Welcome to The Empathy Project

We're a non-profit community mental health service. We provide low-cost counselling and psychotherapy to anyone who needs it.

Based in Southampton. No referrals, no waiting lists.

Community Interest Company (Limited By Guarentee) Reg No: 15272662

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Our Mission

To do one thing: counselling. To do it as well as we can, and to do it forever.

We're a small team of independent therapists who believe in open-ended, Person-Centred counselling. We want to build a sustainable, ethical alternative to the NHS, third sector and private services.

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Meet Our Team

Real people who really care

We are a small, experienced team of therapists who are passionate about helping people. All of our counsellors are fully trained and regulated by the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy.

Managing Director & Psychotherapist

Tom Bulpit MBACP

"I'm a Person-Centred therapist passionate about the power of good counselling"

Practice Director & Psychotherapist

Charlie Gould-Smith MBACP

"One of the hardest things to do in life is admit we need help, and then reach out for it"

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Charlotte Parker is the Counselling Director at The Empathy Project

Counselling Director & Psychotherapist

Charlotte Parker MBACP

"I know that booking that first session can feel really scary, that's why I try to help you feel comfortable"

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Person-Centred Counsellor

Chloe Renault MBACP

"Are you struggling with a loss, such as bereavement, relationship breakdown, job? If so, I can help"

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Counsellor & Psychotherapist

Roz Whitehead MBACP

"I am down to earth and direct; I’m not a blank screen and we won’t sit in silence!"

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Counsellor & Psychotherapist

Danan Orlando PNCPS (Acc)

"As an open, caring,
and trustworthy therapist, I offer a safe space where you can talk freely, be seen, heard, and understood."

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What We Offer

1-2-1 therapy for adults, with a therapist you can choose. Available in-person and remotely.

Therapy for Adults

1-2-1 therapy for children and young people, with a comprehensive safeguarding framework.

Therapy for Young People

Empathy-based relationship counselling, flexible to suit you and your partner.

Therapy for Couples

Space to bring families back together. Empathic and without judgement.

Therapy for Families

We offer EAP programmes and workshops supporting employers and their teams.

Support for Employers

We're always looking for the right counsellors to join our team. We also offer workshops and coaching.

Support for Therapists

"I’ve had a couple sessions with Tom now and I can’t wait to do more. He is incredibly warm, kind hearted and clearly in this job for the right reasons. His passion is clear and his values are in the right place. This is also a far more affordable service than I’ve seen by far."

Abi, September 2023

Will, December 2023

This service has been really helpful for me in regard to my mental health. The initial consultation is free and the help I received through my counselling sessions has really helped me. Would thoroughly recommend them ✨💜

November 2023

"Charlotte is an amazing therapist. She doesn't try to give me the solution, she helps me find my own. I have felt better in each session."

November 2023

"Charlotte's such an amazing therapist, she will listen to you and never judges you with anything, you can be yourself around her, she will give you all the time in the world just so you would say anything in your mind, she will not tell you what to do or what not to do but she will give you some advices, she’s also such a sweetheart and she gives you positive energy."

March 2024

"I never knew how much I needed therapy until I started it. After a few months in I’m extremely happy I took this journey, and very glad I found a great therapist. Whom has helped me with problems on the forefront of my mind and those I had repressed or not even acknowledged."

April 2024

"I looked forward to my weekly sessions with Charlotte. She gave me great advice and pointers how to get things back on track. I'm putting her advice into my daily routine and so far the results are uplifting and very positive."