Counselling and Psychotherapy Services in Canterbury

Individual counselling for adults and young people from 13, in Canterbury or online across Kent.

What brings you here?

You may already know what you would like support with. If not, you do not need to choose a label before getting in touch.

Start with the closest fit. You do not need to get this exactly right.

  1. Anxiety and panic

    When worry feels constant, social situations feel difficult, or physical symptoms of anxiety are hard to manage.

    Learn about anxiety support
  2. Depression and low mood

    When daily life feels exhausting, flat or disconnected from the things that once mattered to you.

    Learn about depression support
  3. Trauma and bereavement

    When you are living with the impact of loss, difficult experiences, relationship breakdown or painful memories.

    Learn about trauma and bereavement support
  4. ADHD and neurodivergence

    Affirming support for feeling overwhelmed, masking, emotional distress and making sense of your neurodivergent experience.

    Learn about neurodivergence support
  5. Addiction and compulsive coping

    A non-judgemental space to explore substance use, compulsive routines and the distress or pressure beneath them.

    Learn about addiction support
  6. Stress and burnout

    When the pressure stopped being temporary, rest no longer restores anything, and stopping does not feel like an option.

    Learn about stress and burnout support
  7. LGBTQ+ counselling

    A space where you do not have to explain or justify who you are before the conversation can start.

    Learn about LGBTQ+ counselling
  8. Teen therapy (13+)

    Confidential, safeguarding-aware counselling for young people navigating school pressure, emotional distress, identity and difficult changes.

    Learn about teen counselling

Not sure where to start?

You do not need to decide which kind of therapy is right for you before you get in touch. At an initial assessment we talk through what is happening, and consider together what might help.

Schedule an initial assessment

There does not have to be a neat label

Many people arrive with a mixture of pressures and feelings that do not fit into one category.

All of these can be explored in individual counselling, even when none of the routes above feels exactly right.

  • Persistent self-criticism, or feeling not good enough
  • Relationship strain, at home or at work
  • A major life change you did not choose
  • Anger, or feeling overwhelmed by your own reactions
  • Exhaustion and burnout

Where we can meet

Three ways to have the same conversation. We will talk through what suits you.

In our Canterbury room

A quiet, private room at Suite 5, Lullingstone House, St Johns Lane, in central Canterbury.

Online, across Kent

Secure video sessions, if travelling is difficult or you would simply rather meet from home.

Walking, outdoors

Some conversations come more easily side by side. Walking sessions can be part of your therapy where they suit you.

Frequently asked questions

Practical answers about choosing a service, starting therapy and what to expect.

What types of therapy do you offer in Canterbury?
We offer integrative, Gestalt and person-centred counselling tailored to individual needs. Sessions can take place in our Canterbury room or online across Kent. For some clients, outdoor walking sessions in Canterbury can be incorporated into individual therapy where appropriate. We support anxiety, depression, trauma, bereavement, neurodivergence, addiction and adolescent challenges.
Do I need a doctor's referral to start therapy at The Pickle Jar?
No doctor’s referral is required. You can self-refer directly by contacting us through our website, by email or by telephone. We will arrange a 45-minute initial assessment (£35), usually held with our lead therapist, to discuss what brings you to therapy and consider the right next step.
How do I know which counsellor or therapy approach is right for me?
During your 45-minute initial assessment (£35), we explore what brings you to therapy, your circumstances and preferences. The assessment helps us consider the approach and practitioner that may be the best fit for you, taking account of your needs and current availability. There is no obligation to continue.
How much does counselling cost and how often do we meet?
Following your assessment, regular one-to-one therapy sessions cost £60 to £80 for a 50-minute session. Sessions usually take place weekly at a reserved, consistent time. You remain in full control of how long you attend therapy, with no minimum session requirements.

What happens when you get in touch

Starting therapy does not mean having everything decided in advance.

  1. You get in touch

    Send the contact form, email, or call the practice. You do not need to explain everything, only that you would like to talk.

  2. We arrange an assessment

    A confidential 45-minute conversation for £35, usually with our lead therapist. Time to say what is bringing you here, and to ask anything you want to ask.

  3. You decide what happens next

    We talk through the approach and practitioner that may suit you, and what is available. There is no obligation to book ongoing sessions.

You do not need to work it all out alone.

Schedule an initial assessment

£35 · 45 minutes · No obligation to continue

Schedule an initial assessment

Who is this enquiry for?

Choosing one moves you straight on.

Your details

Details
About the young person

About you

Does the young person know you are making this enquiry?

There is no wrong answer. It helps us know how to make first contact.

What brings you

A sentence or two is plenty. You do not need to explain it well, or have the right words for it.

When are you generally free?

Choose as many as apply.

Review and send

A couple of details worth knowing, so nothing comes as a surprise later.

Fees
The initial assessment is £35 for 45 minutes. Ongoing sessions are £60 to £80 for 50 minutes.Full fees.
Sessions
Usually weekly, at a consistent time held for you, with 48 hours notice to cancel. There is no minimum number of sessions.