Online counselling that fits your life
Online counselling gives you a regular space to talk without travelling to a therapy room. With Strive, you can join a secure video session from home or another suitable private place in the UK. Core sessions cost £25 and Pro sessions £50 for 50 minutes. Before starting, you have a 30-minute assessment to decide with us whether online counselling is appropriate.
How an online session works
We send you the information you need to join your appointment by video. At the agreed time, you use a laptop, tablet or phone to meet your counsellor. You do not need to perform for the camera or arrive with a prepared account of your week. Your counsellor will help you settle in, and you choose where to begin.
A screen can feel unfamiliar at first. As the conversation develops, many people find they can still build a warm, trusting relationship with their counsellor. Others discover that face-to-face work would suit them better. You can talk openly about how the format feels rather than trying to make it work at any cost.
Counselling without a journey
You might live far from the counsellor you would like to see, have limited transport, find travel draining or struggle to fit an appointment around shifts or school runs. Online sessions remove the journey and let us consider suitable counsellors beyond your immediate area. That can make regular weekly support easier to sustain.
If you care for a child, parent or someone else, we can consider your availability when making a match. You will still need enough uninterrupted privacy to focus on your own session. Tell us if that is difficult, so we can think with you about whether a practical arrangement is possible.
A place that works for you
You could join from a quiet room at home, a private office or another space where you feel comfortable. The important question is whether you can speak freely without being overheard or interrupted. A café, public transport or a shared room is unlikely to provide that privacy. If your location changes from week to week, discuss it with your counsellor so you can plan appropriately.
A steady internet connection helps. Earphones can add privacy and make it easier to concentrate; you may also want a drink, tissues or a notebook nearby. You need no specialist equipment beyond a suitable device and connection.
What if the technology lets us down?
Brief interruptions happen. If your connection freezes or drops, try rejoining. Your counsellor will agree with you how to reconnect and what to do if an interruption lasts longer. Raise any concerns about technology before your first session.
If reconnection is impossible, you can have the option of whether to fall back to a phone call session, or you and your counsellor can renegotiate an alternative session.
How we match you
A qualified counsellor conducts your initial 30-minute assessment. We consider what has brought you to counselling, any safety or support needs, what matters to you in a counsellor and the times you can attend. We then decide whether a placement counsellor in Core, a qualified counsellor in Pro or another type of service is most appropriate. If you continue, we introduce you to your counsellor and explain how to book regular 50-minute sessions.
Cost and booking flexibility
The assessment costs £25, credited back through a free twelfth counselling session if you continue that far. Core is £25 per session; Pro is £50. You can manage bookings online. If you need to cancel or move a session, give more than 48 hours’ notice to avoid a session charge, subject to the full terms on our fees page. Regular weekly sessions help maintain continuity, but we want to hear about the practical demands on your life.
When online counselling might not be right
Online counselling may be unsuitable if you cannot find a private place, your connection cannot support a conversation, or you need urgent or specialist support beyond what Strive offers. We will discuss suitability at assessment. Strive is not a crisis or emergency service; if you need immediate help, use an urgent support service.
Taking the first step
Starting with a short assessment can help you decide whether counselling at Strive feels affordable and sustainable for you.
Ready to begin?
If online counselling feels like it may work for you you can book your initial assessment using the link below. In this fifty minute meeting we will explore your needs and help you decide whether online therapy feels right for you.
Common questions about online counselling
What if my internet drops or the call freezes?
Small interruptions are normal and your therapist will handle them calmly. If the connection drops we simply reconnect. If there is a longer disruption your therapist will contact you by email or phone to restart the session.
What if I do not have a private space?
There are many creative options. Some people use their car parked in a safe private place. Others use headphones and sit in a room where they will not be overheard. Your therapist can help you think through what will work for you.
What if online counselling feels awkward?
It is very common to feel unsure before your first online session. Most people settle in quickly and many forget they are online within minutes. Your counsellor or therapist will check in about how you are finding it and adjust the pace gently.
Is online counselling confidential?
Sessions take place through a secure platform. We explain confidentiality, record keeping and any limits to confidentiality during the assessment and your first session. Your choice of a private location is an important part of protecting your own privacy.
Who will be my therapist?
Following Clinical Assessment with a qualified counsellor, we will carefully match you with a therapist whose expertise and availability align with your needs. This process is typically completed within 3-5 days of receiving your agreement. Your therapist will then contact you to arrange regular weekly sessions at a time that works for you.
All our counsellors are committed to the highest professional standards. They are registered with their respective professional bodies, abide by ethical frameworks, have up-to-date DBS checks, and carry professional indemnity insurance. Additionally, they engage in regular clinical supervision to maintain a high standard of care and support, in line with industry guidelines.
To make therapy more accessible and to support the development of the counselling profession, our therapists are trainee counsellors completing clinical placements. These trainees come from approved training centres where they have been certified as proficient to work with clients. They bring fresh perspectives and a range of therapeutic styles, allowing us to cater to the diverse needs of our clients. All trainee counsellors work under the guidance of qualified professionals to ensure a safe and effective therapeutic experience.
Your Clinical Assessment will be conducted by a fully qualified counsellor who operates within a robust ethical framework. This ensures that your needs are thoroughly evaluated and matched to an appropriate therapist, supporting both your progress and the professional growth of our trainees.
As an organisation, we are proud to champion inclusivity and diversity, welcoming clients and counsellors from all backgrounds. We strive to create an affirming space where everyone feels respected, valued, and supported on their journey to well-being.
Do I have to live near Strive?
No. Our online service is available across the UK, subject to suitability and a counsellor being available for your needs and schedule.
Can I join on my phone?
Yes, if you have a stable connection and can position yourself somewhere private and comfortable for the session.
What if I feel awkward on video?
You can tell your counsellor. They will give you time to settle in and talk with you about whether the format feels workable.