Lots of people experience problems or situations that can affect how they think, feel and act. If you’re dealing with a problem, your parent, carer or doctor might suggest you visit a therapist – although you can suggest it too!

​

Therapists can help you deal with all sorts of problems, like exam stress, problems at homes or school, stress, body image, or anxiety. It can help you deal with things you’ve experienced in the past, problems affecting you now, and things you might be worried about in the future.

​

Therapy gives you a safe space where you can talk about anything you want to, without being worried about what people think. It gives you the opportunity to talk about things that are bothering you, and to find the solutions that work best for you.

​

Most people find just being able to speak freely with someone who isn’t personally involved and won’t make judgements or give opinion is really helpful. Working together with a trained therapist can help you look at your life in ways you might not have considered before, and help you gain insight and understanding. Therapists can help you explore your assumptions and beliefs about yourself and your life, and help you to challenge any thoughts that might be holding you back from what you want to achieve in your life.

​

There are lots of different type of therapy available, and if you want you can choose the type that works best for you. Some of the more common types are listed below, but they all work in a similar way – by helping you to explore your emotions and feelings, and finding ways to cope and make the changes you would like to see in your life.

 

• Creative Therapies – these use creative methods like art, music, drama or dance to help you explore your feelings

• Talking therapies – just like it sounds, this is based around talking 

• Counselling and Psychotherapy – often, these two terms can mean the same things. Sometimes psychotherapy can be longer, or provided by someone who has higher level qualifications – but that isn’t always the case

• Integrative Therapy (or Counselling) – this combines (or integrates) different elements of others therapies to create a personal approach to your own individual needs. It can be particularly helpful if you’re working to overcome problems caused by anxiety, fears or phobias, addiction, depression, grief, trauma or low self-esteem. It can also be really helpful in supporting children and young people who have learning or behavioural challenges like autism 

​

It’s really important that therapy is provided by a trained, licensed professional. You can find out more here: