Therapy can be a confusing experience
From trying to access support, finding the right service/person to suit you, and to actually doing the work, there are many questions that come up. Here are some common ones:
Therapy is…
Psychotherapy and counselling are types of talking therapy which can help you to understand and manage your mental health more effectively. This does not include diagnosis nor prescribing medication, so is different from a psychiatrist or other kind of medical doctor.
There are many different kinds of therapy which you can access for free/low cost via the NHS and third sector, or privately if you are able to pay yourself.
What kind of therapy should I have?
It’s best to look for a service or therapist that explicitly offers support for the things that you’re struggling with.
In addition to this, consider what might suit you:
- Would you like short-term or open-ended therapy?
- Would it help to be heard and supported by others who have had similar experiences in a group, or speak to a therapist individually?
- How structured do you need appointments to be?
- Is your priority managing symptoms so you can improve daily life?
- Do you need space to explore past events?
Visit the Mind website for explainers on different types of therapy:
What happens in a session?
In order to support you, your therapist needs to learn about you and what you need.
They may ask you questions to understand what you’re struggling with now, any coping strategies, your support network and relationships, and significant experiences in the past which you feel affect you currently.
You have a space to speak freely and ask questions, to make progress together.
I ask that we identify a goal or focus at the beginning of our work, so that we both know and agree on what’s important to change through psychotherapy.
I believe therapy is a two-way process. This means I am pro-active and share my thoughts with you. In this way we can think, explore, and try new things together at your pace.
Isn’t it all just about me finding the answers?
Whilst the focus is on you as the client, you are not the only person in the room. This means therapy is a two-way conversation and a collaborative process, rather than you being expected to find answers and coping mechanisms yourself.
Ready to start therapy? Contact me at enquire@therapy-leeds.co.uk.
