Counselling isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. It’s about finding the right kind of support when life feels heavy. Many people first turn to the NHS, where services like Therapy For You provide free talking therapies. These are usually short‑term and focused on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which science shows is highly effective for depression and anxiety. CBT is structured, practical, and often exactly what’s needed to help people cope in the moment.

The Limits of Free NHS Therapy

But NHS therapy comes with limits. NHS England sets a target that 75% of people referred to Talking Therapies should start treatment within 6 weeks, and 95% within 18 weeks. In practice, while many referrals are seen within these timeframes, local free services can experience delays when demand is high. Sessions are also capped, meaning support may end before someone feels fully ready.

How Private Counselling Differs

That’s where private therapy offers something different. Experiential approaches such as person‑centred counselling or Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) go deeper. Research shows EFT is especially effective for relationship distress, trauma, and depression, helping people restructure emotional responses and build healthier bonds. Unlike NHS CBT, these therapies aren’t rushed or limited to a set number of sessions. They invite lasting change through deeper emotional exploration and self‑understanding.

Choice, Connection & Continuity

Another important difference between free and paid counselling is choice. In NHS services, you’re usually matched with the next available practitioner, which works well for many people but doesn’t always allow space to find someone you genuinely connect with. In private practice, the relationship is central. You can choose a therapist whose approach, personality, and way of working feel right for you.

Research consistently shows that the therapeutic relationship—not the specific model—is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes. Feeling safe, understood, and not rushed can make a huge difference when you’re opening up about difficult experiences.

Private counselling also allows for continuity. You don’t have to stop after six or eight sessions if you’re just beginning to understand what’s going on for you. Some people prefer short‑term work, while others benefit from longer‑term exploration that unfolds at a gentler pace. Having the freedom to decide what you need, rather than being constrained by a fixed programme, can feel empowering in itself.

It’s also worth saying that counselling isn’t only for crisis moments. Many people seek therapy because they want to understand themselves better, break old patterns, or create healthier relationships. Approaches like EFT or person‑centred counselling are particularly suited to this kind of deeper emotional work, helping you tune into what you feel, why you feel it, and what you need in order to move forward.

Ultimately, there’s no “better” or “worse” option—just what fits your life, your circumstances, and your emotional needs. Free NHS therapy and private counselling both have an important place. What matters most is finding support that feels right for you, at a time when you need it.

Cost, Accessibility & Finding What Fits

Of course, cost matters. Free NHS therapy is a lifeline, but private counselling offers flexibility: you choose your therapist, your pace, and the style that resonates with you. Many practitioners, including myself, offer sliding‑scale fees to make sessions more accessible.

If anyone is curious about Emotionally Focused Therapy, I provide local sessions starting from £30. While NHS therapy and charity therapy is free, waits can be long and sessions capped — private therapy offers quicker access and space to go deeper. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to learn more.