Loneliness isn’t always about being physically alone.

You can have friends, a partner, a busy social life, and still feel strangely disconnected. Detached. Unseen.

Lonely in a way you can’t quite explain.

You replay conversations long after they end.

You analyse what you said, what they said, what they might have meant.

You run through every possible outcome, scenario, or consequence, even when nothing is actually wrong.

There’s a kind of struggle that doesn’t look like struggle from the outside.

You get through the day. You show up. You’re functioning.

But inside, there’s… nothing.

You know the feeling.

You’re going about your day; making coffee, commuting, replying to emails, when suddenly your chest feels tight, your stomach drops, or your mind jolts into worry mode.

So much of what we do, think, feel, and say happens on autopilot.

We react, justify, or withdraw without quite knowing why. Then later, we wonder; “Why do I keep doing this?”

That question, the noticing in itself, is where awareness begins.

We often hear advice like “You just need to move on” or “Just let it go.”

It’s well-meaning, but it misses something essential: healing isn’t about erasing the past, it’s about making peace with it.

Some of what we carry isn’t ours.

The anxiety, the guilt, the urge to keep everyone happy - they can all be echoes of the generations before us.

Many of us can look perfectly fine on the outside - we get up, go to work, keep friendships ticking over, even laugh and plan holidays.

Many people believe therapy is only for those in crisis - a last resort when life feels unbearable. But just like you wouldn’t wait until your teeth are falling out to see a dentist, you don’t need to wait until you “can’t cope” to look after your mental health.

When most people imagine therapy, they picture sitting on a sofa, talking about their problems. While that’s part of the process, therapy is about much more than conversation.

In fact, research shows that the skills you build in therapy often extend far beyond the therapy room, supporting your wellbeing, relationships, and daily life.

“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?