Therapy in London, and how to choose
London has more therapists per square mile than almost anywhere in Europe. That is not obviously a help when you are trying to find one.
Two things are worth checking before anything else, and both take about a minute.
Registration. UKCP, BACP and HCPC all hold public registers you can search. Anyone not on one of them is accountable to nobody, and the titles “therapist” and “counsellor” are not protected in law. This is a thirty second check that most people never make.
Depth in the thing you are actually bringing. London is well supplied with generalists. If what you have is straightforward, that is fine. If addiction, trauma and an eating disorder occur together in you, which they very often do, a generalist will struggle however able they are, because those three are usually one psychological profile presenting in three directions rather than three separate problems.
This practice
Twenty-five years of clinical work, most of it with the complex end: complex trauma, addiction, and eating disorders, frequently in the same person.
Trauma, including complex and childhood trauma, using EMDR alongside depth psychotherapy rather than instead of it.
Addiction, worked with one to one, for people who will not be stepping out of their lives for a month and should not have to.
Eating disorders, with a particular specialism in men, the subject of Dr Jacquet’s doctoral research at the University of Essex.
Jungian analysis, for people who want to understand the shape of their life rather than manage a symptom.
Executive coaching for senior people whose difficulty is not clinical but is nonetheless costing them something.
Where, and how
In person at Harley Street W1, in Fitzrovia and Central London, in Bermondsey SE1, and in Colchester.
Online across the UK and internationally, which is now a substantial part of the practice and, for many clients, the more confidential option.
In English or French. Dr Jacquet is French, and there is a dedicated page for French speakers in London.
Seen by whom
Clients may work with Dr Jacquet directly or, where it is appropriate, with an Associate practising under his clinical supervision and within the approach described across this site. The choice is yours, and fees differ accordingly.
What the first session is
An assessment, not a commitment.
What has brought you, what has been tried before, what is going on around it, and an honest view of what would actually help. Where something other than this practice would serve you better, including medical treatment or residential care, you will be told at that point rather than after six sessions.
Dr Philippe Jacquet is a UKCP registered psychotherapist, a Jungian analyst and an HCPC registered art psychotherapist, with twenty-five years of clinical practice. His Doctorate of Professional Practice at the University of Essex examined male eating disorders from the perspective of analytical psychology. Registration can be checked on either public register.
If you are in distress, Samaritans is free on 116 123, day or night. In an emergency call 999 or go to A&E.
Common questions
How do I find the right therapist in London?
Check two things before anything else. First, registration: UKCP, BACP and HCPC all hold public registers you can search in under a minute, and anyone who is not on one of them is not accountable to anyone. Second, whether the person has genuine depth in what you are actually bringing. London has a great many generalists. If your difficulty is complex, or if addiction, trauma and an eating disorder occur together in you, a generalist will struggle however skilled they are.
What kinds of therapy are offered?
Integrative psychotherapy, Jungian analysis, EMDR for trauma, art psychotherapy, and executive coaching. Which of these is used depends on what you bring rather than on what the practitioner happens to prefer, and it is often a combination.
Where in London do you see clients?
Harley Street W1, Fitzrovia, and Bermondsey SE1, along with Colchester in Essex. Sessions are also available online across the UK and internationally.
Do you offer therapy in French?
Yes. Dr Jacquet is French and works fluently in both languages, and a substantial part of the practice is francophone, including French speakers living in London.
How much does therapy in London cost?
Fees depend on whether you see Dr Jacquet or an Associate, and on the frequency of the work. They are discussed openly before the first session rather than left to be discovered, and they are set out at the initial enquiry.
How quickly can I be seen?
Usually within a week or two. Enquiries are answered the same day in most cases, and the first appointment is an assessment rather than a commitment to a course of work.
What happens in the first session?
An assessment. What has brought you, what has been tried, what is happening around it, and an honest view of what would help. If something other than this practice would serve you better, including medical treatment or residential care, you will be told so then rather than six sessions in.