Counselling: what the research says

UK guidelines list counselling as one option for low mood. Benefits in studies are mostly short-term; other needs are less studied.

What a session is

Counselling is a talking therapy. A trained counsellor listens without judgement and helps you find your own solutions; they do not usually give advice.

What the research says

• Low mood: UK guidelines include counselling as an option for depression, after options like CBT. Studies found benefits mostly in the short term. Good evidence it helps · NICE, 2022 · NHS, 2023 · Cochrane, 2022
• Stress: In studies of people with stress, nerves or sadness, counselling at the GP surgery helped a little in the short term, but not longer. Some evidence it may help · Cochrane, 2022 · NHS, 2025
• Worry and anxiety: The NHS offers counselling for worry and anxiety. For long-lasting anxiety (GAD), UK guidelines recommend CBT or applied relaxation first. Some evidence it may help · NHS, 2025 · NICE, 2020
• Back, neck and muscle tension: Behavioural talking therapies may ease long-term back pain a little. General counselling has not been tested. Limited evidence · Cochrane, 2025 · NHS, 2026
• Grief: One way to get support. Counselling for everyone who grieves has not been shown to help; it may matter more if grief is not easing. Limited evidence · NHS, 2026 · WHO, 2013
• Sleep: Not studied for sleep in the sources we use. If poor sleep lasts, a doctor may offer CBT for insomnia, a different talking therapy. No good evidence yet · NHS, 2024
• Menopause: Not studied for menopause symptoms in the sources we use. CBT, a different talking therapy, can help with hot flushes, sleep and low mood. No good evidence yet · NHS, 2026

More on each need: Lift your mood · Handle stress better · Feel calmer · A relaxed body · Grief and loss · Sleep better · Menopause wellbeing

Is it safe?

The NHS advises choosing a counsellor on a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, such as BACP. If you are in a mental health crisis, get urgent help. NHS, 2025

Sessions on Sissoo complement medical care and never replace it. Please don’t stop or change any treatment without talking to your doctor. If you feel very low or think about ending your life, call your local emergency number now.

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Checked 17 October 2026. Next check by April 2027. How we rate the evidence.