The Best Counselling Services in Leeds Giving Me Clarity When I Need It Most
Just like everyone else, life sometimes gets me down, and these recent months are proof of that. My mother got very sick, my father was let go from his work, and I broke up with my long-term partner.
To say I’m overwhelmed with all the heavy emotions is an understatement, but fortunately, I have a wonderful counsellor. She’s been the best—a rock keeping me grounded—and with her help, I’ve managed to get out of the woods for the time being.
Here are local clinics offering the best counselling services in Leeds, just in case you need someone to talk to and provide support during troubled times.
How much does counselling cost in Leeds?
Counselling in Leeds usually costs between £60 and £80 per session. These rates are for private clinics; it’s possible to get a cheaper rate at a government-funded clinic. You can even score a session with the NHS for free.
Head Agenda Counselling and Therapy Leeds
Address: 28 Park Pl
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—9 am to 9 pm
- Saturday—9 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +441134180212
Head Agenda is where I found my counsellor, so understandably, I have to recommend this place.
The team here is trained in handling all sorts of issues (e.g., anxiety, depression, and anger management), and they can also work with clients of all ages. They even offer couples or family therapy and counselling services for corporate clients.
I also like that they can do online sessions. As much as I prefer face-to-face counselling, I sometimes can’t find the time to go to the clinic. So, having the virtual option is a game-changer.
My experience with my counsellor has been positive so far. I like that she doesn’t just listen to my issues; she also gives me clear suggestions on strategies that I can use to cope when things get rough. She’s also not pushy or judgmental, which I appreciate.
Individual counselling here costs £72, which I think is reasonable. Couples and family counselling services are a bit more expensive, but that’s understandable.
However, do take note that the team here is only available during office hours, and your counsellor can only help you during your appointment. They’re not equipped to help you in case of an emergency.
Customer Reviews
Seamless service, calming environment
“Exceptional counselling service. The team at Head Agenda is professional, kind, and genuinely caring. My therapist provided invaluable tools and a safe space that helped me navigate a very difficult period. The service is seamless, and the environment is calming. I highly recommend them to anyone in Leeds seeking professional therapy.”
- Gawain Fairchild, Google Review
Attentive and caring counsellors
“Absolutely fantastic service! I felt listened to and supported through the whole process. I had Claire as a counsellor and she was amazing! She was very attentive and caring. She took the time to help me understand my feelings which meant that I came away from each session feeling better and better. Claire has had a huge impact on my day to day life. I would absolutely recommend Claire and Head Agenda to anybody who is thinking about therapy.”
- Adam Carter, Google Review
UK Counselling Network CIC
Address: 209-211 Wakefield Rd, Drighlington, Bradford
Distance from Leeds: Around 15 minutes
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—9 am to 8 pm
- Saturday—9 am to 1 pm
I know the UK Counselling Network CIC isn’t exactly in Leeds, but it’s only a short drive away, so it’s still worth checking out. This is especially true for people on a budget because the counselling services here start at £28. That’s incredibly cheap!
Some people might think that the rates are too good to be true, but clients can vouch for the service. Many of them told me that the sessions are always meaningful, and the team handles the process with care and professionalism.
Additionally, counsellors here are well-equipped to deal with common mental health problems like anxiety and depression. But they can also tackle more specialised issues like low self-esteem, bereavement, and shame and guilt.
I also like that they offer different types of counselling setups. In addition to individual sessions, you can book a counselling session with your partner or your family. You can also try group counselling if you want to be in a supportive space with other clients.
Online sessions are available here as well. This is fantastic news for people who are too busy to drive to this clinic.
Customer Reviews
Kind, understanding, and flexible counsellors
“I was recommended to UKCN and has been very pleased. The initial assessment was within only a couple of days, and Suky, the assigned therapist, has been really great: kind, understanding, empathetic, and flexible. I am now recommending UKCN.”
- Barbara Jacobs, Google Review
Lovely to work with
“I was with UK CN for over 2 years and I am very pleased with their services. My therapist was more lovely than I would have imagined and my life has been changed for the better because of our sessions!”
- George Drakoulis, Google Review
Inspire Life Therapy
Address: 28 Stainburn Rd, Moortown
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—8 am to 6 pm
- Saturday—8 am to 12 pm
Contact Number: +447399058458
Having been around since 1994, Inspire Life Therapy is a mainstay in Leeds, so I’m not surprised that this clinic is highly recommended.
Not only do they serve all sorts of clients (e.g., kids, adults, couples, and families), but this clinic can deal with a variety of issues. Stress, anxiety, depression, eating difficulties, sleep problems, neurodiversity, and more—there’s a counsellor here for you.
I’ve heard great things about the counsellors, especially Ingrid. Clients told me that she’s effortlessly warm and compassionate, and she has a calming presence that instantly puts people at ease.
This clinic isn’t cheap, though: their session costs £95. Fortunately, this rate covers the session no matter how long it is, so you don’t have to pay extra fees when you exceed an hour, which is the usual duration of counselling sessions.
If you’re still unsure about this clinic, you can book a free initial consultation. This only lasts for 20 minutes via phone or video call, but it’s more than enough to get a feel of your counsellor.
Customer Reviews
Professional and has a calming presence
“Myself and my partner came to Ingrid when we were having some serious life challenges. Using her experience and professionalism, she immediately put us at ease and got to work helping us through our difficult times. The result is that our relationship is now stronger than ever thanks to the tools she gave us. I believe Ingrid went above and beyond to help us both as a couple and individually, and we would not hesitate to recommend her services to anyone.”
- Paul Marshall, Google Review
Calm and assuring
“Absolutely brilliant service from Ingrid. From the second we started talking, I knew I could trust her. She made me feel at ease after entering the treatment with some trepidation. Ingrid is calm and assuring, and works with you and your needs, not to any agenda but focussing on what I needed. It’s been a few weeks since I finished my last session and I feel much better, my PTSD is under control and she has equipped me with the tolls I need to move forward in life. I can’t recommend Ingrid enough. Thank you.”
- Josh Eades, Google Review
Keith Fernandes Counselling
Address: Eyton House, Central St
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Wednesday—9:30 am to 12:30 pm
- Tuesday—10 am to 8 pm
- Thursday and Friday—9 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +447935566085
Keith Fernandes Counselling is conveniently located in Leeds, just a short walk away from the train station. So, travelling to and from this clinic shouldn’t be too much of a hassle.
If you still can’t make it to the physical location, don’t worry, because he offers online sessions as well.
I have to commend the space itself. It’s artfully furnished, so the atmosphere is calming. This makes the sessions better because clients are encouraged to slow down and explore their thoughts and feelings.
I also really like Keath Fernandes’ approach. He focuses on your emotions and how things have made you feel instead of a factual narration of events. Plus, he ends the session with goal setting, so you get a sense of clarity and moving forward.
The rate here is £55 per session, which I think is a good deal. You can book an initial meeting to get a feel of the counsellor, but this isn’t free. You’ll have to pay a £30 charge for this.
Customer Reviews
Great service
“Keith has been great to me. I didn’t know what I was doing or where to start, but with each session, we slowly started taking things apart and helping me understand more about myself. I’m currently making big changes to my life, and Keith has helped me set myself up for that. Thanks, Keith.”
- E P, Google Review
Kind and sympathetic
“Having had counselling with Keith for nearly 2 years, I speak from experience that Keith is a very professional and compassionate counsellor. He helped me deal with a variety of issues, some known to me, some I came to understand during the sessions. Through this, Keith was always kind, sympathetic and found ways for me to work through these issues. I have nothing but praise for Keith and the work he carries out. The lockdowns were not always easy or kind but after working with Keith I have come to understand and accept how I am as a person and it has helped me carry myself with much more confidence and composure thanks to the work we carried out together.”
- Calum Bergin, Google Review
AJ Farrell Counselling
Address: Near, Holt Park Rd, LS16 7QS
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday—10:30 am to 7:30 pm
Contact Number: +447864005008
AJ Farrell Counselling follows a person-centred approach, which means the focus is on you and your experiences rather than any diagnoses that you may have.
As such, you can expect to explore a lot of your thoughts and feelings in your sessions and a lot of questions from your counsellor to encourage more reflection.
Clients have shared that this process has worked for them. One told me that he felt like he was stuck in a rut, and AJ was able to help him reframe how he viewed his past and develop a more positive outlook on life.
It helps that the counsellor has a friendly countenance and a knack for making people feel comfortable. So, it doesn’t take a while for his clients to open up and start reflecting.
AJ is also versatile. Though anxiety and depression are his specialties, he can also help people deal with specific issues like affairs, separation and divorce, and gender identity issues.
His rates are reasonable (£65 and £75), but I don’t like that evening appointments are more expensive than the daytime appointments. Fortunately, he offers a free 15-minute consultation, so you can give him a try first before committing.
Customer Reviews
Friendly approach
“Working with Andy has been a great experience. I felt stuck in a rut when I reached out to him and within a short space of time, he has helped me work through some personal struggles and shift towards a more positive outlook on life and reframe how I see my past. He has a friendly approach and makes you feel comfortable, whilst guiding you through some topics that may otherwise feel difficult to process. I would recommend him to anyone.”
- Paul Rider, Google Review
Judgment-free sessions
“I contacted Andy because I had realised there were things about myself I needed to better understand and work on. I also knew that I needed some help to get there. Andy was the perfect person to help me talk through my concerns completely judgment-free, offer perspectives I hadn’t considered, and create a comfortable space to be honest. I can genuinely say that I have transformed some of my thought processes in ways that better serve me and the people I care about. Thanks, Andy!”
- Alastair Parkinson, Google Review