Email Counselling UK — How It Works & What to Expect

What is Email Counselling?

Email counselling is a form of therapy conducted entirely through written communication. Rather than meeting face-to-face or by video, you and your counsellor exchange emails at an agreed pace — allowing you to engage with therapy in a way that suits your life, your schedule, and your communication style.

Is it as effective as face-to-face therapy?

Research and practice consistently show that email counselling can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many people. The act of writing itself can be therapeutic — it gives you time to reflect, choose your words, and say things you might struggle to express out loud. Many clients find they open up more readily in writing.

Who is it for?

Email counselling works particularly well if you: live in a rural area or have limited access to local therapy; have a busy or unpredictable schedule; experience social anxiety or find face-to-face contact difficult; are a carer with limited time to travel; process your thoughts better in writing; or simply prefer the flexibility of asynchronous communication.

How Does It Work — Step by Step

Step 1 — Get in Touch

Contact me via the form on this site or by email at counsellingwithdominic@gmail.com. I offer a free 15-minute phone call to discuss whether email counselling feels right for you — there is no obligation and no pressure.

Step 2 — We Agree a Focus

Before we begin, we agree on the areas you would like to explore — this might be anxiety, stress, caring responsibilities, ADHD, or simply a sense that something is not right. This helps give our email exchange a clear direction while leaving space for whatever emerges.

Step 3 — You Write, I Respond

Each session begins with you sending me an email — there is no fixed length or format. Write as much or as little as feels right. I will read your email carefully and respond within an agreed timeframe, typically within 48 hours. My response will be thoughtful, person-centred, and tailored entirely to what you have shared.

Step 4 — We Reflect and Continue

You can take as long as you need to read my response, sit with it, and reply when you are ready. Sessions can be weekly or at a pace that works for you. Over time, we build a written therapeutic relationship at the heart of which is your wellbeing and your pace.

Confidentiality and Safety

All email counselling sessions are held with the same duty of confidentiality as in-person sessions. I am a BACP-registered counsellor and work within the BACP Ethical Framework. Before we begin I will share my working agreement, which covers confidentiality, data protection, and what happens in cases where I am concerned about your safety.

Cost

Email counselling sessions are £50, the same as my in-person and video sessions. Payment is made in advance of each session. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give at least 24 hours notice.

Ready to take the first step? Get in touch today for your free 15-minute consultation — call 07946 236431 or email counsellingwithdominic@gmail.com.