A beginner's guide to: Talk therapy

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.

In a hurry and don't have any questions?

  1. Check out our safety recommendations.

  2. Spend some writing down what you need help with and the outcomes you are looking for.

  3. Narrow down a short list of therapists who specialise in your needs.

  4. Schedule an initial chat to assess compatibility and check on availability.

  5. When you are ready, head to our Practice Guides and get started.

Looking for detailed practice guides? Hang tight, they are coming soon!

What is talk therapy?

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.

Why talk therapy is good for you

It is a powerful tool for enhancing your mental wellbeing. A therapist provides a structured space to explore your emotions, thoughts and behaviours, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Emotional support

Emotional well-being

Increased self-awareness

Emotional well-being, Self well-being

Effective coping strategies

Emotional well-being, Self well-being

Personal growth

Self well-being

Improved relationships

Social well-being

People who love talk therapy

Viktor Frankl

Person

Stormzy

Person

Gianluigi Buffon

Sports

"Stutz" Documentary

Movie

Real people's experiences

Starting talk therapy? Read this first

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.

Common styles

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)

Safety

⚠️

Choose a licensed and experienced therapist.

⚠️

Set clear goals with your therapist to maintain a focused and productive relationship.

⚠️

If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe with your therapist, speak up or consider finding a different therapist.

⚠️

Seek additional support if you experience any crisis or severe distress.

What you might experience

🤔

"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."

Getting started guides coming soon...

Are you ready to try talk therapy?

We are busy working on detailed getting started guides and individual practice guides to follow.

What you need to know about talk therapy

Let's compare three different ways to start talk therapy for the first time: self-led (using online guided sources), group (IRL) and 1:1 with an instructor (online or IRL).

Compare

Recommendation for first-timer

Availability

Average cost per session

Special equipment required

Potential for socialisation & community

Safety & skill building

Space or privacy required

Ease of scheduling

Setup time

Active practice time

Unexpected advantages

Ancestry, history, facts and other trivia

Did you know: Actor, Bob Newhart, played a therapist on his hit TV show in the 1970s.

There is a type of therapy called “Geek Therapy” that uses comic books and games.

"Good Will Hunting" features a memorable therapy scene with Robin Williams.

Sigmund Freud is considered one of the founding fathers of modern therapy.

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5 facts

Popular memes

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9 memes

Academic research we rate

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

Introduction guides from around the web

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