“Which counselling services in Cheltenham should I consider for therapy?”

If you’re looking in Cheltenham, UK, these are good places to start, depending on your age, budget and what kind of support you want:

• NHS Talking Therapies (Gloucestershire) — Free for adults aged 18+ with a Gloucestershire GP, especially for anxiety and low mood. You can self-refer online or call 0800 073 2200. The service mainly offers CBT-based support. (ghc.nhs.uk)
• Listening Post — A local counselling charity with a Cheltenham centre at Hesters Way Community Resource Centre. It offers in-person, phone and video counselling; it asks for a contribution based on what you can afford, and says no one is turned away on financial grounds. Call 01242 256060 or email cheltenham@lpost.org.uk. (listeningpost.org.uk)
• Gloucestershire Counselling Service — Offers individual, couples, and child and family counselling in Cheltenham. Adult sessions are listed at £55, with some subsidised places; the service says subsidised spaces can involve a longer wait. (gloscounselling.org.uk)
• SHARE Young People’s Counselling Service — Free counselling for young people aged 11–25, at Oakley Community Resource Centre. Contact them by text or WhatsApp on 07928 775015. (shareypcs.org.uk)
• Private counsellors — If you’d prefer to choose someone directly, directories such as Counselling Directory list local therapists and their specialisms, formats and credentials. Check availability and fees with the therapist, and look for membership of an appropriate professional register. (counselling-directory.org.uk)

A useful first step is to contact two or three services and ask about current waiting times, fees, therapy approach, and experience with the issue you want help with. If you tell me your age range, budget and whether you prefer NHS, low-cost or private therapy, I can narrow this down.

I'll research counselling options in Cheltenham for you.

I see Cheltenham options in both the UK and Australia — I'll gather detailed profiles to help you compare.

I've found some promising initial leads — now I'll dig into the details of each service.

Assuming you mean Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK - here are counselling options to consider for therapy, depending on cost, specialism and format:

If you meant Cheltenham, VIC Australia, let me know - most results below are UK-based.

1. Established local organisations

Gloucestershire Counselling Service (GCS)

• Registered charity and “one of its principal aims is to make quality counselling accessible to the people of Gloucestershire.”
• Has “counselling venues in Stroud, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Cirencester”, and also listed as having “venues in Cirencester, Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, Stroud, Gloucester and Forest of Dean.”
• Cheltenham location is listed as: “Address: 51 Rodney Road, Cheltenham GL50 1HX”, with rooms “on the first floor of 51 Rodney Road.”
• Offers work with “Adults, Children & Families, Schools and Couples services.”
• Good to consider if you want an established, BACP-accredited local provider - GCS “is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).”

Essential Space - Low-cost option

• “We offer an easy-to-access affordable counselling and mentoring service for children, young people, and adults, which can be delivered face-to-face or online.”
• “Our Services Include: Counselling for adults and young people”, “Low-cost discounted counselling”, “Specialised Neurodiversity Support”, “Therapy Dog Sessions”, and “Identity Space - LGBTQIA+ mentoring and counselling”
• For adults in Gloucestershire, “The pay what you can fee is negotiated, depending upon your circumstances”
• “We are based at Kingsley House which is in-between Gloucester and Cheltenham near the A46, off Shurdington Road and at Studio 2B in Stroud, Gloucestershire.”
• Consider this if cost is a barrier, or you want neurodiversity-affirming or LGBTQIA+ specific support - they note “1-1 or group support is available” for “young people and adults face to face or online.”

Cheltenham Trauma and Counselling Clinic - CHTC

• “Dr Joanna Nowill is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist, Trauma Specialist and practitioner of EMDR, CBT, Solution Focused Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy.”
• Also lists “Andy Flack is an accredited UKCP Psychotherapist and HCPC registered Psychologist.”
• “We now offer our full psychology services from CHTC at ‘Pure Offices’, Cheltenham Office Park, Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham GL51 6SH.”
• Consider for trauma, PTSD, EMDR and more clinical psychology-led work.

2. Private practitioners in central Cheltenham

Therapy with Ben

• “I’m Ben, an integrative counsellor/therapist in Cheltenham, working with adults of all genders.”
• Approach is described as: “My approach is integrative, which means I adapt therapy to you rather than following one rigid method.”
• Works with “Anxiety, troubled thoughts, constant self-criticism”, “Low mood, depression, lack of motivation”, “Life changes, relationship problems, feeling lost” and “Neurodiversity (Autism/ADHD) and masking”
• “Usually £60 per session.” with “Concessions available for counselling students and those in financial difficulty.”
• Room at: “Suite 1, Portland House, 4 Albion St, Cheltenham, GL52 2LG, in the centre of Cheltenham.”
• “I'm a fully qualified, insured counsellor and a registered member of both the BACP and NCPS.” plus in-person, online and walk-and-talk: “Counselling & Therapy In-person, online nationwide, and walk-and-talk”

Psychologist in Town - Cheltenham

• “Private psychological psychotherapy and counselling for adults, couples and adolescents in Cheltenham.” “We help individuals and couples with issues such as anxiety, stress and trauma using a range of therapies.”
• Address listed as “Basement Flat 8 Sydenham Road North, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 6EA”
• “We charge £150 for an Individual appointment and £170 for a Couple counselling appointment.”
• Consider if you want psychologist-led, higher-intensity therapy for individuals or couples.

Other private styles:

• CBT / Coaching: “I offer Training, Coaching and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Cheltenham, UK, and Online.”, in “a calm, private setting—either face-to-face in the Counselling Cabin or online.”
• Walk & Talk: one counsellor notes “I offer face-to-face, Walk & Talk therapy as well as online.” and “Walk & Talk therapy in Pittville Park.” with “Price Range: £60.00 per session”

Many therapists rent rooms centrally, e.g. “Cheltenham Counselling Rooms, 10 Bath Street Cheltenham, England, GL50 1YE” which has “3 counselling rooms and 1 larger therapy room available to hire.” - so you will see the same Bath Street / Cambray Place addresses for lots of independents.

3. Free NHS route

Gloucestershire NHS Talking Therapies

• Described as “your free, friendly and approachable local NHS service that treats common issues like depression, stress, anxiety and phobias using evidence-based talking therapies.”
• “You do not need to be referred by a GP and you can refer yourself online by visiting our website.”
• Also: “You don’t need to see a GP for a referral. You can self-refer to the NHS via Let’s Talk. This service is free.”

You can also ask your GP practice about “Gloucestershire Counselling Service (GCS), who have venues in Cheltenham, Stroud and Gloucester.”

4. How to broaden your search

• Psychology Today lists “Number of Counsellors in Cheltenham 100+”
• Counselling Directory notes “We have 84 results within 15 miles that meet your criteria.”

When you shortlist, check:

• 1.Accreditation - BACP, UKCP, BPS, HCPC or NCPS registered
• 2.Specialism - trauma/EMDR, CBT for anxiety/depression, couples, children/young people 5-18 / 13+, neurodiversity, LGBTQIA+
• 3.Format - in-person in Cheltenham, online, phone, walk-and-talk
• 4.Fee and wait time - NHS free but waitlist vs private £60-£170/session vs pay-what-you-can low-cost

What are you mainly looking for - anxiety, depression, trauma, couples/relationships, low-cost, or child/young person support? I can narrow this to 3-4 best-fit services.

I'll search for current information on counselling services in Cheltenham to give you helpful, up-to-date options.There are several good options for counselling in Cheltenham, depending on whether you want a multi-therapist practice, an individual counsellor, a directory to browse, or a free/low-cost NHS route. Here's a rundown:

Multi-Therapist Practices

The Regency Practice – this practice has experts qualified in various therapies such as hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, counseling, and psychology, with therapy rooms inspired by the beauty of the Cotswolds. Their qualified therapists are registered with authoritative bodies such as BACP and AFSFH. They have a sizeable team covering different specialisms — including an experienced BACP-registered psychodynamic therapist who has worked with grief, anxiety, OCD, sexual abuse, and relationship difficulties, as well as a counsellor/supervisor with over 33 years of experience, and two psychotherapists with a wealth of experience in neurodiversity.

My Solution Wellbeing Cheltenham – their experienced therapists regularly help clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, workplace stress, relationship difficulties, bereavement, family concerns and many other emotional challenges. They offer counselling for adults, children, young people, couples and families, with comfortable rooms in Cheltenham as well as secure online appointments, and you can contact them directly without needing a GP referral, though referrals from healthcare professionals, employers and organisations are also welcome.

Essentia Counselling & Psychotherapy – based in the Cheltenham/Gloucestershire area, their counsellor draws from a range of proven therapies tailored to individual needs, taking into account relationships, general health and wellbeing.

Individual Private Practitioners

• Helen Smith Therapy – a therapist, psychotherapist and counsellor based in Pittville, Cheltenham, working as an integrative therapist with adults and teenagers.
• Therapy with Ben – offers person-centred therapy and counselling in Cheltenham, with face-to-face, online, and walk-and-talk sessions with a qualified male therapist, based at Suite 1, Portland House, 4 Albion St, Cheltenham, in the centre of town.
• Carmen Roberts Counselling – an experienced Cheltenham-based therapist specialising in individual therapy and couples counselling, who is registered with the BACP, works with individuals and couples, and also volunteers at Cruse Bereavement Care on sudden and traumatic death cases.
• Debbie Fitchsampson (DF Counselling) – an experienced accredited counsellor in Cheltenham and Bishop's Cleeve, offering counselling for anxiety, depression, relationships, and bereavement.
• Julie Wales Counselling – offers a unique counselling service for all aspects of family life, specialising in counselling parents of children with special needs or disabilities.
• Reset Therapy Cheltenham – provides support for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, panic attacks, and self-esteem issues, with a somewhat unique angle given the counsellor is also a sports physical therapist, enabling a focus on the mind-body link, especially when recovering from injury.

Directories to Browse More Options

If you'd like to compare multiple therapists yourself:

• BACP Therapist Directory – connects you with approximately 18,000+ BACP registered therapists, offering a range of therapies for adults, children and families. It's worth choosing a therapist on a Professional Standards Authority accredited register like BACP, since this gives assurance they meet professional standards of proficiency, training and ethical practice.
• Counselling Directory and Psychology Today UK also list numerous Cheltenham-based practitioners with varying specialisms (anxiety, trauma, EMDR, neurodivergence, couples work, etc.), letting you filter by approach, gender, or in-person vs. online.
• findmytherapistdirectory.com and StarOfService are smaller directories also listing local Cheltenham practitioners.

Free/Low-Cost Route

Don't overlook the NHS option: the NHS Talking Therapies programme offers free counselling for common mental health problems like anxiety and depression, and you can refer yourself directly without needing a GP referral. This is worth considering first if cost is a factor, though waiting lists can be long and the types of therapy may be limited compared to private options.

My suggestion

If you want to shop around for the right personality fit, the directories (BACP, Counselling Directory, Psychology Today) let you filter by specialism and read short bios before reaching out. If you'd prefer a practice that handles the matching for you, My Solution Wellbeing or The Regency Practice both offer to pair you with a suitable therapist from their team. Many practitioners offer a free initial chat or consultation, so it's worth contacting a couple to see who feels like the right fit before committing.

For therapy in Cheltenham, these are practical options to start with, depending on cost, age, and the kind of support you want. Availability and fees change, so check current details directly.

Free NHS option (adults)

Gloucestershire NHS Talking Therapies (also known as Let’s Talk) is the main free NHS service for people aged 18+ registered with a Gloucestershire GP. It offers evidence-based talking therapies, mainly CBT, for issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, panic, phobias, OCD, and PTSD. You can self-refer (no GP referral required) by phone on 0800 073 2200 or via the service page on the Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust site. Support can be in person, by phone, or online.

Lower-cost and charity services

• Listening Post — A long-standing Gloucestershire charity offering counselling to adults (18+) on a donation basis (they suggest a contribution, often from around £20, and say people are not turned away for lack of money). The Cheltenham centre is at Hester’s Way Community Resource Centre, Cassin Drive, GL51 7SU. Cheltenham: 01242 256060. It is an organisational member of the BACP. Sessions can be face to face, phone, or video. Note that the organisation has a Christian foundation but states it serves anyone.
• Gloucestershire Counselling Service (GCS) — Countywide charity with venues including Cheltenham, plus online sessions. Typical fee is around £55 per session, with some subsidised places. Details and registration are on gloscounselling.org.uk.
• Essential Space — Community counselling and mentoring for adults, children, and young people, with a sliding-scale “pay what you can” model (often cited in the £20–£60 range). Based between Cheltenham and Gloucester (including Kingsley House, Shurdington) and also used in central Cheltenham. Website: essentialspace.co.uk.

Specialist private clinic

Cheltenham Trauma and Counselling Clinic offers counselling and psychological therapy for common problems (anxiety, depression, bereavement, OCD, stress, trauma, and related issues), including approaches such as CBT, EMDR, and ACT. The team includes counselling psychologists and a psychodynamic counsellor. Main site: Pure Offices, Cheltenham Office Park, Hatherley Lane, GL51 6SH. Phone: 01242 806274 or 07501 251681. Website: chtc.co.uk.

Private individual therapists

Many BACP-registered (and some UKCP or HCPC-registered) counsellors and psychologists work in central Cheltenham and nearby, in person and online. Typical private fees in listings are often roughly £45–£70+ per session, sometimes with concessions. Good places to search and compare:

• Psychology Today – Cheltenham
• Counselling Directory (search Cheltenham)

Look for professional registration (BACP, UKCP, or HCPC for psychologists), a clear description of approach and issues they work with, and whether they offer a short initial call.

If the person is under 25

Let’s Talk Well (formerly TIC+) offers free counselling and support for young people aged about 9–25 across Gloucestershire, including face-to-face, online, and phone options, plus a chat service. Phone: 01594 372777. Website: talkwell.org.uk.

How to choose

Match the service to what you need (short-term practical CBT vs longer-term exploratory counselling, trauma-focused work, couples, neurodiversity, low cost, etc.). A brief introductory call is normal and useful. Check registration, confidentiality, and cancellation policies before committing.

If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, contact Samaritans on 116 123, NHS 111, or emergency services (999). Local mental health crisis support in Gloucestershire is available via 0800 169 0398.

If you share the kind of issue, age group, budget, or preference (in person vs online, short-term vs open-ended), I can narrow this further.

Cheltenham has a good range of therapy options, from private one-to-one practitioners to free charity and NHS-linked services. The "right" one really depends on what you need (individual vs. couples, adult vs. young person, low-cost vs. private, in-person vs. online) and what you can afford. Here's a breakdown based on the services listed in and around the town.

Private individual therapy and clinics

These are self-referral, generally paid services. Ratings come from public reviews and are only a rough guide.

exa.ai

There's also Emma Johnsey, a BACP-accredited counsellor, mental health nurse and equine psychotherapist with nearly 20 years' experience. She works with adults face-to-face in Cheltenham and offers online and walk-and-talk sessions across Gloucester, Tewkesbury, Cirencester and the Forest of Dean. Her approaches include CBT, person-centred, EMDR-informed work and equine psychotherapy, and she offers a free initial phone or video call to discuss your needs. simply-therapies.co.uk

Free and low-cost services

Many of these are charities that you can contact directly without a referral from a GP.

• Listening Post Christian Counselling Service – a non-profit offering low-cost counselling, based at Hesters Way Community Resource Centre; rated 4.4 from 9 ratings. exa.ai
• Gloucestershire Counselling Services – a charity providing counselling for individuals, couples, children and families, and schools. bewellglos.org.uk
• Earth Wisdom CIC – free therapeutic group sessions grounded in nature, aimed at reducing anxiety and low mood, with a trauma-informed approach. bewellglos.org.uk

Specialist and age-specific support

• SHARE Young People's Counselling Service – free, volunteer-run counselling for young people aged 11–25, via text, WhatsApp, email or face-to-face. bewellglos.org.uk
• Tic+ / Talk Well – Gloucestershire-based charity offering confidential counselling and support for young people and their families. bewellglos.org.uk
• Childline – national free, confidential service for under-19s. bewellglos.org.uk
• Relate – confidential counselling for couples or individuals with relationship difficulties. bewellglos.org.uk
• Longfield – free counselling for adults over 18 with a progressive, life-limiting condition. bewellglos.org.uk
• Gloucestershire Support After Suicide Service (GSASS) – support for adults bereaved by suicide. bewellglos.org.uk
• Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) – support programmes for people aged 16+ experiencing domestic abuse. bewellglos.org.uk

How to choose

A few practical points worth checking before you commit:

• 1.Accreditation – look for registration with BACP, UKCP, BABCP or HCPC. Several of the services above advertise UKCP or BACP credentials.
• 2.Cost and format – charities such as the Listening Post and Gloucestershire Counselling Services may offer low-cost or sliding-scale fees; private practitioners may offer online or walk-and-talk sessions instead of a fixed office.
• 3.Specialism – if your difficulty is specific (trauma, bereavement, relationships, young people's mental health), it's often worth prioritising a service that works with that regularly.
• 4.Free intro call – many therapists, including Emma Johnsey, offer a short free phone or video call so you can check the fit before booking. simply-therapies.co.uk

Importantly, many of these services are free, confidential and can be accessed directly without a referral — support is available from NHS and council-commissioned services as well as local and national charities. bewellglos.org.uk

One caveat: opening hours, fees and availability change, and review ratings reflect a small number of people, so it's worth checking each service's website or phoning ahead. I can't recommend one specific service for your situation, but if you tell me whether you're looking for yourself or someone else, your budget, and whether you'd prefer in-person or online, I can help you narrow the list down.

Therapy and counselling options in Cheltenham (Gloucestershire) can be chosen based on individual needs, budget, and therapy preferences across several well-regarded local services:

1. Free NHS Therapy

• Gloucestershire NHS Talking Therapies (formerly Let's Talk)
• Best for: Mild-to-moderate depression, generalized anxiety, panic, phobias, stress, and OCD.
• Approach: Evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), guided self-help, and short-term counselling.
• Cost: Free via the NHS.
• Access: You can self-refer directly online or by phone without waiting for a GP appointment.

2. Affordable & Charity-Based Counselling

If you want longer-term or open-ended therapy without high private rates, these local non-profit organisations are strong choices:

• The Listening Post (Cheltenham Branch)
• Location: Hester’s Way Community Resource Centre.
• Best for: Adults seeking affordable, non-judgmental, one-to-one counselling.
• Cost: Donation-based (sliding scale according to what you can comfortably afford).
• Overview: A well-established charity accredited by the BACP, offering up to several months of weekly support.

• Gloucestershire Counselling Service (GCS)
• Location: 51 Rodney Road, Cheltenham (central).
• Best for: Psychodynamic counselling, relational issues, couples, and family support.
• Cost: Subsidised / sliding-scale fees based on household income.
• Overview: One of the largest and oldest charitable counselling providers in the county.

• TIC+ (Teens in Crisis)
• Best for: Children, young people (aged 9–25), and parents.
• Cost: Free or low-cost services across Gloucestershire.
• Overview: Delivers youth-focused counselling, digital support, and parent support lines.

3. Private Practices & Multi-Disciplinary Clinics

Private therapy typically has minimal waiting lists and allows you to choose your practitioner:

• The Regency Practice
• Location: Royal Crescent / Central Cheltenham.
• Best for: Access to a variety of specialists under one roof, including counselling psychologists, psychotherapists, and hypnotherapists.
• Cost: Standard private clinic rates (£60–£100+ per session, varying by practitioner).

• Cheltenham Trauma and Counselling Clinic (ChTC)
• Location: Pure Offices, Hatherley Lane.
• Best for: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), complex trauma, severe anxiety, and phobias.
• Approach: Specialises in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), CBT, and ACT.

• Cleeve Therapy Group
• Location: Cheltenham & Bishop's Cleeve.
• Best for: Practical, structured therapy for anxiety, depression, panic, and OCD for adults and teens.
• Approach: Focused predominantly on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

4. Specialised Support

• Relate Gloucestershire: Specialises in relationship and marriage counselling, as well as family conflict resolution.
• Cruse Bereavement Care (Gloucestershire): Free, dedicated grief and bereavement counselling.

How to Choose & What to Look For

• 1.Accreditation: Ensure any private therapist is registered with a recognised professional body, such as the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy), or BPS/HCPC (for psychologists).
• 2.Directories: If you prefer searching for an independent practitioner based on location, therapy style, or gender, consult the BACP Therapist Directory or the Counselling Directory (searchable by Cheltenham postcodes GL50, GL51, GL52, etc.).
• 3.Initial Consultation: Most therapists offer an initial 15-to-30-minute introductory call (often free or at a reduced rate) to ensure their style is a good fit before you commit to regular sessions.

If you’re looking for therapy in Cheltenham, a good place to start is with a mix of local private counsellors, broader counselling clinics, and free or low-cost services. The strongest options in the results include Therapy with Ben, My Solution Wellbeing, Sophie Page, Janie Cruse Counselling, Cathy Cook / New Life Counselling, and the BACP directory for more accredited therapists in Cheltenham.^14171813

Here are some Cheltenham counselling services to consider, depending on what you want:

• Therapy with Ben — integrative counselling for adults, with in-person, online, and walk-and-talk options; based in central Cheltenham and listed at £60 per session.¹⁵
• My Solution Wellbeing — offers professional counselling in Cheltenham for adults, children, young people, couples, and families, plus secure online sessions.⁴
• Sophie Page — an accredited counsellor working from central Cheltenham on set weekdays, offering face-to-face or online sessions for issues including anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, bereavement, and trauma.¹⁷
• Janie Cruse Counselling — works with couples, individuals, and young people, with sessions in person or online in central Cheltenham.¹⁸
• Cathy Cook / New Life Counselling — offers a free initial 30–50 minute consultation by phone, online, or in person, with free parking.¹³
• Cheltenham’s Counselling and Supervision Centre — offers counselling for adults and children, in person or online, and is listed as a local option in Cheltenham.³²⁰
• Cheltenham Trauma and Counselling Clinic / Psychology Today listings — useful if you want therapists working with trauma, EMDR, CBT, or ACT.⁹
• BACP therapist directory — a good route if you want to filter for BACP-registered therapists in Cheltenham.¹²

If you want free or lower-cost help, these local services from Be Well Glos may be worth considering:

• The Listening Post — counselling support for Gloucestershire adults.[Be Well Glos]
• SHARE Young People’s Counselling Service — free counselling for ages 11–25 in Cheltenham, including text, WhatsApp, email, or face-to-face support.[Be Well Glos]
• Longfield — free counselling for adults with a progressive life-limiting condition.[Be Well Glos]
• Gloucestershire Support After Suicide Service (GSASS) — support for people aged 18+ bereaved by suicide.[Be Well Glos]
• Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) — support for people over 16 experiencing domestic abuse.[Be Well Glos]
• Relate — confidential counselling for couples or individuals with relationship problems.[Be Well Glos]
• Talk Well / Tic+ — counselling and support for young people and families.[Be Well Glos]
• Childline — free, private counselling for those under 19.[Be Well Glos]

If you want, I can also narrow this down by budget, therapist type (BACP/UKCP), online vs in-person, or the issue you want help with.