What Is Therapy and How Can It Help?

Published on: 19th July 2025

Let’s be honest, most of us weren’t taught how to handle the complicated parts of life. We learned how to do long division, how to label a plant cell, and how to awkwardly dance around with a hockey stick in P.E... but no one really taught us how to deal with anxiety, grief, low self-worth, or the fact that sometimes life just feels a bit much.

That’s where therapy comes in.

So, what is therapy?

At its simplest, therapy is a dedicated space where you can talk things through with someone trained to listen — really listen. It’s not about advice-giving or being told what to do. It’s about having someone alongside you, helping you make sense of your thoughts and feelings, untangle the mental spaghetti, and start moving towards something that feels calmer, clearer, and more you.

Therapy is confidential, non-judgmental, and, most importantly, yours. It’s your time, your space, your pace.

But… do I need therapy?

Good question. And no, you don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. But I’m a firm believer of not everyone NEEDS therapy, but everyone could benefit from it.

Maybe you’re feeling anxious but can’t quite put your finger on why. Maybe your self-esteem has taken a nosedive, or you find yourself people-pleasing to the point of exhaustion. Maybe you’re navigating a big life change (break-up, job loss, existential wobble in Tesco’s toiletries aisle — no judgment). Or maybe you’re just tired of carrying it all on your own.

Therapy can help with things like:

The truth is, therapy can help anyone who wants to feel a bit more in tune with themselves and a bit less like they’re on an emotional rollercoaster with a dodgy seatbelt.

What happens in a session?

It’s not about lying on a couch while I scribble notes like in the movies. It’s more like having a real conversation, minus the small talk, plus the kind of honesty that can actually shift something. There’s no pressure to perform, and a therapist who’s not judging your dodgy sleep schedule or overthinking tendencies.

In our online sessions, you’ll find a space that’s calm, confidential, and tailored to you. We talk about whatever feels important, there’s no set script. One week might be about that thing your mum said that’s been bothering you, the next might be about big questions like “Who even am I?”

It’s a bit like a weekly check-in with your inner world, with someone trained to help you navigate it gently and without jargon.

Will it be awkward?

Maybe a little at first, that’s totally normal. It’s not every day you talk to a stranger about your inner world. But good therapy isn’t stiff or clinical. It’s human, warm, and sometimes even funny (yes, really). You might cry. You might laugh. You might sigh so loudly your dog gets up to check on you. It’s all welcome.

Therapy doesn’t have to feel heavy all the time. Some of the most healing moments happen when we bring a bit of humour and humanity into the room.

So... how can it help?

Here’s what therapy can offer:

It’s not about fixing you, you’re not broken. It’s about understanding, healing, and growing. It’s about giving yourself space to breathe and permission to put you first for a change.

Final thoughts (and a gentle nudge)

If you’ve been wondering whether therapy might help, that wondering is reason enough to explore it. You don’t have to wait until everything’s falling apart. You can start now, just because you want to feel better, live more fully, or simply be kind to yourself.

If you're ready to take the first step (or even just tiptoe your way towards it), I'm here.

Book a free initial chat or learn more about how I work

Warmly,
Sarah

Integrative Psychotherapist offering online therapy across the UK