Can you have therapy if you don't have a mental health problem?

Why therapy isn't just for people with a mental health problem

Recently, the NHS launched its Help! campaign to encourage people to take better care of their mental health and promote talking therapies. Although more people are seeking professional help, many still avoid seeking support when it is needed.

There were 1.6 million referrals to talking therapies from 2018 to 2019 via the NHS Improved Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme, up 11.4% from 1.44 million in 2017 to 2018. The majority of these referrals were for people with anxiety or depression. However, an increasing number of people are accessing private therapy to help them navigate other challenges in their lives, such as their career or general stress.

Contrary to popular opinion, you don't need to have a diagnosed mental health problem to go to therapy. You also don't need to be going through a major life crisis to want to speak to someone about an issue that is on your mind.

"Many people believe therapy is specifically for those who have mental health problems. This is a misconception. Therapy can be an element of personal development as the process involves gaining insight, raising self-awareness and changing perspective," says Yuko Nippoda, psychotherapist and spokesperson for the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).

"Everyone has their own patterns of thinking, feeling and behaviour. When they become aware of these patterns, they become much clearer about themselves and their relationship with the surrounding environment, including other people," she adds.

"They can then begin to explore whether they want to make changes. Therapy is a very good tool for self-development as it can help in the process of a person becoming who they want to be."

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People may be most inclined to try therapy when they're in crisis or during a stressful life event, such as a bereavement. However, there is no one definition of a 'stressful life event' - and we all have unique triggers. Therapists can help us make decisions regarding work, relationships and other common issues. It's also OK to start therapy just because you think you need a little extra help, even if you're not sure why.

Ultimately, there is no 'level' of low mood, anxiety or stress that is necessary for someone to want to try therapy. It's a common misunderstanding that you need to hit 'rock bottom' before getting help, but research shows early intervention is crucial for preventing or reducing the severity of a mental health problem in the future.

It's important to speak to people you are close to if you are experiencing a problem or any kind of distress. Speaking to a trusted friend or relative can be enough and provide you with advice, reassurance or a different perspective on an issue. However, it's not always easy to talk to someone you know intimately - and speaking to a therapist can be easier.

Talking to a therapist gives you an opportunity to open up to someone in a safe and confidential environment. While talking to a trusted friend can help, there are times when friends may be distracted or might be very opinionated about what you should do. Therapists, on the other hand, will not judge and are impartial.

There are many different types of therapy and therapists work in a variety of ways. For example, person-centred therapists may take a step back and allow you to speak freely and lead the session. Whatever their approach, a therapist can provide an ear when you need to think through an issue, which can help you feel less overwhelmed and help you in the long term.

Therapy as prevention

Therapy can be very helpful for people with anxiety, depression or other mental health problems. However, it can also be used as a preventative form of healthcare. Talking through an issue, no matter how insignificant it may feel, can help people before they reach a crisis point. This can help ensure they are better equipped to cope with adversity.

"By talking to a therapist, people can have a better understanding of themselves," explains Nippoda. "They will learn things they were not previously aware of, and they will become more conscious of things that were unconscious. In therapy, people can feel accepted by the therapist during the sessions. This makes it easier for them to accept themselves, which is a vital aspect of their growth as a human being.

"Many mental health issues relate to self-blame, so self-acceptance is supportive in people who have a tendency to self-blame," she adds. "By having therapy, people can learn how to equip themselves with tools to help them cope when difficulties arise in life. Therefore, therapy is a preventative measure for mental health."

Tackling stigma around therapy

There has been a huge increase in mental health awareness, in part due to online campaigns and more people discussing psychological well-being on social media. Despite this, there is still a stigma attached to mental illness that prevents people from pursuing mental health support and treatment. In fact, stigma is one of the key reasons people delay seeking treatment.

Often, people believe they should be able to handle any issues themselves or work harder to simply 'snap out' of feeling low or stressed. They may worry about being judged by friends, family or colleagues for accessing therapy.

"The idea that therapy or counselling is only for those with mental health issues is common, and the related stigma may put people off seeking help," says Nippoda. "Therapists should make an effort to raise awareness about what therapy is by making it clear that therapy is not only for people with mental health problems, but that it has a wider and richer purpose for individuals."

If you are struggling with a problem such as anxiety or depression, it's important to speak to your GP. You can also self-refer for NHS talking therapy.