The Meeting Matters Team · 2026-10-17
If you are looking for a therapist in the UK, the job titles and letters can be confusing: counsellor, psychotherapist, psychologist, HCPC, BACP, UKCP. This guide explains them in plain language, and what else to check, including whether they understand your cultural background.
Counsellor, Psychotherapist or Psychologist?
- Counsellor: usually offers talking therapy for specific difficulties such as stress, grief or relationships, often shorter-term.
- Psychotherapist: trained in longer-term, deeper talking therapy.
- Psychologist: trained in the science of behaviour and mind. In the UK, "practitioner psychologist" is a protected title for psychologists registered with the HCPC, including clinical, counselling and other practitioner psychologists.
In the UK, the words "counsellor" and "psychotherapist" are not protected by law, so it matters whether the person belongs to a professional body.
What the Letters Mean
- HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council): the UK regulator for practitioner psychologists and several other health professions. Registered psychologists are listed on the public register at hcpc-uk.org.
- BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy): a professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists, with a register and an ethical framework.
- UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy): a professional body and register for psychotherapists.
- BPS (British Psychological Society): the professional body for psychologists.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
- What are your qualifications, and where are you registered?
- Can I check your registration, and what is the number?
- Which approach do you use, such as CBT, and why?
- What languages do you work in?
- Do you have experience with Pakistani or South Asian families?
- What are your fees, and how long are sessions?
- What is your cancellation policy?
Does Cultural Understanding Matter?
Many people say it does. Family expectations, marriage, in-laws, religion and migration are central to life for many Pakistanis, and a therapist who understands them saves you time. This does not mean everyone needs a Pakistani therapist. It means the therapist should be open to understanding your background and not make assumptions.
Working With a Therapist Based Overseas
Some Pakistanis choose a therapist based in Pakistan because of language and cultural fit. If you do, ask where they are registered and what that covers. Mr. Muhammad Naushad Anjum, founder of The Meeting Matters, is registered with the HCPC in the UK and in the UAE, and works mostly online with Pakistanis in the UK and abroad. See the page for Pakistanis in the UK.
Red Flags
- Guarantees of a cure or fixed results.
- Refusing to share qualifications or registration details.
- Pressure to sign up for many sessions in advance.
- Judging or dismissing your beliefs, faith or family.
Next Step
You can book a session online, or message us on WhatsApp and we will suggest a suitable psychologist, usually within 30 minutes. Sessions are by secure video in English, Urdu, Hindi or Punjabi. Mr. Muhammad Naushad Anjum, our founder, is registered with the UK Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and in the UAE, and is mostly available online; our client team arranges bookings around his availability and your time zone. See the pages for Pakistanis in the UK and the UAE and Gulf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral for private therapy?
No. You can book a private therapist directly. For NHS services you usually go through your GP or self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies.
Is online therapy valid?
Yes. Many registered professionals offer secure video sessions, and research suggests it can work as well as in-person for most common concerns.
Can I check a psychologist's registration?
Yes. For UK psychologists, search the HCPC register at hcpc-uk.org.