Choosing a counsellor or psychotherapist is a deeply personal decision, and it can feel overwhelming to navigate so many profiles. My best advice is to look for a balance of professional safety and relational “fit”. First, ensure they are registered with a recognised professional body (like the UKCP or BACP) which guarantees they meet high standards of training and ethics. I suggest reading a few profiles and noticing whose “voice” resonates with you. Many people find it helpful to book an initial exploratory session to see how they feel in the room. Do you feel heard? Does the environment feel steady? Ultimately, you are looking for someone who is going to be alongside you in your therapy journey rather than a technician, so trust your gut during that first meeting.

The easiest way to start is to send me an email at oliver@oliverfeldmantherapy.co.uk. You don't need to provide a detailed history; just a brief note to say you are interested in an initial meeting is enough. Once you get in touch, we can arrange a brief 15-minute phone call if you have specific questions about my practice, or we can go straight to scheduling your free 50-minute exploratory session. I typically respond to all enquiries within 24 hours. We will then find a time to meet at my practice in Islington.

Our first meeting is an exploratory session designed to see how it feels to work together. I offer this initial 50-minute meeting at no charge. There is no pressure to have a “complete story” or a list of goals in this initial encounter; it is simply a space for you to share what is on your mind and for me to listen. By the end of the session, we can decide if I am the right “fit” for you and if you would like to move forward with weekly sessions. I understand that some people need time to reflect before making a decision, and that is absolutely fine. You are welcome to contact me by email after the session if you have any additional questions about my approach or the logistics of our work.

The most reliable way to know is through the "felt sense" of our first encounter. This is why I offer an initial exploratory session free of charge—it allows you to experience the space and my way of being without any financial commitment.

Not every therapist is the right fit for every person, and that is a perfectly natural part of the process. Because my approach is relational, I encourage us to speak openly if you feel that something isn't working or if you don't feel "met" in the way you need. Often, exploring these feelings of friction can become a very productive part of the therapy itself. However, your autonomy is always the priority. If we decide together—or if you feel—that my way of working isn't what you need right now, there is no obligation to continue. My goal is for you to find the support that is right for you, and I am always happy to discuss a structured ending or provide recommendations for other practitioners or modalities that might better suit your current needs.