“Do I really need therapy?”

It’s one of the most common questions people ask themselves before reaching out. At Smart Therapy, we want to make one thing clear: you don’t need to hit rock bottom to start therapy. You just need to be curious about your thoughts, feelings, or behaviours - and open to exploring them in a safe space.

Demystifying your first therapy session and beyond

Thinking about starting therapy but not sure what to expect? You’re not alone. For many people, the idea of talking to a therapist for the first time can feel a bit intimidating. At Smart Therapy, we believe therapy should feel safe, supportive, and tailored to you - not something to fear.

In today’s fast-paced world, many people are seeking holistic ways to unwind, manage stress, and reconnect with their bodies. Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is one gentle yet powerful approach that’s gaining popularity for its ability to support both physical and emotional wellbeing.

But what exactly is it - and how does it work?

The first step in choosing the right counselling approach is understanding the diverse therapeutic landscape in the UK. From Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic Therapy to Person-Centred Counselling, the options are vast and cater to different needs.

In the realm of mental health and emotional well-being, the terms "counselling" and "therapy" are often used interchangeably. However, within the context of the United Kingdom, these terms have distinct meanings and implications. In this blog post, we'll delve into the differences between counselling and therapy, shedding light on the nuances that make each unique.

In today's fast-paced world, it's crucial to focus on our mental well-being just as we do with our physical health. One powerful tool for achieving this balance is mindfulness.

“Trust the process” is a phrase that you might hear therapists or other mental health professionals use a lot of the time. You might also see it on social media, from coaches, mindfulness instructors, or in guided meditations. But what does it really mean?

We all know that self-care in general is an important aspect of looking after our mental wellbeing. We also know that going to counselling can play a key role in self-care for many people. However, something that we often neglect to think about is that sometimes self-care isn’t pretty.

If a therapist offers an initial phone call before you decide to book with them, this will be an opportunity for you to ask questions about how the therapy will be, about their qualifications and experience, or about whether they think they can work with what you’re bringing.

It is also a time when the therapist will want to learn more about what has brought you to seeking out therapy and what you are hoping to gain from the therapy sessions.

It used to be the case that breaks were a usual part of going to therapy. You would go on a holiday and there would be a natural break in therapy as you weren’t physically able to go to your therapist’s office.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, most therapists moved their sessions online using services such as Zoom or Skype, and now it is more than possible to “take your therapist with you” when you go on holiday or a staycation.

The question is: is this beneficial?

According to the NHS, counselling is a talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to a client and helping the client find ways to deal with emotional issues. Counselling is most often focused on issues in the past or present such as depression, anxiety, trauma, bereavement, infertility, self-esteem, or sexual identity issues (among many others).

Going to therapy certainly doesn't mean you are crazy, and this is the most common reason that people use to not go to therapy. There is nothing wrong with going to therapy at all. Sometimes you just might have a big decision to make, other times you might want to explore different options, different ways of thinking, or have someone unbiased to discuss things with.

When you start therapy, it is important to make sure that you are happy and comfortable with your therapist. Therefore, it is important to ask some questions to ensure that they are right for you.

Each therapist is different, which has the benefit of you having a lot of choices, but also means that you might be 'shopping around' before you find the right person for you.

Many people come to therapy expecting their counsellor to tell them what to do, to tell them how to ‘get over’ something, or generally to give out life advice.

These same clients often leave their first session feeling slightly deflated and disappointed that their counsellor has not done that at all. What their counsellor will likely have done is to answer the client’s questions with another question.

The first thing that you need to look for is the therapist’s training and education. Many therapists will list this on their website or the directory that they are listed on will display the therapist’s training. There are a few different training routes to become a therapist in the UK. So, don’t be alarmed if your chosen therapist doesn’t have an MA or PhD after their name.