14/03/2026
What sorts of “talking therapies” are there and how might you choose a counsellor or therapist?
Most of our patients opt for free NHS treatment via Buckinghamshire Talking Therapies (link below). However for some people a traditional Counselling service is preferred, and we have been recommending South Bucks Counselling for many years. Please note that this is not within the NHS, and a charge is applicable.
You should always, always check that your counsellor or therapist is registered with a professional body (typically BACP, BABCP, or UKCP) because anyone can call themselves a counsellor with no training, insurance or regulation!
For any of these services, you can self-refer without any referral from a doctor. However we are happy to explore the options with you if you book a routine appointment with your GP.
Patients with private medical insurance (such as Vitality or BUPA) can often access talking therapies via that, and many employers now also offer mental health support such as a 24-hour helpline. So there are lots of possibilities - maybe today is your day to find the right one for you.
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Supporting Mental Health in Our Community: Counselling and Psychotherapy at South Bucks Counselling (SBC)
At SBC we often hear people say that they are unsure whether they need counselling or psychotherapy, or whether there is even a difference between the two. It is a common question, and one that matters, because understanding the distinction can help people feel more confident about seeking the right kind of support.
Counselling and psychotherapy share important similarities. Both provide a confidential, non-judgemental space to talk, reflect, and be understood. Both are grounded in a therapeutic relationship built on trust, empathy, and professional skill. At their heart, they are about helping people make sense of their experiences and find ways to cope with distress, change, or uncertainty.
Counselling is often focused on current difficulties and specific life challenges. People may seek counselling when they are facing a stressful situation, such as relationship problems, bereavement, work-related stress, or a significant life transition. Counselling tends to be shorter supporting individuals to explore their feelings, gain clarity, and develop practical ways forward in the here and now.
Psychotherapy, while it can also address present-day concerns, typically goes deeper and works over a longer period of time. It is often concerned with long-standing patterns, early experiences, and unconscious processes that shape how we relate to ourselves and others. People may choose psychotherapy when they notice recurring difficulties in relationships, a persistent sense of anxiety or low mood, or when they want a deeper understanding of themselves and their emotional world.
At SBC, we recognise that these distinctions are not rigid. Many people move fluidly between counselling and psychotherapy, and the right approach depends on individual needs rather than labels. Our therapists offer both counselling and psychotherapy. They are highly trained, professionally registered, and work ethically to ensure that clients receive support that is appropriate, thoughtful, and safe.
By Cath Muston
