# Software for counsellors in the UK

> Find the best software for counsellors in the UK. Compare features, pricing, and GDPR compliance across the top counselling practice management tools.

- Author: Ryan Hooper (Cofounder of Bloom)
- Published: 2026-03-17
- Updated: 2026-06-09
- Category: Compare
- Canonical: https://www.trybloom.co.uk/blog/software-for-counsellors-uk

If you're a counsellor in private practice, you need software that handles the basics well: scheduling, client records, session notes, and payments. The challenge is finding something that's actually built for counsellors rather than repurposed from a tool designed for GPs or physiotherapists. Here's what to look for and how the main options compare.

## What counsellors actually need from software

At minimum, you need the essentials below. Everything else is nice to have.

- A calendar that syncs to your phone
- Encrypted session notes
- A way to send and sign counselling agreements
- Automated reminders so clients don't forget sessions
- Payment tracking so you're not chasing invoices manually
- GDPR-compliant data storage

## The main options

**Bloom** keeps your whole practice in one calm place, built specifically for UK therapists and counsellors. Encrypted session notes (AES-256), automated client onboarding with e-signatures, drag-and-drop scheduling, payment tracking with reminders, and a public booking page. £29/month, everything included. [Learn more about Bloom](/).

**WriteUpp** has been one of the longest-running options in the UK. Good for general healthcare practitioners. From £19.95/month. Recently acquired by a Canadian company (Owl Practice). Online booking costs extra. No note encryption. [Read our WriteUpp comparison](/alternative/writeupp).

**Kiku** was built by a counselling psychologist in Newcastle. Affordable (from around £16/month) and designed specifically for counsellors. Has secure messaging and a client portal. No note encryption, no e-signatures, no drag-and-drop calendar. [Read our Kiku comparison](/alternative/kiku).

**bacpac** was originally developed with BACP. Basic but reliable. Good for counsellors who just need simple records and scheduling. Around £18/month. No payment tracking, no e-signatures, dated interface. [Read our bacpac comparison](/alternative/bacpac).

**Cliniko** is Australian-built and popular with physios. Works for counsellors but the features and terminology are geared toward allied health. Priced in AUD. [Read our Cliniko comparison](/alternative/cliniko).

## How to choose

If you want something built specifically for UK counsellors with strong encryption and modern features, [Bloom](/) or Kiku are your best options. If you want the cheapest basic option, bacpac or Kiku's lower tier works. If you're part of a multi-disciplinary practice, WriteUpp or Cliniko might be better fits. Avoid paying for features you'll never use - therapists don't need lab integrations, prescribing tools, or insurance billing.