Do I need therapy?
How do I know if I need therapy?
If you’re wondering if therapy could be right for you, there are often clues that might help you decide. Considering some extra support for your mental wellbeing, and taking that step can make a real difference.
Signs you might benefit from seeing a counsellor include:
Experiencing anxiety
Feeling overwhelmed by daily life
Overthinking and struggling to calm your mind
Feeling down or tearful more often than usual
Getting frustrated more easily or having difficulty managing your emotions
Experiencing changes in your sleep patterns, whether sleeping too much or too little
Eating more or less than usual
Withdrawing from social activities and interactions
Losing interest in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed
More frequently facing challenges at work, university, or school
Feeling hopeless, as if there’s no way forward
Relying on substances like drugs or alcohol to cope with daily life
Having thoughts of self-harm, acting on these thoughts or feeling like you don’t want to continue with life
These symptoms might indicate an underlying mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, or addiction, or they may have arisen without any obvious cause. It’s also possible that you’ve recently experienced a particularly stressful or traumatic event, which is affecting your emotional state.
Regardless of the cause, if these feelings or challenges are impacting your wellbeing and interfering with your daily life, seeking help is essential. Counselling and psychotherapy offer valuable support for people facing a variety of emotional and psychological challenges. Yet, for many, choosing the right approach can feel overwhelming.
What’s the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Counselling and psychotherapy both offer essential support for mental and emotional wellbeing, but each serves a unique purpose.
Counselling tends to be short-term and focused on immediate challenges, like stress or relationship issues, providing practical solutions for specific concerns. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, is often a longer-term journey that dives deeper, exploring emotional roots and patterns to support personal growth and understanding what may need to change.
Therapy is self-care
Choosing counselling or psychotherapy is a powerful act of self-care, not a sign of weakness. Far from being a last resort, it’s a proactive step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Therapy offers the support and tools to help you face challenges head-on, grow through them, and move closer to your personal goals, and taking the first step to start therapy can feel incredibly empowering.
How do I find a counsellor?
In the UK, membership organisations like the BACP and UKCP have directories for counselling and psychotherapy practitioners which are available online. Counsellors listed here are fully qualified and must meet rigorous professional standards in terms of their training, experience and ethical practice.
You can search for therapists based on specific issues such as disordered eating or depression, or filter by location and therapy type, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Charities such as Mind and Rethink can also help you find services in your area, many of which are free or low cost.
How do I know what therapy is for me?
You may decide you want to opt for short-term counselling, you might decide that longer, open-ended counselling is better suited to your needs. My previous blog has more info about how to decide how much therapy you should have.
If you’re experiencing thoughts of self-harm or feeling suicidal, it’s crucial to seek help immediately. Don’t hesitate to contact emergency services if your feelings are urgent. You can also call 111 or reach out to the Samaritans for support.
Like this article? Follow me on Instagram for updates when new articles are published. If you have any questions about this topic, or anything related to therapy and mental health support, please feel free to contact me.