Finding a trusted online counsellor or psychotherapist can feel overwhelming. You want someone who is empathetic, professional, and reliable. At Hammock Counselling, we understand this. That’s why we have a rigorous recruitment process that ensures every therapist on our team is highly skilled, reflective, and deeply committed to providing safe, effective therapy – all while keeping sessions affordable at £30.
Why Rigorous Recruitment Matters for Clients
Hammock’s recruitment process is designed to protect clients and maintain exceptional quality. Every therapist is carefully selected based on:
- Professional competence and qualifications
- Self-awareness, reflection, and integrity
- Passion for person-centred counselling and psychodynamic psychotherapy
Every candidate must complete substantial personal therapy themselves. Research shows that therapists who have engaged in personal therapy demonstrate increased self-awareness, empathy, and emotional resilience – qualities that directly benefit clients in their therapeutic journey (Psychotherapy Research, 2020).
This means that when you work with a Hammock therapist, you’re being supported by someone who truly understands the power of therapy, both professionally and personally.
The Personal Touch: Ed & Tom Interview Every Therapist
Unlike many counselling services, Ed and Tom personally interview every therapist. During these interviews, we look beyond qualifications to assess:
- What is it like to “be” with this person?
- Have they done the work on themselves first?
- Can they provide therapy with depth, rigour, and integrity?
This personal approach ensures that our therapists are not just capable—they are exceptional. Strong therapeutic alliances are consistently linked to positive outcomes in therapy (Verywell Mind, 2023), and Hammock therapists are carefully chosen to cultivate that trust, empathy, and presence in every session.
A Rigorous, Values-Driven Selection Process
Becoming a Hammock therapist is not easy—and that’s deliberate. Candidates must meet high standards, including:
- Enrollment in accredited counselling or psychotherapy training (BACP, UKCP, NCPS, BABCP, or BPC)
- Valid professional membership and insurance
- Completion of at least six months of personal therapy (or 50 sessions), ideally including psychodynamic work
- Demonstrated reflective practice, professional values, and a clear therapeutic philosophy
Even completing the application process is a demonstration of dedication and integrity. References are reviewed, interviews conducted, and suitability assessed in depth. This ensures that only highly committed, trustworthy therapists are providing client care.
Evidence-Based Therapy That Works
Hammock therapists combine person-centred counselling with psychodynamic psychotherapy, giving clients both empathy and insight:
- Person-centred therapy creates a safe, non-judgemental environment where you feel heard.
- Psychodynamic therapy helps explore patterns, understand underlying issues, and gain insight into emotions and behaviour. Research confirms psychodynamic therapy is effective for depression, anxiety, and stress while increasing self-awareness (APA, 2010).
This approach ensures that therapy is personalised, meaningful, and effective, giving clients tools to understand themselves and navigate life’s challenges.
Affordable Therapy Without Compromise
Hammock offers online counselling across the UK for £30 per session. Our rigorous recruitment process ensures affordability never compromises quality. Every therapist is vetted, supervised, and continuously developing their skills, so you receive safe, effective, and compassionate care every session.
Ongoing Professional Support
All Hammock therapists participate in weekly supervision, providing accountability, guidance, and continued professional development. Supervision ensures therapists maintain high standards and reflect on their practice (Psychology.org, 2023).
This structure allows therapists to deliver consistent, high-quality therapy, giving clients confidence in every session.
The Hammock Difference
In a largely unregulated profession, trust, integrity, and professionalism matter more than ever. Hammock combines:
- Rigorous recruitment and vetting
- Personal interviews by Ed and Tom to assess presence and depth
- Therapists with personal and professional growth
- Evidence-based, effective therapy approaches
- Affordable, accessible online sessions across the UK
By choosing Hammock, clients are guaranteed therapy that is safe, professional, evidence-based, and compassionate.
Start Your Journey with Confidence
Therapy can be life-changing, and the right therapist makes all the difference. Hammock’s rigorous recruitment process ensures that every therapist is reflective, skilled, and personally invested in providing high-quality care. Affordable online therapy doesn’t mean cutting corners—it means access to exceptional, trustworthy support that can make a real difference in your life.
Choose Hammock Counselling for professional, compassionate, and accessible therapy today.
References
- Psychotherapy Research. (2020). The importance of personal therapy for therapists. Link
- Verywell Mind. (2023). Why a therapeutic alliance is important in therapy. Link
- American Psychological Association. (2010). Psychodynamic therapy: Research and effectiveness. Link
- Psychology.org. (2023). Why mental health workers benefit from personal therapy. Link
- The Guardian. (2024). Experts call for regulation of psychotherapists in England. Link
