The short answer
Yes, but you may not need to. Therapy and counselling are designed to treat mental health difficulties, usually after an assessment. If you mainly want to be heard, a listening service gives you that for less money and without a waiting list.
It is one of the most common questions people ask Google: can I go to therapy just to talk? Below is what each option actually involves.
What counselling offers
A qualified professional who works with you on specific difficulties such as anxiety, depression, trauma or relationship patterns, using recognised methods. Counsellors use empathic listening in counselling too, but as one tool within a treatment approach.
✓ Assessment, goals and a plan
✓ Regulated and registered practitioners
✓ Free on the NHS, with waiting times
What a listening service offers
Someone who gives you full attention without diagnosing, advising or treating. It suits people who are lonely, going through a change, or who simply want to talk things through with a non-judgemental person.
✓ Book a time this week
✓ The same listener every session
✓ £25 for 30 minutes, £40 for 60
Side by side
Listening service vs counselling
Choosing between someone to talk to vs therapy comes down to one question: do you want to be heard, or do you want professional help to change something?
|||| | Listening session | Counselling or therapy |
|---|---|---|
Purpose | To be heard | To treat and change |
Who | A trained, empathic listener | A qualified, registered practitioner |
Advice or diagnosis | Never | Often part of the work |
Cost | £25 to £40 | Typically £40 to £80+ privately, free via NHS with waits |
Start | Book any available slot | Assessment first |
When counselling is the better choice
We will always say so. A listening session can sit alongside professional support, but it should never replace it.
✓ Persistent low mood or anxiety affecting daily life
✓ Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
✓ Trauma, grief that feels stuck, or a diagnosed condition
✓ Speak to your GP or self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies