What is therapy, really?
We hear the word “therapy” a lot these days, but what does it actually mean? And how do you know if it’s right for you?
In the first episode of the Talk Works Podcast, our Clinical Lead Paul O’Donnell dives into these questions, offering a clear, honest take on what therapy looks like, what to expect, and how it can help. This blog brings those insights together with the latest UK data and a breakdown of different types of therapy, so whether you’re curious, cautious, or completely new to the idea, you’ve got everything you need to take that first step.
The strain on mental health services in the UK
Since the pandemic, mental health services across the UK have seen unprecedented demand. According to the NHS, over 1.9 million people were in contact with mental health services at the end of 2023, with referrals increasing year on year. Waiting times are growing too: in many areas, people are waiting up to six months or more for treatment on the NHS. That’s a long time when you’re struggling.
At Talk Works, we believe no one should have to wait that long for help. That’s why we offer rapid-access therapy, with most people seen within a week of referral.
What is therapy?
At its heart, therapy is a space where you can safely explore what’s going on for you, free from judgement. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma, or something you can’t quite name, therapy offers tools to help you make sense of it.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and that’s the beauty of it. Let’s explore a few of the most common types of therapy we offer at Talk Works:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most well-known and researched forms of therapy. It helps you explore how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours interact, and how changing one of these areas can influence the others.
CBT is particularly effective for:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- OCD
- Panic disorders
- Health anxiety
It’s structured, goal-focused, and based on evidence. You’ll typically work on practical tools to manage day-to-day challenges and unhelpful thinking patterns.
Counselling (including Transactional Analysis)
Counselling is often called a “talking therapy,” and it comes in many forms. One of the approaches we offer is Transactional Analysis, which helps you better understand how past experiences and relationships shape the way you think, feel, and behave in the present.
It can be powerful for those looking to understand why they react the way they do and begin to make conscious changes.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
EMDR is a specialist therapy for trauma. When someone experiences trauma, whether that’s a one-off event or ongoing adversity, the brain can struggle to process it. That’s why people often relive the experience in the form of flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts.
EMDR works by using bilateral stimulation (such as following a therapist’s fingers, tones or tappers) to engage both sides of the brain. This helps “unblock” the memory, reduce distress, and allow it to be stored in a more manageable way.
The amazing thing about EMDR? You don’t need to talk in detail about the trauma for it to work. While many people choose to share their experience, EMDR focuses more on how your body responds to that memory.
In the UK, EMDR has been shown to significantly reduce trauma symptoms. A recent study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that up to 77% of people with PTSD no longer met diagnostic criteria after just a few EMDR sessions.
Why people come to therapy
There’s a huge spectrum of reasons why people come to therapy. Some are navigating trauma. Others want to improve sleep, relationships, or manage food and body image concerns. Some people just want to understand themselves better.
The truth? Anyone can benefit from therapy.
We can’t remember a single client who said they regretted starting. You get out what you put into it and there’s nothing to lose but everything to gain!
What to expect in your first session
That first step can feel like the hardest, so here’s what to expect:
- An assessment to get to know you and understand your goals
- Space to share your story (as much or as little as you want)
- A chance to ask any questions
- An introduction to how we work, and what we can offer
We’ll always check in to make sure the pace feels right, and we’ll pause if it ever gets overwhelming. We want you to feel safe and heard from the moment you walk in.
We’ll also take some clinical notes, this helps us build a clear picture and offer the best support. Most importantly, we’ll ask what you want from therapy, so we can work together toward your goals.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re curious about therapy, ready to begin, or somewhere in between, know this: we’re here when you’re ready. No judgement. No pressure. Just compassionate, professional support to help you feel better, do better, and be better.
As Paul says in the podcast, “It’s a privilege when someone chooses us to help them.” We don’t take that lightly.
Listen to the episode with Paul O’Donnell on your preferred channel:
Ready to take the first step? Learn more or self-refer by contacting our team here