Not Sure You Need Therapy? Start With a Check In
If you have ever typed "I need someone to talk to" or "do I need therapy?" into a search bar, you are not alone. Most people who reach for support are not in crisis. They are carrying something that will not settle: a conversation they keep putting off, friction at home, a decision at work, a child who has stopped opening up.
The problem is that the usual answer, weekly 50 minute therapy, can feel like too big a step for where you are right now. The Check In was built for exactly that gap. It is a 25 minute professional support session with a therapist, available online to people anywhere in the world, with no long term commitment required.
What is The Check In?
The Check In is a focused 25 minute session, held by phone or video call, for adults, young people and parents who want professional psychological and emotional support without signing up to weekly therapy. You bring what is on your mind. Together we look at what is happening, how it is affecting you, the patterns that may be driving it, and what your next step could be.
The aim is not to tell you what to do. It is for you to leave with clarity, perspective and insight so you can make the decision that is right for you. You do not need the right words or a diagnosis to begin. "This is what is happening" is enough.
Who is The Check In for?
Adults searching "talk to a therapist online" or "someone to talk to about work stress". You might have a relationship that is not quite right, a difficult conversation you keep avoiding, a work decision weighing on you, or a quiet sense that life could be going better. A Check In gives you an experienced professional's perspective without the commitment of a full course of therapy.
Parents searching "how do I get my child to talk to me" or "parenting advice from a therapist". You might be facing battles over screens or bedtime, worries about school, or a child who has gone quiet. Parents can book a Check In about their child, using a confidential space to think through behaviour, emotional wellbeing, relationships, education or family circumstances before deciding how to respond.
Young people looking for someone to talk to. Falling out with friends, pressure at school, getting on with family, finding motivation or adjusting when things change at home. The Check In offers support without starting a full counselling programme, with parental consent and safeguarding arrangements in place where required.
Do I need therapy, or just someone to talk to?
That is one of the most common questions people search before reaching out, and The Check In is designed to help you answer it. Traditional therapy is built for exploring longstanding difficulties and working towards sustained change over time. The Check In is brief, focused and flexible. Check Ins are not therapy, but they are a strong starting point.
You might book one because something happened this week. You might use a monthly subscription because you value a regular space to reflect. Or you might discover that ongoing therapy would serve you better, in which case individual, couple and family therapy is the natural next step. There is no pressure to decide any of that in advance.
The work draws on years of work across individual and family therapy, safeguarding, education and elite sport.
Can I book an online therapist from anywhere in the world?
Yes. The Check In is a global service. Sessions run by phone or video call, so you can book from the UK, Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia or Australia. Appointment times are arranged to suit different time zones, so a London morning can be an afternoon in Dubai or Singapore, and a London evening can be a lunch break in New York or Los Angeles.
That matters if you are an expat, a professional who travels, a family split across countries, or someone who simply wants a UK registered therapist without being in the UK. For those who prefer to meet face to face, in person sessions are available in selected London locations.
How much does The Check In cost, and how do I book?
There are three ways to start, all booked online in a couple of minutes.
The Check In
A single 25 minute session. Ideal for a specific issue or to try the service first
The Check In Monthly
Two 25 minute sessions each month. Regular access without weekly therapy
The Check In Plus
Four 25 minute sessions each month. Consistent, regular professional support
(FAQ) Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be in crisis to book? No. The Check In is for when something is on your mind or you feel stuck, not for when things have become overwhelming.
Do I need a mental health diagnosis? No. It works for a specific challenge, a relationship difficulty, a life transition, or simply wanting a professional perspective.
Can I book just one session? Yes. A single Check In carries no requirement to sign up for therapy or a subscription.
Why 25 minutes? The shorter format is intentional. It gives enough time to focus on what matters without the commitment of a full appointment.
Is it confidential? Yes, within professional, ethical and safeguarding boundaries, which are explained before the work begins.
Is it a crisis service? No. If you or someone else is at immediate risk, contact your local emergency or crisis service.
Who will I be speaking to?
Kevin George is a BACP registered therapist (reg. 00947448), Senior Family Therapist and former professional footballer with West Ham United and Charlton Athletic. He works with individuals, families, schools and professional football clubs, provides mental health and wellbeing consultancy to the Premier League, and is the Amazon No.1 bestselling author of Soccology. His work focuses on people who do not always connect with traditional mental health provision. Read more about Kevin George.
Start with a Check In
You do not have to commit to months of therapy, wait until things get worse, or know exactly what you need before you start. Wherever you are in the world, the most useful first step can be a 25 minute conversation.
Book a single Check In for £55, join The Check In Monthly or join The Check In Plus.
