Frequently Asked Questions

Tell us a little about what you are looking for, and we match you with a verified therapist suited to your needs. Up to three suitable therapists are notified about your enquiry; the first to respond gets in touch with you directly, and from that point the introduction is exclusively yours.

No. You can arrange private therapy directly without a GP referral. If you are looking for NHS-funded therapy, your GP can refer you to local talking therapy services, but waiting times are typically much longer.

That is completely normal. You do not need to know the right terminology. Share what you are going through in your own words, and we will match you with a therapist suited to help. Many therapists work with a range of approaches and will find the right fit with you.

Yes. Every therapist is verified against their professional register: BACP, UKCP, NCPS, BABCP, or HCPC. We check this before a therapist is added.

Share what you need on our booking page. We match you with a verified therapist, and they will get in touch with you to arrange a first session.

Sessions are held by video or phone, so you can speak to your therapist from wherever suits you.

Your first session is about getting to know each other. Your therapist will want to understand what has brought you to therapy and what you are hoping to get from it. You do not need to prepare anything or have a clear idea of what is wrong. There is no wrong way to start.

Finding the right therapist sometimes takes more than one try, and that is okay. If the fit does not feel right, you are under no obligation to continue, and you can get in touch with us to be matched again.

Nothing. There is no charge to use our matching service. Therapists set their own session fees and will tell you what they charge before you commit to anything.

You pay your therapist directly, in whatever way you agree between you. We do not take payment on behalf of therapists and do not charge clients any platform fee.

Some therapists offer a sliding scale for clients on lower incomes. If this matters to you, mention it when you share what you are looking for, or ask your therapist directly once you are matched.

Cancellation arrangements are between you and your therapist, and they will let you know their policy directly.

Yes. We take privacy extremely seriously. Your personal information is protected under UK data protection law. We do not access the content of therapy sessions, and your details are only shared with the therapist matched to your enquiry.

Only the therapist matched to your enquiry can see the details you share with us. We do not share this information with anyone else unless required by law.

Calm Circle is not a crisis service. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 999. For urgent emotional support, contact the Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7) or text SHOUT to 85258.

Visit our For Therapists page to find out more and get in touch. We will guide you through verifying your registration and getting set up to receive introductions.

When a client enquiry matches your specialisms, you are notified alongside up to two other suitable therapists. The first to claim it gets the introduction, and it is then exclusively yours — never shared with another therapist.

We verify therapists registered with BACP, UKCP, NCPS, BABCP, or HCPC before any introductions are sent.

Yes. You set your own session fees and agree these directly with each client.