Talk therapy is a process where you work with a licensed professional to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It helps you manage emotional challenges and fosters personal growth.
psychotherapy, counseling, talk-based therapy
Talk therapy is a process where you work with a licensed professional to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It helps you manage emotional challenges and fosters personal growth.
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A few must-knows to ensure you’re covered.
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Space, setup, and time. Check the practical stuff so you're good to go.
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Talk therapy is a collaborative process where you engage with a licensed mental health professional to address a wide range of emotional and psychological issues. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma or simply looking to understand yourself better, talk therapy provides a safe, confidential space to explore your thoughts and feelings. It’s not just for those in crisis – many people seek a therapist for personal growth, improving relationships or navigating life transitions. Starting can feel daunting, but it’s a powerful step toward better mental health and overall wellbeing.
Talk therapy deepens self-understanding and builds resilience. Regular sessions improve emotional regulation and enhance coping abilities.
Strengthens self-determination
Focus area: Agency (Impact rating: High)
Clarifies life meaning
Focus area: Purpose (Impact rating: High)
Raises self-esteem
Focus area: Identity & worth (Impact rating: High)
Builds better emotion recognition
Focus area: Emotional awareness (Impact rating: High)
Improves coping capacity
Focus area: Resilience (Impact rating: Medium)
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You might be eager to book straight in with a therapist and start working through your concerns. But before you begin, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Talk therapy can be a powerful tool for personal growth, and these tips will help ensure your experience is positive and effective.
Talk therapy offers various approaches tailored to different needs
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Psychodynamic therapy
Humanistic therapy
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
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Choose a licensed and experienced therapist.
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Set clear goals with your therapist to maintain a focused and productive relationship.
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If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe with your therapist, speak up or consider finding a different therapist.
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Seek additional support if you experience any crisis or severe distress.
🤔
"What will my first session be like?"
😊
"It’s easier to talk than I thought."
😬
"Am I saying too much or too little?"
😌
"This feels more comfortable than I expected."
😊
"I can see how this will help."
Whether you go it alone, join a group, or work 1:1 with a teacher, we’ve laid out what each path can look like.
Compare
Recommendation for first-timer
2nd pick
1st pick
Availability
Widely
Moderately
Moderately
Average cost per session
Free or low cost
Moderate costs
Expensive
Special equipment required
None or minimal
None or minimal
None or minimal
Potential for socialisation & community
Mostly solo
Highly social
Mostly solo
Safety & skill building
Mixed results
Safe & fast
Safe & fast
Space or privacy required
Minimal
Some required
Some required
Ease of scheduling
Very flexible
Quite rigid
Quite rigid
Setup time
Little to none
Up to 30 mins
Up to 30 mins
Active practice time
Under 20 mins
Up to an hour
Up to an hour
Unexpected advantages
Actually useful
Wholesome
Wholesome
Did you know: Actor, Bob Newhart, played a therapist on his hit TV show in the 1970s.
"You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” - Dan Millman
The origins of talk therapy trace back to the early 19th century.
Dr. Frasier Crane holds the record for the longest-running fictional therapist.
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5 facts
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9 memes
Psychotherapy in long-term care: A review
BHARUCHA, A., DEW, M., MILLER, M., BORSON, S., & REYNOLDSIII, C. (2006). Psychotherapy in Long-Term Care: A Review. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 7(9), 568–580. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2006.08.003
Effectiveness and cost effectiveness of counselling in primary care.
Bower, P. J., & Rowland, N. (2006). Effectiveness and cost effectiveness of counselling in primary care. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd001025.pub2
Existential therapies: a meta-analysis of their effects on psychological outcomes.
Vos, J., Craig, M., & Cooper, M. (2015). Existential therapies: A meta-analysis of their effects on psychological outcomes. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 83(1), 115–128. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0037167
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7 research pieces