How do talking therapies work?

Talking therapies work by giving you a safe space to talk with a trained professional, helping you understand and manage your mental health.

What are talking therapies?

Talking therapies involve speaking with a therapist about what’s affecting your mental and emotional wellbeing. The aim is to help you explore your feelings, understand what’s behind them, and find ways to cope or make positive changes.

What happens in a session?

• You’ll meet with a therapist, either one-to-one or in a group.
• Sessions can be face-to-face, over the phone, by video call, or online.
• At the start, your therapist will ask about your reasons for coming and your history.
• Together, you’ll agree on what you want from therapy and how you’ll work together.

How can talking therapies help?

• They offer a confidential, supportive environment to talk about anything that’s confusing, painful, or uncomfortable.
• Therapists are trained to listen and help you find ways to improve your situation.
• You might learn new coping skills, problem-solving techniques, or explore creative approaches like art or role-play.

Are there different types of talking therapy?

Yes. Some therapies, like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), focus on current issues and practical solutions. Others may look at past experiences or relationships. The type and length of therapy will depend on your needs.

Can talking therapies be used with other treatments?

You might be offered talking therapy alongside medication, depending on your situation.

Find out more

To learn more about talking therapies, visit our talking therapies information page.

If you think talking therapy could help you, don’t wait. Reach out to your local NHS service, or speak to your GP. Support is available, and you don’t have to face things alone.