The Top 10 Therapy Practices in Birmingham (And Why We Think Openforwards Belongs On That List)
If you’re looking for therapy in Birmingham, you’re not short of options. The city is home to dozens of highly qualified and experienced therapists, each offering a range of approaches, including CBT, ACT, EMDR, and psychodynamic therapy. But with so much choice, how do you decide who to work with?
To help, we’ve compiled a list of 10 respected therapy practices and therapists in Birmingham. These are organisations and individuals known for their professional standards, clinical expertise, and commitment to client wellbeing.
And yes—we’ve included ourselves. Not because we’re biased (okay, maybe a little), but because we believe in transparency and standing by the quality of what we offer.
1. Openforwards Therapy & Coaching
Location: Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham
Specialisms: Anxiety, OCD, trauma, depression, relationship issues
Approach: ACT, CBT, EMDR, CFT, systemic family therapy
Why It Stands Out:
Openforwards is a team-based practice that integrates evidence-based therapy with a warm, personal approach. Whether you’re seeking support for emotional distress or relationship difficulties, our therapists help you move from feeling overwhelmed to becoming emotionally strong and resourceful. We also offer professional training for other therapists, giving us deep insight into the process of change.
2. Think Psychology
Specialisms: CBT, Mindfulness-based CBT
Why It’s Included: Offers evidence-based psychological interventions.
3. St. Martin’s Counselling and Psychotherapy
Specialisms: Affordable therapy options with qualified and trainee counsellors
Why It’s Included: Longstanding and trusted charity-based service with ethical values.
4. Sarah Benkwitz
Specialisms: Compassion Focused Therapy, ACT & EMDR
Why It’s Included: Known for ADHD /Autism support & Therapy for Therapists.
5. Farishta Jalal
Specialisms: CBT & EMDR
Why It’s Included: Personalized Psychological Care for Neurodivergent and Neurotypical Adults.
6. Kay’s Counselling
Specialisms: Individual and couples counselling, trauma, grief
Why It’s Included: Offers therapy with warmth and accessibility in the Jewellery Quarter.
7. Living Well UK
Specialisms: Free and low-cost mental health support
Why It’s Included: A trusted non-profit providing access to a wide range of services.
8. Elizabeth Doggart Associates Ltd
Specialisms: CBT, EMDR and Integrative Counselling
Why It’s Included: Strong clinical background with excellent reviews and outcomes.
9. Birmingham Healthy Minds – NHS Talking Therapies
Specialisms: CBT and IPT for Depression
Why It’s Included: Free and brief therapy at the point of delivery for anxiety and depression.
10. Natasha Williams
Specialisms: Pregnancy loss or birth trauma after fertility treatment
Why It’s Included: Uses CBT & EMDR to talk about their issues of infertility, pregnancy loss and trauma.
Choosing What’s Right for You
The best therapy is not about who ranks first—it’s about who feels like the right fit. Whether you’re looking for short-term support or longer-term psychotherapy, Birmingham has an incredible pool of practitioners. We hope this list gives you a useful starting point.
If you’d like to explore whether working with Openforwards could help you, we offer a free initial consultation to help you make an informed decision.
👉 Explore our services or contact us today.
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