How to Choose a Therapist in Nottingham: A Straightforward Guide
- Ben Jones
- Jul 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 24
If you’ve decided it’s time to start therapy, you’re likely already feeling overwhelmed and trying to choose the right therapist can add to that.
There are dozens of options in Nottingham, and even more online. You might be asking:
How do I know who’s qualified?
What’s the difference between all these therapy types?
Do I need CBT, counselling, psychodynamic therapy, or something else?
How do I know if someone’s going to be a good fit?
This guide is here to help you cut through the noise, whether you’re based in Nottingham or open to online sessions.
1. Decide Whether You Want In-Person or Online Therapy
If you’re looking for someone you can meet face to face in Nottingham, check where they’re based, some therapists work from city-centre clinics, others from home offices in areas like West Bridgford, Sherwood, or Beeston.
But don’t rule out online therapy too quickly. Many people find it just as effective, and it can open up your options. If you’re looking for a specific approach or want to work with someone outside your immediate area, online sessions are a solid alternative.
2. Look at the Therapist’s Approach, Not Just Their Qualifications
Everyone on directories like Psychology Today or the BACP register will be qualified. But qualifications don’t tell you much about how a therapist actually works.
Some therapists take a practical, symptom-focused approach like CBT. Others, like those trained in psychodynamic or emotion-focused therapies, will help you explore what’s happening underneath.
If you’ve already tried things like CBT and found it helpful but limited, you might benefit from something that goes deeper.
3. Where to Find a Therapist in Nottingham
If you’re just starting the search, here are a few trusted places to look:
Psychology Today – Nottingham Listings
Filter by area, specialism, and approach (e.g. anxiety, trauma, non-CBT).
Search by location or issue, and browse therapist profiles in detail.
The official register of qualified therapists who are BACP members.
Local Recommendations
You can also ask your GP, trusted friends, or other professionals for referrals — especially if you’re looking for something very specific.
Private Practice Websites
Some therapists (myself included) work independently and may not appear on every directory. Try searching for “private therapist Nottingham” or “online therapy UK” to find direct websites and learn more about their approach.
4. Pay Attention to How They Talk About Change
The real question is: What kind of change are you looking for?
Some therapy is about coping; managing anxiety, reducing distress, learning new skills. Other therapy is about resolving: getting to the root of the patterns that keep you stuck.
Neither is better or worse, it depends what you want and need. But a good therapist will be clear about what they offer.
Look for someone whose description resonates. Do they talk about helping you understand yourself? Working through deeper issues? Focusing on goals? There’s no right answer — but there is a right fit.
5. Check Session Info Upfront
Therapy varies in cost and format. Some therapists in Nottingham offer 50-minute weekly sessions. Others provide more structured packages, such as short-term work, focused intensives, or trial sessions to get a sense of the process before committing.
Make sure you know:
How often you’ll meet
What the fee is
Whether there’s a fixed number of sessions or open-ended work
If you’ll be working towards a specific goal or exploring more freely
6. Trust Your Gut, But Give It a Session or Two
Therapy is about relationships. The most important part isn’t the theory, the method, or even the fee, it’s the quality of connection.
If a therapist seems rigid, vague, or like they’re pushing an agenda, it’s okay to look elsewhere. But equally, don’t panic if the first session feels strange. You’re meeting someone new and talking about things you’ve probably never said out loud.
Give it a little time. And if it doesn’t feel right after a few sessions, it’s completely okay to try someone else.
Final Thoughts
If you’re based in Nottingham or looking for online therapy across the UK, and you’re after something that helps you move beyond surface-level insight or coping strategies, you might want to explore approaches like ISTDP, a more focused, in-depth kind of therapy.
Whatever you choose, remember: the fact that you’re searching is already a sign that something in you wants things to change. And that’s always a good place to start.
contact: benjonespsychotherapist@gmail.com
