How to Choose a Counsellor in Brighton & Hove

How to Choose a Counsellor in Brighton & Hove
Published by Grey Door Therapy Clinic, Hove

Deciding to start counselling is a big step. Finding the right counsellor can feel overwhelming — especially in an area like Brighton & Hove where there are so many options. This guide will help you know what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to find a counsellor who is right for you.
1. Check Their Qualifications and Accreditation
In the UK, counselling is not a legally regulated profession — which means anyone can technically call themselves a counsellor. This makes it essential to check that your counsellor holds a recognised qualification and is registered with a professional body such as:

• BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)
• UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy)
• NCS (National Counselling Society)

Membership of these bodies means your counsellor has met minimum training standards, holds professional insurance and is bound by a code of ethics. Always ask before booking.
2. Consider the Type of Therapy
Different counsellors use different approaches. Common types include:

• Person-centred counselling — focuses on your feelings and self-understanding in a non-judgemental space
• CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) — focuses on changing unhelpful thought patterns
• Psychotherapy — deeper, longer-term work exploring root causes of emotional difficulties
• Integrative therapy — combines multiple approaches tailored to you

If you're not sure which is right for you, a good counsellor will explain their approach during an initial consultation and help you decide together.
3. Think About What You Need Support With
Some counsellors specialise in specific areas. If you're dealing with trauma, relationships, grief, anxiety or a specific issue like addiction or sexual health, look for a counsellor with experience in that area.
At Grey Door Therapy Clinic in Hove, our team of qualified counsellors and psychotherapists support clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, bereavement, relationship difficulties, couples counselling, child therapy, autism spectrum support and more.
4. Consider Practical Factors

• Location — is the clinic easy to get to? Grey Door is minutes from Hove train station with nearby parking, making it accessible from Brighton, Portslade, Shoreham and across East Sussex.
• Availability — do they offer appointments that fit your schedule? We offer daytime, evening and weekend appointments, 7 days a week.
• Cost — counselling fees vary. At Grey Door, counselling starts from £55 per session. Some practitioners offer concessions — it's always worth asking.
• Online or in-person — some clients prefer face-to-face therapy in a private, confidential space. Others prefer online. Consider what works best for you.

5. Trust Your Instincts
The most important factor in successful counselling is the relationship between you and your therapist. It's completely normal to try more than one counsellor before finding the right fit. Most good counsellors offer an initial consultation — use it to ask questions and see how you feel.
You should feel heard, respected and comfortable. If something doesn't feel right, it's okay to try someone else.
6. Take the First Step
Reaching out for support takes courage. If you're based in Brighton or Hove and looking for a counsellor, Grey Door Therapy Clinic offers a free, no-pressure initial consultation to help you find the right practitioner for your needs.
Our team is LGBTQ+ friendly, neurodivergent-aware and welcoming to everyone.
📍 Grey Door Therapy Clinic, First Floor, 36 Blatchington Road, Hove BN3 3YN 📞 07950 973069 🌐 greydoortherapy.co.uk