Talking Therapies
At Lycali, feeling heard and understood comes first. We offer talking therapies online and in person in Kent, with support shaped around your experiences, strengths and goals.
Whether you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed or low, navigating relationships, exploring neurodivergence or making sense of difficult experiences, you do not need to have all the answers before getting in touch.
Children & Young People
Support with emotions, anxiety, confidence, identity, family changes and school-related stress, adapted to age, communication and developmental needs.
Adults
Space to explore anxiety, low mood, trauma, relationships, self-understanding and life changes, with practical support where helpful.
Parents & Families
Support to understand each other’s experiences, communicate needs and navigate the emotional demands of family life.
Support that starts with understanding you
We believe meaningful support begins with human connection. Your practitioner will listen to what matters to you, recognise your strengths and work with you towards changes that feel useful in everyday life.
Our approach is neuroaffirming and person-centred. Autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other neurodivergent experiences are not things therapy should aim to erase. We respect different ways of thinking, communicating and experiencing the world.
We also recognise that distress can come from sensory demands, misunderstanding, discrimination and inaccessible expectations. Support may involve changes around you as well as strategies you explore in sessions.
- Anxiety, stress and overwhelm
- Low mood and emotional wellbeing
- Trauma and difficult experiences
- Understanding and managing emotions
- Neurodivergent identity and adjustment
- Self-esteem and self-criticism
- Relationships and family difficulties
- School, work and life transitions
Who might I see?
Different professionals may use some of the same therapy approaches. We look at their specific training, experience and ability to meet your needs, rather than their title alone.
Open the boxes to understand the different roles. Availability depends on the service, age group and practitioner.
Counsellor Space to talk, feel heard and explore what is happening for you. Read more Show less
Counsellors offer a supportive therapeutic relationship in which to explore feelings, experiences, relationships and choices. They may work with grief, anxiety, identity, stress and other emotional difficulties.
Depending on their training, counsellors may use person-centred, psychodynamic, integrative or other approaches. Work may be focused or open-ended.
For example: following an autism diagnosis, someone wants to explore relief, uncertainty and years of feeling misunderstood.
Another example: someone experiencing bereavement wants space to express feelings and understand how their life is changing.
Psychotherapist Explore emotional experiences, relationships and recurring patterns. Read more Show less
Psychotherapists work with emotional distress, behaviour and relationships. Depending on the approach, sessions may focus on current difficulties, longstanding patterns, earlier experiences or a combination.
They may use psychodynamic, humanistic, systemic, cognitive-behavioural or integrative approaches within their training. Psychotherapy can be brief or longer-term.
For example: an adult with ADHD explores persistent shame and expectations of criticism, while developing more supportive ways of responding to themselves.
Another example: someone wants to understand recurring difficulties with trust or closeness.
Clinical psychologist Assessment, shared understanding and psychological support. Read more Show less
Clinical psychologists use psychological theory, research and assessment to understand difficulties and plan support. Clinical psychology is a profession, rather than one therapy model.
Their work may include assessment, formulation, therapy, consultation and reviewing outcomes. The approaches they offer depend on their individual training and competence.
For example: a young person experiences anxiety, sensory overwhelm and difficulty attending school. A psychologist explores how these interact and works with the young person, family and school where appropriate.
Another example: someone living with a long-term health condition seeks support with anxiety, adjustment and changes to daily life.
A little more to know
Clinical psychologists are HCPC-registered practitioner psychologists. A clinical psychologist will not necessarily offer every therapy or assessment.
Counselling psychologist Understanding emotional experiences, relationships and personal meaning. Read more Show less
Counselling psychologists offer psychological assessment, formulation and therapy, paying attention to your experiences, relationships and the meaning you make of events.
Their work overlaps with clinical psychology. They may use several therapy models, depending on their training and the needs identified.
For example: an autistic adult explores anxiety, identity and the effects of feeling misunderstood, alongside helpful adjustments and supportive relationships.
Another example: someone seeks support with low mood following a significant life change.
A little more to know
Counselling psychologists are HCPC-registered practitioner psychologists. Counselling psychology is a profession, rather than another name for counselling.
CBT and specialist psychological therapists Practitioners with training in particular therapeutic approaches. Read more Show less
Some practitioners specialise in a defined approach, such as CBT or EMDR. Their original professional backgrounds may vary. Relevant qualifications, specialist training, supervision and experience all matter.
For example: a CBT therapist helps someone work on anxiety and avoidance, adapting session structure to their attention, communication and processing needs.
Another example: a suitably trained EMDR practitioner supports someone with trauma symptoms, following assessment of suitability.
A little more to know
Training in one approach does not mean someone offers every therapy. We will discuss the practitioner’s relevant expertise and the support available.
Play therapist Using play and creative expression to support emotional understanding. Read more Show less
A suitably qualified play therapist uses play and creative activities to help children express and explore experiences. This may be helpful when talking alone feels difficult.
Sessions should suit the child’s developmental stage, communication style, sensory needs and preferences.
For example: a child explores feelings about family change through stories, characters or imaginative play.
For a neurodivergent child: preferred ways of engaging are respected, without requiring eye contact or a particular style of play.
A little more to know
Formal play therapy requires specialist training. Using toys or art in a session is not automatically play therapy. Please ask about current availability and age eligibility.
Family and systemic therapist Working with relationships, communication and the wider context. Read more Show less
Family and systemic therapists explore difficulties within relationships and wider settings, rather than focusing only on one person.
Work may involve individuals, couples or families, depending on the practitioner’s qualifications and the needs identified.
For example: a family explores how sensory overload, school demands and communication contribute to stressful mornings, then agrees changes together.
Another example: partners want to understand a repeating pattern of arguments and find clearer ways to express their needs.
A little more to know
Where coercion, abuse or safety concerns are present, appropriate assessment is needed before considering joint sessions. Understanding patterns does not excuse harmful behaviour.
How we make sense of your needs Understanding formulation: an explanation developed with you. Read more Show less
A formulation is a shared explanation of what you are experiencing. It may consider what contributed, what triggered a difficulty, what keeps it going, and your strengths and sources of support.
It helps connect understanding with action: what might help, why, and how will we know whether it is working?
For example: repeated criticism contributes to fear of mistakes. Avoidance brings short-term relief but increases pressure. Support could include work on shame, accessible expectations and practical help starting tasks.
A little more to know
Formulation is not a profession or a diagnosis. It is a way of developing understanding and can be used by different appropriately trained practitioners.
Counselling and psychotherapy overlap considerably. They cannot reliably be separated into “mild versus severe”, “present versus past” or “short-term versus long-term” support.
What matters is the practitioner’s relevant expertise, an accessible way of working and a therapeutic relationship in which you feel heard.
Different ways therapy can help
You do not need to choose a therapy from an acronym. The explanations below introduce different approaches and what sessions might involve. Open any box to explore the examples.
The examples are fictional illustrations. Suitability and availability depend on your circumstances, age and the practitioner’s expertise. Not every approach is offered by every clinician.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy — CBT Understand the links between thoughts, feelings and actions. Read more Show less
What it focuses on: thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and behaviours can influence one another. Understanding these links can reveal opportunities for change.
What you might do: map a difficult situation, explore interpretations, solve practical problems and test agreed strategies between appointments.
Neurodivergent example: an adult with ADHD avoids emails after missing a deadline. Therapy explores shame and fear of criticism while testing a manageable routine with reminders and practical support.
Another example: someone with social anxiety gradually tests their prediction that others will judge them negatively.
A little more to know
CBT should not assume every difficult thought is inaccurate. Real barriers, such as an inaccessible workplace, may need adjustments and practical action.
DBT-informed skills Build skills for strong emotions, distress and relationships. Read more Show less
What it focuses on: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy brings acceptance and change together. Your reactions can make sense in context, while you learn responses that support you more effectively.
What you might do: understand the sequence around a difficult incident and practise mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and communication.
Neurodivergent example: an autistic adult becomes overwhelmed during disagreements. Work includes recognising sensory overload, asking for a pause and agreeing how to return to the conversation.
Another example: someone who acts impulsively during intense distress practises safer ways to manage the emotional peak.
Skills support and full DBT are different
DBT-informed skills sessions are not the same as comprehensive DBT, which typically includes individual therapy, skills training, between-session coaching and a therapist consultation team.
Specialist DBT-PTSD includes trauma-focused work. Please ask which DBT-informed support is available through Lycali.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy — ACT Move towards what matters while making room for difficult feelings. Read more Show less
What it focuses on: changing your relationship with difficult thoughts and feelings, so you have more flexibility to act in ways that matter to you.
What you might do: identify your values, practise stepping back from thoughts and take manageable steps towards meaningful goals.
Neurodivergent example: a dyslexic adult wants career progression but fears being seen as incapable. They practise stepping back from that thought and request accessible training.
Another example: someone living with persistent pain explores valued activities while respecting their limits and continuing appropriate healthcare.
A little more to know
Acceptance means making room for internal experiences where helpful. It does not mean accepting abuse, discrimination or avoidable barriers.
Compassion Focused Therapy — CFT Develop a kinder response to shame and self-criticism. Read more Show less
What it focuses on: understanding threat responses and developing compassion, so distress is met with less hostility towards yourself.
What you might do: explore self-critical patterns and practise compassionate reasoning, imagery or soothing exercises that feel manageable.
Neurodivergent example: an adult diagnosed with ADHD later in life has spent years calling themselves lazy. Therapy supports a fairer understanding alongside practical strategies.
Another example: a parent who feels they must get everything right learns to respond to mistakes without becoming overwhelmed by shame.
A little more to know
Compassion can initially feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Exercises should be adapted gently, particularly when closeness or care has previously felt unsafe.
Psychodynamic therapy Explore how earlier experiences shape patterns today. Read more Show less
What it focuses on: earlier relationships and patterns outside our immediate awareness may influence how we experience ourselves and others now.
What you might do: explore recurring feelings, expectations and relationship difficulties, including feelings arising within therapy.
Neurodivergent example: someone repeatedly criticised for communicating differently expects rejection in new friendships. Therapy explores the effect on trust and self-worth.
Another example: someone notices they hide their needs to avoid losing a partner.
A little more to know
Relational patterns should be distinguished from sensory, communication and processing differences. Autism and ADHD are not caused by parenting or unconscious conflict.
Person-centred therapy Space to feel heard and develop your own understanding. Read more Show less
What it focuses on: an empathic, accepting and genuine therapeutic relationship can support self-understanding and personally meaningful choices.
What you might do: lead what you explore, with a therapist who listens, reflects your experience and helps you develop your own understanding.
Neurodivergent example: a recently identified autistic adult explores identity, relief, grief and their needs after years of masking.
Another example: someone facing a major decision wants to understand their feelings without being told what to choose.
A little more to know
You can discuss prompts, a shared agenda, written reflections and processing time. A person-centred approach should still be accessible to your communication needs.
Schema therapy Understand and change longstanding emotional patterns. Read more Show less
What it focuses on: enduring patterns of beliefs, feelings and coping can develop around unmet emotional needs and become activated in present situations.
What you might do: identify patterns and work with thoughts, emotions, imagery and behaviour to find more supportive ways of meeting your needs.
Neurodivergent example: repeated bullying contributes to the belief, “There is something wrong with me.” Therapy explores that learned belief while affirming the person’s neurodivergent identity.
Another example: someone expects abandonment and repeatedly seeks reassurance or leaves relationships first.
A little more to know
A learned pattern is not your identity. Neurodivergent characteristics should not automatically be treated as harmful beliefs or coping patterns.
Systemic and family therapy Explore relationships, communication and the wider context. Read more Show less
What it focuses on: understanding difficulties within relationships, communication patterns and wider settings such as school, work and community.
What you might do: explore different perspectives and practise changes to recurring interactions.
Neurodivergent example: a family explores sensory demands, transitions and communication during stressful school mornings, rather than locating the whole difficulty in one child.
Another example: partners explore a pattern where one pursues a conversation and the other withdraws.
A little more to know
This does not mean everyone is equally responsible. Harmful behaviour remains the responsibility of the person doing it. Joint therapy may not be appropriate where there is coercion or abuse.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing — EMDR A structured approach to working with traumatic memories. Read more Show less
What it focuses on: addressing distress linked to traumatic memories and their effects in the present.
What you might do: after assessment and preparation, a trained therapist guides work with selected memories while using side-to-side eye movements or alternating taps, known as bilateral stimulation.
Neurodivergent example: an autistic adult has flashbacks following an assault. Treatment addresses trauma, with adaptations for sensory preferences, communication and processing time.
Another example: someone experiences intrusive memories after a serious road collision.
A little more to know
EMDR does not erase memories or treat autism or ADHD themselves. Suitability, dissociation, current safety and preparation are assessed individually.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy — IPT Explore links between mood, relationships and life changes. Read more Show less
What it focuses on: mood and current relationship experiences influence one another. IPT is a structured approach commonly used for depression.
What you might do: focus on grief, a significant transition, a relationship dispute or difficulties forming and maintaining connections.
Neurodivergent example: an adult with ADHD becomes depressed after becoming a parent. Therapy explores changed roles, disagreements about responsibilities and ways to build support.
Another example: someone develops depression after retirement and works on changes to routine, identity and social connection.
A little more to know
IPT links a defined interpersonal focus to mood symptoms and agreed goals. It is different from general advice about relationships.
Play therapy Explore feelings through play and creative expression. Read more Show less
What it focuses on: play can provide a developmentally appropriate way to express experiences when talking alone feels difficult.
What sessions might involve: a trained play therapist may use toys, stories, art or imaginative play, shaped around the child’s needs and preferences.
For example: a child uses characters and stories to explore feelings about a family change.
For a neurodivergent child: sensory and communication preferences are respected, without requiring a particular style of engagement.
A little more to know
Creative activities within therapy are not automatically formal play therapy. Please ask about practitioner qualifications, age eligibility and current availability.
Psychoeducation and Lycali pathways Understand your experiences and find practical support that fits. Read more Show less
What it focuses on: making sense of strengths, needs, emotions and everyday experiences, with practical ideas to explore.
Discovery supports exploration before or without diagnosis. Navigate offers post-diagnostic psychoeducation to help you understand a diagnosis and apply helpful strategies.
For example: an adult recently diagnosed with ADHD explores energy, organisation and ways to communicate support needs at work.
Another example: a young person and their family develop a shared understanding of overwhelm and helpful adjustments.
A little more to know
Psychoeducation and coaching have different purposes from psychological therapy. Your practitioner can discuss whether additional therapeutic support would help.
What does “integrative” mean? An integrative therapist draws on more than one approach. They should explain how these fit together and relate to your needs and goals.
Making sessions work for you
You can tell us what helps you feel comfortable and take part. This might include clear questions, written information, a predictable agenda, movement breaks, time to think or attention to sensory needs.
- Online or face-to-face appointments in Kent
- 30-minute or 60-minute options, depending on the service
- Frequency agreed around your needs and the therapy approach
- Focused or longer-term support, where appropriate
- Age eligibility confirmed for the particular practitioner
- Parent or family involvement where agreed and appropriate
For children and young people: support should reflect their voice, interests, communication and developmental stage. We will discuss consent, confidentiality and the role of parents or carers before sessions begin.
How it works
Get in touch
Tell us a little about what is happening and what you would like support with.
Explore the options
We consider your needs, preferences and the relevant practitioner’s expertise and availability.
Agree your support
Your practitioner explores suitability with you and explains the approach, format and next steps.
Review together
You agree what progress would look like and review whether the support is helping.
Important information
Confidentiality and its limits will be explained before therapy begins. We consider clinical suitability, safeguarding and access needs when planning support.
Lycali’s talking therapy service is not an emergency or crisis service. In the UK, if someone is in immediate danger, call 999 or attend A&E. For urgent mental health support that is not an immediate emergency, contact NHS 111, your GP or your local urgent mental health service.
Not sure where to start?
You do not need the right label or all the right words. Tell us what you are experiencing, and we can explore the support available with you.
Make an enquiry
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The fees are an accurate guide, but can vary depending on the service required. Please contact us for an individualised quotation.
*When applicable, we can provide means-tested discounts. If you're experiencing financial difficulties, please inform us, and we'll assess whether we can assist in covering part of the service expenses.
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We accept payments via BACS Transfer.
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We accept credit and debit card payments via Stripe for your convenience.
Please note that card payments are subject to a 2.99% processing fee, which will be added to the invoice total to cover transaction costs.
All payments are processed securely through Stripe, a trusted global payment provider.
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For assessment services, we offer the option to pay in two instalments. The total fee can be split into two payments of 50%:
50% is payable at the time of booking to secure your assessment appointment.
The remaining 50% is due upon completion of the assessment, prior to the release of the final report.
There is no additional fee if paying via BACS.
Please note that any applicable card or Buy Now, Pay Later processing fees will be added if these payment methods are used.
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If your assessment or therapy expenses are set to be covered by your private medical insurance, kindly provide us with your insurer details for seamless payment coordination between you and your insurance provider. Our affiliation encompasses registration with Aviva, AXA, BUPA and Vitality Health, facilitating a streamlined process for your convenience.
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We are pleased to offer flexible payment options to make accessing our services easier. Clients can choose to pay via Klarna or PayPal “Buy Now, Pay Later”, subject to approval by the payment provider.
Please note that payments made using Klarna or PayPal Pay Later will incur an additional 4.99% processing fee, which will be added to the invoice total to cover transaction costs.
Availability of these payment options is subject to eligibility and approval by Klarna or PayPal, and we are unable to influence or guarantee approval decisions.
Our Payment Options
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Reviews
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"Lycali provided a thorough and compassionate autism assessment. Everything was explained clearly, and I finally feel understood. I wish I’d done this sooner."
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"I’ve worked with other services before, but Lycali stands out for their professionalism and empathy. My therapist helped me navigate some really difficult times with sensitivity and skill."
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I just wanted to say thank you to Dr Isobel Robb and Stephanie for making the assessment comfortable for both me and my parents to conduct. It was very thorough and the outcome will definitely help me in my future. I'm really thankful for receiving the results so quickly
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“Thank you so much for all your help, support and care. You have explained everything we needed and thank you for saying I can get in touch if we need any more help.”
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“You were very patient with our son and always gave us ideas so that we could support him between therapy sessions. Thank you so much!”
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“After our daughter's Speech and language assessment, you offered great feedback and your report was very detailed. This was a huge help towards the EHCP process.”
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"My daughter’s speech has improved so much in just a few months. Our speech therapist at Lycali was kind, engaging, and always kept us involved with providing follow up activities. I highly recommend them."
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“Heidi was very engaging and really listened to the needs of my son. She explained her methods and gave us tips to try at home. We are really pleased with the service.”
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“The calls have helped me to find more space and given me a safe space to discuss and release emotions. Tim's nature and communication is comforting and supportive, he adds thoughts and questions which offer space to analyse and to help growth.”
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"Heidi was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. She gave our son room to explore and enjoyable targets".
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"Heidi was very patient with my child and has made him confident to use his voice"
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"I can’t thank you enough for your help and support with my son. I will most certainly be coming back to your services again for an autism assessment".
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"The ADHD assessment process was seamless, evidence-based, and respectful. I felt listened to throughout, and the diagnosis has helped me finally understand myself."
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Everything has been amazing so thanks to you, Isobel and Stephanie. You have made things really easy with clear and quick communication and they really created a safe environment instantly.
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Thank you so much. It was a pleasure working with your staff. They were really kind and helpful and made the process easier for both me and Matilda.
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"We had a brilliant experience with Lycali. The assessment process was clear, kind, and professional from start to finish. My son felt at ease, and we finally have a clear plan for supporting his needs."
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"I was nervous about starting therapy, but the team at Lycali made me feel heard and respected from day one. Their care was outstanding, and the progress I’ve made is life-changing."
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Because Every Individual Deserves to Be Understood