Demand for Therapy defies Economic Downturn

July 30, 2008 - PRLog -- Harley Therapy has reported that uptake of counselling has increased in spite of signs of a stagnating economy.

The latest statistics to come from Harley Therapy’s referral rates show that the demand for counselling has steadily risen notwithstanding the credit crunch. It has seen a 15% annual rise in enquiry rates.

Harley Therapy’s database of therapists includes Counselling Psychologists, Psychotherapists and Counsellors. In spite of the different terminologies, all perform a similar role in private practice, which is to help clients to explore different aspects of life and their emotions, talking about them openly and without judgment.

Dr Sheri Jacobson, Clinical Director of Harley Therapy comments ‘It’s reassuring to learn that therapy is not just a luxury to be dispensed with in times of economic difficulty. One possible explanation is that difficult market conditions (with the threat of redundancies) may increase the need for psychological services because of its impact on stress, self-esteem, depression and relationships.’


Demand for specific types of therapy – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (http://www.harleytherapy.co.uk/cognitive-behavioural-ther...), Psychodynamic, Existential (http://www.harleytherapy.co.uk/existential-psychotherapis...) and Person-Centred, as well as demand for general therapy consultations has risen 15% year on year. As a result, Harley Therapy plans to expand their premises and database of private practitioners.

Dr Jacobson reports that ‘the growing demand for psychological services, including the Government’s £170 million investment in creating 32 psychological therapy centres across Britain, shows us that therapies in general are becoming more accepted. Whereas therapy was once perceived to be a taboo, it is increasingly viewed as a support mechanism to promote a more meaningful life. This is encouraging, because it means that individuals feel more comfortable about accessing support, privately and on the NHS, which can make a difference to their emotional well-being’

She goes on to say ‘Private therapy is a sound investment to many clients – it helps them to gain perspective on their lives, to work through areas of difficulty and make positive changes. It would seem that in setting financial priorities, personal care and self-development takes precedence over other areas’.  

The trend of growing demand for therapy services looks set to continue in spite of tough economic conditions in Britain.


Harley Therapy is a Psychotherapy and Counselling London Agency established in Central London, connecting highly qualified therapists with private clients including adolescents - (http://www.harleytherapy.co.uk/adolescent-teenager-counse...) Therapists are registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, the British Psychological Society, the British Association for Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapies or the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy. http://www.harleytherapy.co.uk

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Harley Therapy is a Psychotherapy and Counselling Agency established in Central London, connecting highly qualified therapists with private clients.