Frequently asked questions

What can therapy help with?

Therapy can support anxiety, low mood, stress and burnout, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, addictions, neurodiversity-related challenges and more. You’ll work with a UK-qualified therapist who’ll tailor the approach to you.

Is online therapy effective?

Yes. Many clients prefer online therapy for comfort, privacy and consistency when travelling or moving. On Pleso Therapy, you work with UK-based, UK-qualified therapists who meet our quality standards (peer-reviewed selection, minimum three years’ post-qualification experience, membership of a recognised professional body).

How do you select therapists?

Only about 10% pass our process. Each therapist is peer-interviewed by Therapy Leads, has a minimum of three years’ post-qualification experience, is a member of a recognised UK professional body (e.g., BACP, UKCP, HCPC, COSRT, BABCP), and holds Enhanced DBS and professional indemnity insurance. We show qualifications and memberships on profiles, so you know who you’re booking.

What’s the difference between a therapist, psychologist and psychiatrist?

- Therapist: a counsellor/psychotherapist trained to provide talking therapy.
- Psychologist (e.g., Clinical/Counselling Psychologist): HCPC-registered, trained in assessment and therapy.
- Psychiatrist/GP: a medical doctor. Only medical doctors can prescribe medication. Pleso therapists do not prescribe or offer medical advice.

How do I find the right therapist?

You can:
- Start our 3-minute matching quiz for instant suggestions;
- Browse therapist profiles with bios and video intros;
- Book a free 20-minute call with a Therapy Guide for human help choosing.
We do the searching, so you can focus on healing.

What happens in the first session?

A typical session lasts 50 minutes. Your therapist will ask about what brings you to therapy and what you’d like to change. You’ll agree next steps together. Please join from a private, quiet place with a stable connection.

How long will therapy take?

It varies. Some clients prefer brief, focused work; others continue longer-term. You and your therapist will review progress and pacing together.

I don’t know how to describe my problem. Can I still start?

Absolutely. You don’t need perfect words. Your therapist will help you put feelings and patterns into language at a pace that feels safe.

When will I feel better?

Many clients feel relief from being heard clearly and having a plan. Sustainable change takes time. We’ll focus on small, doable steps.

Can I get a same-day session?

Often, yes. Message our Care Team and we’ll try to place you today.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. Sessions aren’t recorded. We follow UK GDPR and strict confidentiality. There are limited safeguarding exceptions (e.g., serious risk of harm to you or others, or legal obligations). Your therapist will explain these clearly.

Do you work with children or teenagers?

We currently support adults (18+) only — we do not work with minors.

Can you prescribe medication or diagnose?

No. Pleso therapists don’t prescribe medication and do not provide medical diagnoses. If you’re considering medication, please speak to your GP or a psychiatrist.

What if I don’t feel a connection with my therapist?

Tell us. You can switch therapists once for free — our Care Team will help you rematch. A good fit matters.

How much does it cost?

Individual online sessions (50 minutes):
- £79 pay-as-you-go
- £74 / £69 / £64 / £59 per session when you buy a Bundle (rate depends on the bundle size shown at checkout)

If you’re a veteran, NHS staff, teacher or another key worker, message our Care Team — we can offer a special discount.

Do you offer bundles or subscriptions?

Yes. We don’t do long-term tie-ins, but you can save with Bundles. You can also choose a 4-session subscription, billed every 28 days — it works the same as a 4-session bundle but renews automatically. You can cancel any time before the next billing date.

How do payments work?

We use Stripe. You can pay with debit/credit card and standard wallet options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. PayPal isn’t supported. We can also issue invoices for companies or bulk purchases.

How do reminders work?

We send email reminders only.

How do I join my session?

After you Book a Session, you’ll get an email with your booking details and a Join Session button. Sessions run on Pleso Therapy’s own secure video platform in your browser — there’s nothing to install.

Can I reschedule or cancel?

Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before your session. Reschedule up to 12 hours before (subject to therapist availability). Inside these windows, the full session fee may apply. Eligible refunds are returned to the original payment method.

Why don’t you show star ratings or public reviews?

Therapy isn’t a takeaway. We prioritise professional standards, verified qualifications, and a human match over star ratings that can be misleading in healthcare. You’ll see transparent bios, methods, qualifications and video intros.

Are you available in emergencies?

No — Pleso Therapy isn’t an emergency service.
- If you’re in immediate danger or feel unable to keep yourself safe, call 999 (or 112) now.
- If it’s urgent but not life-threatening, use NHS 111 online or call 111 for advice and access to local services.
- You can also contact Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7) or text SHOUT to 85258 (free, 24/7 text support).
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