Ylenia

Ylenia

£75/week

Relationship Specialist Integrative Approach Bilingual Therapist

Hi, I’m Ylenia, a Relationship Therapist dedicated to supporting individuals and couples in navigating life’s challenges, improving communication and building stronger, healthier relationships. I help individuals and couples reconnect, reflect...

Hi, I’m Ylenia, a Relationship Therapist dedicated to supporting individuals and couples in navigating life’s challenges, improving communication and building stronger, healthier relationships.

I help individuals and couples reconnect, reflect and heal – both with themselves and within their relationships.

Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply seeking more clarity and connection, therapy with me offers a compassionate space to explore what is really going on beneath the surface. My approach is rooted in empathy, curiosity and collaboration.

Together, we will untangle the patterns that may be keeping you from feeling understood, valued and emotionally safe. You don’t need to have all the answers – just a willingness to begin.

Wherever you are on your journey, I’ll be alongside you as we explore things together.

My Style & How I Work

Empathy, trust and confidentiality are at the heart of my work. Therapy with me is a judgment-free space, where you can explore your thoughts, emotions and relationship patterns with the guidance of a professional.

Together, we’ll explore what’s holding you back and find new ways to understand and care for yourself. In the therapy room, I create a balanced and non-judgmental space where you will feel heard.

Fluent in both English and Italian, I strive to make therapy inclusive, accessible and culturally sensitive. I also stay up to date with the latest therapeutic practices through CPD trainings and BACP conferences, ensuring I provide the most effective support possible.


My Story & What Drives Me

My journey into therapy began with a deep interest in human relationships – why we connect, how we disconnect and what helps us repair.

Originally from Lazio, Italy, I moved to the UK over 10 years ago to fully pursue this calling. I began my path with a degree in Psychosocial Studies & Psychodynamic Counselling and volunteered for years with Samaritans, where I offered emotional support to individuals in distress. This experience shaped my understanding of how powerful being truly heard can be.

What drives me most is, witnessing those moments of reconnection: when a client begins to see themselves with more compassion, or when a couple finds their way back to emotional closeness. Those shifts are powerful and deeply human.


Types of Therapy I Offer

I offer individual and couples therapy for adults.

Whether you’re seeking support as an individual or a couple, I offer a warm and non-judgmental space where we can explore what you are going through and work towards meaningful, lasting change – at your pace.


My Expertise & Focus Areas

I support people dealing with many different issues including:

  • Anxiety
  • Self-esteem issues
  • Depression
  • Life changes

I help couples:

  • Improve communication
  • Rebuild connection
  • Navigate challenges such as conflict, intimacy issues, parenthood, infidelity

My Therapeutic Approach & Methods

My work is guided by an integrative approach, which means I combine different therapeutic models to best support each individual or couple I work with. I don’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” method – each person is unique, so I adapt my approach based on your needs, goals and the issues you’re facing.

At the heart of my work is the belief that self-awareness and emotional connection are key to creating lasting change. I draw from:

  • Psychodynamic Therapy: to explore how past experiences might be influencing your present
  • Systemic Therapy: to understand how relationships and patterns affect your current situation
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): to help individuals and couples better understand their emotional needs and rebuild safe, secure connections

Therapy Offered

  • Couples Therapy
  • Integrative Therapy
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Systemic Therapy

Speciality areas

AngerAnxietyDepressionDivorceLack of confidenceLow self esteemPanic attacksRelationship difficultiesStressWork related issues

Qualifications

  • BA Psychosocial Studies and principles of psychodynamic counselling
  • Level 5 Diploma in Relationship Counselling

Session Fees

Session Type Online & Phone In-Person
Individual£75-
Couples£95-

Why we recommend Alysha

Alysha blends warmth with practical support, using CBT and person-centred therapy to help clients feel heard, understood, and empowered. With over eight years’ experience, she specialises in anxiety, self-esteem, and trauma, offering a safe space for real, lasting change.

Alysha
Coleraine
Telephone
Online
In-person
Alysha

Alysha

£60/week

8+ Years Experience OCD & Intrusive Thoughts Specialist CBT & Person-Centred Expert

I believe everyone deserves a space where they feel truly heard and supported. I offer a warm and empathetic environment where clients can openly explore their emotions and experiences, allowing...

I believe everyone deserves a space where they feel truly heard and supported. I offer a warm and empathetic environment where clients can openly explore their emotions and experiences, allowing us to work together toward meaningful goals.

My background is in Social Psychology, and I went on to complete further training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I have over eight years of experience working with clients in both NHS and private practice settings. My therapeutic approach is relaxed and informal. Together we can help make changes that will hopefully have a long lasting impact long after therapy is completed.

My Approach

I use a blend of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and person-centred therapy. CBT is a practical, solution-focused approach that helps you understand how your thoughts affect your feelings and behaviours. In our sessions, we might use tools like thought records or journaling to help identify patterns and move towards more helpful ways of thinking and coping.

Alongside CBT, my person-centred approach ensures sessions are guided by you. I offer a non-judgemental, compassionate space where you feel safe to talk openly and be yourself. Building a trusting relationship is key to our work together.

What I Can Help With

I support clients with a range of issues, including:

Anxiety and low mood

Low self-esteem and confidence

Relationship challenges

Trauma

OCD

And more

If you feel I could be the right fit, I’d be honoured to work with you. Together, we can create a space where you feel safe, understood, and supported—where real, lasting change can begin.

Therapy Offered

  • Person Centred Therapy
  • CBT

Speciality areas

AnxietyDeath anxietyDivorceLack of confidenceLow self esteemRelationship difficultiesStressStudent stressTraumaBereavementLoneliness

Qualifications

  • BSc Hons in Social Psychology
  • Practitioner's Diploma in CBT

Session Fees

Session Type Online & Phone In-Person
Individual£60£60
Adolescent£60£60
I was skeptical about online therapy, but from the first session, it felt natural and personal. My therapist helped me manage my anxiety, and now I have practical tools for daily stress. The flexibility to fit sessions around my work schedule was invaluable.
Sarah, London
Find a Therapist Today

What Is Telephone Counselling and How Does It Work?

Telephone counselling offers therapeutic support via voice calls, maintaining the human connection and effectiveness of traditional therapy sessions.

Telephone counselling delivers professional therapeutic support via voice calls, allowing you to speak with a qualified therapist from any location with reliable phone reception. Unlike text-based online talk therapy options, telephone therapy maintains the nuanced human connection through tone of voice, pacing, and verbal cues that contribute to effective therapy.

Sessions typically last 50 minutes, just like traditional face-to-face therapy. Your therapist will call at your scheduled appointment time, and you'll engage in the same therapeutic processes that occur in-office. This might include exploring thoughts and feelings, developing coping strategies, setting goals, or working through specific psychological techniques relevant to your needs.

Phone counselling can be effectively applied across various therapeutic approaches, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Person-Centred Therapy
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Telephone counselling has evolved significantly since its origins in mid-20th-century crisis support initiatives, developing into a sophisticated therapeutic modality that maintains the essential human connection while eliminating geographical barriers.

Benefits of Choosing Phone Counselling Services

Telephone therapy offers distinct advantages that make mental health support more accessible and comfortable for many people:

Convenience and Accessibility

Telephone counselling eliminates travel time and transportation challenges, making therapy accessible regardless of your location. This is particularly valuable for those in rural areas, people with mobility issues, or individuals with demanding schedules. With telephone therapy, median wait times typically drop from 48 days (face-to-face) to 24 days, getting you support when you need it.

Enhanced Privacy and Reduced Stigma

For those concerned about being seen attending a therapist's office or who experience social anxiety, telephone sessions provide a welcome layer of privacy. Research shows that socially anxious individuals disclose emotional content more freely via telephone, with marginalised groups reporting higher disclosure rates (62%) when identity concerns are mitigated.

Comfort and Security

Speaking from a familiar environment where you feel safe can facilitate greater openness and therapeutic progress. Many clients find they can engage more deeply with difficult emotions when in their own space rather than an unfamiliar clinical setting.

Cost-Effectiveness

Telephone therapy eliminates travel expenses, parking fees, and childcare costs that might otherwise be associated with in-person sessions. Patients typically save £28–£45 weekly on transportation, childcare, and lost wages compared to attending in-person therapy.

Telephone counselling provides the advantages of accessibility, privacy, and affordability, making mental health support more reachable and effective for many individuals.

Getting the Most from Your Telephone Therapy Sessions

To maximise the benefits of telephone counselling, consider these practical strategies:

Create a Private, Comfortable Space

Find a quiet location where you won't be overheard or interrupted. Some clients use headphones for added privacy and clarity. Consider using a "do not disturb" sign if others are in your home during sessions.

Minimise Distractions

Turn off notifications on nearby devices, close email and social media, and try to be fully present. Having a dedicated "therapy space" can help create mental boundaries between everyday life and therapeutic work.

Prepare as You Would for In-Person Therapy

Take a few minutes before your session to gather your thoughts. Consider keeping a journal to note issues you want to discuss or insights from previous sessions. Have water nearby and ensure your phone is fully charged.

Communicate About Communication

If you're having trouble hearing or understanding your therapist, speak up immediately. Similarly, if you feel disconnected or misunderstood, address this directly—good therapists welcome this feedback.

Use Resources Provided

Many telephone therapists supplement sessions with email resources, worksheets, or recommended reading. Engaging with these materials between sessions can enhance your progress significantly.

Creating a private, comfortable space is essential for maximizing the benefits of your telephone therapy session, enhancing focus and receptiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Telephone Counselling

How do I know if telephone counselling is right for me?

Telephone counselling is suitable for most people seeking therapy for common mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, and life transitions. It's particularly beneficial if you value convenience, have mobility challenges, live in remote areas, or feel anxious about face-to-face interactions. However, if you're experiencing severe mental health crisis, psychosis, or have complex needs requiring physical presence, your therapist might recommend alternative approaches like online talk therapy with video.

Is telephone therapy as effective as face-to-face counselling?

Yes. Multiple research studies confirm telephone therapy produces equivalent outcomes to in-person sessions. Meta-analyses show telephone-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy produces comparable outcomes to in-person sessions for depression, with similarly strong results for anxiety disorders. Therapeutic alliance—a key predictor of success—remains robust in telephone settings, with no significant differences in patient-reported empathy or attentiveness between modalities.

What equipment do I need for telephone counselling?

You only need a reliable phone connection and a private space where you won't be disturbed. A landline or mobile phone with good reception is sufficient. Some clients prefer using headphones for better sound quality and increased privacy.

How long are telephone counselling sessions?

Standard telephone therapy sessions last 50-60 minutes, the same as traditional face-to-face therapy. Your first session might be slightly longer to allow time for assessment and administrative matters.

How many telephone counselling sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies widely depending on your specific concerns, goals, and progress. Some issues might improve after 6-8 sessions, while more complex matters could benefit from longer-term therapy. Your therapist will discuss recommendations after your initial assessment and regularly review your progress.

Is telephone counselling confidential?

Yes. Telephone therapists adhere to the same strict confidentiality standards as face-to-face practitioners. Your therapist will conduct sessions from a private location and is bound by professional ethics to maintain your confidentiality. The only exceptions are standard safeguarding situations where there's risk of serious harm to yourself or others.

Can I switch from telephone to online video or face-to-face therapy?

Many therapists offer multiple formats and can accommodate changes in your preferences. If your needs change or you'd like to try online talk therapy with video instead, we can help you transition to another format with your current therapist or connect you with another professional who offers your preferred format.

How do I prepare for my first telephone counselling session?

Find a private, comfortable space where you won't be interrupted. Have a glass of water handy, ensure your phone is charged, and consider having a notepad for any insights or homework. Think about what you hope to achieve through therapy, but don't worry about having everything figured out—your therapist will guide the conversation.

What if I don't connect with my telephone therapist?

The therapeutic relationship is crucial regardless of the format. If you don't feel comfortable after 1-2 sessions, discuss this with your therapist or contact our placement team. We're committed to finding the right match and can suggest alternative therapists if needed. The benefit of UK Therapy Guide is our personal placement service that carefully matches you with therapists suited to your specific needs.