“How do I book a counselling session in Cheltenham?”

A quick check first: do you mean Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (UK)? If so, here are simple ways to book a counselling session right away:

• NHS Talking Therapies (free, self‑referral)
• Self‑refer online or by phone to Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust’s Talking Therapies service. They’ll triage you and book you for CBT or another suitable option. Phone: 0800 073 2200; online self‑referral available. (ghc.nhs.uk)
• General NHS guidance on accessing mental health services and your right to self‑refer is here. (nhs.uk)

• Low‑cost local charities (quick to arrange, means‑tested/affordable fees)
• Listening Post (Cheltenham centre at Hesters Way). You can email cheltenham@lpost.org.uk or call 01242 256060 to start; their contact page also lists opening hours and a general enquiries form. (listeningpost.org.uk)
• Gloucestershire Counselling Service (GCS). Book by completing their online “Register for counselling” form; they have sessions in Cheltenham and online. Their site lists current fees and any offers. (gloscounselling.org.uk)

• Private therapists (fastest access, you pay per session)
• Search accredited professionals and contact them directly to arrange an initial consultation:
• BACP “Find a Therapist” directory (counsellors/psychotherapists). (bacp.co.uk)
• UKCP “Find a Therapist” (psychotherapists/psychotherapeutic counsellors). (psychotherapy.org.uk)
• If you prefer CBT specifically, you can also search the BABCP register. (babcp.com)

Helpful local options (examples you can contact today)

• Listening Post (Cheltenham): 01242 256060; cheltenham@lpost.org.uk. (listeningpost.org.uk)
• Gloucestershire Counselling Service: online registration form; venues include Cheltenham; fees published on their site. (gloscounselling.org.uk)

If you need urgent help

• In Gloucestershire, you can call NHS 111 and choose option 2 for the mental health crisis line. It’s available via the local NHS trust. (ghc.nhs.uk)
• You can also call Samaritans free on 116 123, 24/7. Note: their UK email service closed on 30 September 2026—phone and webchat remain available. (samaritans.org)

If you meant a different Cheltenham (for example, outside the UK) or have preferences like in‑person vs online, budget range, or therapy type (e.g., CBT, couples, bereavement), tell me and I’ll tailor the booking steps and shortlist.

You can book a counselling session in Cheltenham by contacting a therapist directly by phone, email, text, WhatsApp, or an online booking form, depending on the provider.⁵⁶¹⁴ Many counsellors also offer a free initial consultation before you commit to sessions.²⁹¹⁵

A few Cheltenham options from the search results:

• Acorn Therapy: offers a free 20-minute initial online appointment; bookings can be arranged by email, WhatsApp, or telephone, and sessions are available in Cheltenham and online.⁵
• Julie Wales Counsellor: offers a free, confidential 15-minute chat; you can call or message 07412 651894 to book a consultation.²
• Cheltenham’s Counselling and Supervision Centre: offers a free 15-minute consultation by call or email.⁹
• Sophie Page: lists direct contact details and offers face-to-face or online counselling in central Cheltenham.¹⁴
• Victoria Morgan: asks clients to enquire directly and offers an initial free 20-minute telephone consultation.¹⁵

If you want the simplest route, choose a therapist, read their booking page, and send an initial message asking for an introductory call or first appointment.²⁵⁹

If you’d like, I can also help you compare low-cost counselling options in Cheltenham or find therapists who offer online sessions.

You can book counselling in Cheltenham through the free NHS service, lower-cost local charities, or private therapists.

Free NHS talking therapies

Gloucestershire NHS Talking Therapies (previously Let’s Talk) covers Cheltenham. It is free if you are 18 or over and registered with a Gloucestershire GP. You do not need a GP referral.

It mainly offers evidence-based support (often CBT) for issues such as anxiety, low mood, depression, stress, panic, OCD, PTSD and phobias. Sessions can be by phone, video, online course, or in person.

How to start:

• Call 0800 073 2200 (free), or
• Complete the online self-referral form via the service page: ghc.nhs.uk/our-teams-and-services/letstalk

After you refer, the team contacts you to book an assessment (often by phone, about 45–60 minutes). They then recommend the most suitable option. Waiting times vary. This service is not for crisis support. If you are in crisis, contact your GP, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or call 999 if someone is at immediate risk.

Lower-cost local option

Gloucestershire Counselling Service has venues in Cheltenham (and other towns) and also works online. You register online, pay a small non-refundable registration fee, then have a paid assessment before being matched with a counsellor. Standard fees apply, with some reduced-fee places (these can have longer waits). Details and the registration form are on gloscounselling.org.uk.

Private counselling

Private sessions in Cheltenham are often around £50–£70 for about 50 minutes. Many therapists offer a free short introductory call.

Typical steps:

• 1.Search directories such as Counselling Directory or Psychology Today for Cheltenham.
• 2.Check they are registered with a Professional Standards Authority-accredited body (for example BACP or UKCP).
• 3.Email or call to ask about availability, fees, and whether they offer an initial chat.
• 4.Book an introductory session if it feels like a good fit.

Examples of local practices that take direct enquiries include Cheltenham Trauma and Counselling Clinic (phone 01242 806274 or email office@chtc.co.uk) and individual counsellors listed on the directories above.

Your GP can also advise and refer if you prefer that route, or if your needs are more complex than talking therapies cover.

There are several options for booking counselling in Cheltenham, depending on what kind of support and format you're looking for:

General process Most Cheltenham counsellors follow a similar booking approach: you contact them directly (phone, email, or an online form), often get a free short introductory call (usually 15–20 minutes) to see if you're a good fit, and then schedule your first paid session.

Some specific services you could try:

• 1.Therapy with Ben – Offers

face-to-face, online, or walk-and-talk therapy sessions . He has a room at Suite 1, Portland House, Albion St, central Cheltenham, and you can book via phone (07462 291471 / 01242 909120) or email.

• 1.Jan Laws Counselling –

She offers a 20-minute free introductory phone call to see if you're a good fit, and sessions take place at her room in Prestbury, Cheltenham, or at Regency Practice in central Cheltenham . In-person or online sessions cost £55.00 for 50 minutes .

• 1.Acorn Therapy –

Booking your first session is simple with no GP referral needed — just contact them by phone, email, or WhatsApp, and they aim to respond the same day . They also offer a free 20-minute online initial appointment to discuss what's brought you to counselling and whether they're the right fit .

• 1.Jessica Thompson Counselling (psychodynamic, Regency Clinic) –

To book, you complete a form with details about your requirements and your ideal appointment date . Sessions are 50 minutes, held weekly .

• 1.My Solution Wellbeing – A practice with multiple therapists (Lara, Hayley, Claire, Thomas, Temi, Janet)

offering appointments at their Cheltenham practice or secure online counselling , bookable directly online.

• 1.Igloo Counselling – Run by Linzi;

to book an initial session, you email igloocounselling@gmail.com .

• 1.Weight Loss Cheltenham (online counselling) –

Offers online counselling sessions, with 60-minute appointments for £79 .

General tips for choosing: - Look for a counsellor registered with a professional body such as the BACP or UKCP, which ensures they meet professional standards . - Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and book an initial consultation to see if you feel comfortable with their approach . - Some counsellors offer reduced rates for block bookings or concessions for students, low-income individuals, or those on benefits — worth asking about if cost is a concern.

If you let me know what type of support you're looking for (e.g., anxiety, relationships, trauma, teen counselling) or whether you'd prefer in-person vs. online, I can help narrow down the best option for you.

To book counselling in Cheltenham, you generally contact a counsellor directly—by phone, email, text/WhatsApp, or a website contact form. Many private counsellors do not require a GP referral, and some offer a free initial call or consultation.

Local examples

• Therapy with Ben — Contact Ben at Ben@Therapy-with-Ben.co.uk or 07462 291471 (call, text or WhatsApp). He offers face-to-face counselling in Cheltenham at Therabode Therapy Centre, Norfolk House, 8 Well Walk, Cheltenham GL50 3JX, as well as Moreton-in-Marsh and online. He works with teenagers aged 13–17, young adults 18–24, and adults. The first session is for exploring what brought you to counselling and what you hope to gain. The initial counselling–psychotherapy session is listed as free of charge. therapy-with-ben.co.uk

• Acorn Therapy — Offers teen and young adult counselling in Cheltenham & the Cotswolds, and online across the UK. It advertises a free 20-minute initial online video consultation, and states that the first counselling session is free and can be online or in person. Subsequent sessions are £50 for 50 minutes; reduced-cost spaces may be available but are often full. Contact by phone, email, WhatsApp, or website form: 07448781027 / contact@acorntherapy.co.uk; another number listed is +44 7561 725262. Booking is described as simple and no GP referral is needed. acorntherapy.co.uk

• Thinking Together — Offers a free 15-minute discovery phone call if you have questions about counselling. This is not a therapy session or initial consultation. You can fill out the booking form and Rachel will contact you by email to arrange a suitable time. Contact: rachel.thinktogether@gmail.com. thinkingtogethertherapy.co.uk

General steps

• 1.Choose in-person or online — Cheltenham has in-person options, and many counsellors also work online across the UK.
• 2.Contact the counsellor directly — phone, text/WhatsApp, email, or website contact form.
• 3.Ask about a free initial consultation or discovery call — availability and length vary.
• 4.Confirm fees, location, and availability — for example, one service lists £50 per 50-minute session.
• 5.If you are in crisis, do not wait for a counselling booking. In the UK, contact NHS 111, your GP, 999 in an emergency, or Samaritans on 116 123. acorntherapy.co.uk

To book a counselling session in Cheltenham (Gloucestershire), there are a few primary pathways depending on your budget, how quickly you need an appointment, and what kind of support you are seeking:

1. Free NHS Counselling (Gloucestershire NHS Talking Therapies)

If you are 18 or older and registered with a GP surgery in Gloucestershire, you can access free talking therapies (such as CBT and guided self-help) for mild-to-moderate anxiety, depression, and stress.

• How to book:
• Self-Referral: You do not need a doctor's note. Search for Gloucestershire NHS Talking Therapies (run by the Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust) and fill out their online self-referral form or call their team directly.
• Via your GP: Book a routine appointment with your local Cheltenham GP surgery, and they can submit a referral on your behalf.

2. Affordable / Low-Cost & Charity Counselling

If you want regular, longer-term talking therapy without the full cost of private care, several Gloucestershire charities operate in Cheltenham:

• Gloucestershire Counselling Service (GCS): Offers in-person counselling at venues across Cheltenham as well as online. They offer standard appointments as well as subsidised/reduced-fee options.
• How to book: Visit gloscounselling.org.uk and complete the adult or youth registration form.
• The Listening Post: A long-running local charity providing confidential one-to-one adult counselling on an affordable donation basis. They have a counselling centre in Cheltenham.
• How to book: Visit listeningpost.org.uk or call them to request an initial assessment.
• For Young People:
• TIC+ (Teens in Crisis): Free counselling for children and young people aged 9–25 across Gloucestershire. Self-referrals can be made online via `ticplus.org.uk`.
• SHARE Young People’s Counselling: A volunteer charity offering free counselling for ages 11–25 in Cheltenham.

3. Private Counselling (Fastest & Widest Choice)

Private counselling generally offers the fastest access (often within days), flexible session times (evenings/weekends), and choice over therapist and therapeutic approach (e.g., CBT, psychodynamic, EMDR, couples therapy). Sessions typically range from £45 to £80+ per hour.

• How to book:

• Search a verified therapist directory:

• BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy): bacp.co.uk
• Counselling Directory: counselling-directory.org.uk
• Psychology Today UK: psychologytoday.com/gb

• Enter "Cheltenham" and filter by issue (e.g., grief, relationships, trauma), format (face-to-face or online), and budget.
• Send an enquiry or book directly. Most therapists offer a brief initial phone consultation (often free or low-cost) to discuss your goals before booking your first session.

4. Workplace or University Support

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Check your employment contract or HR portal. Many UK employers provide 4 to 8 free, confidential counselling sessions through an external provider.
• Students: If you attend the University of Gloucestershire or Gloucestershire College, you can book free counselling sessions directly through your student wellbeing support service.

Immediate / Urgent Help

If you are in distress, experiencing a mental health crisis, or feel unable to keep yourself safe:

• Call NHS 111 (select the mental health option).
• Call the Samaritans free at 116 123 (open 24/7).
• Call 999 or visit the A&E department at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital (or Cheltenham General Hospital Minor Injuries/Urgent Care as appropriate).