Q&A

There are really no hard and fast rules around this. It depends on each individual, and whether or not you feel open to talking to a therapist.

Often, therapy is really about giving a person the space and time to look at their life – together with someone who is outside of their immediate circle. Having a neutral and non-judgmental person to talk to, can give you a different perspective on yourself. It can offer you a chance to step back and reflect on how you're doing and what's affecting you.

Letting yourself try that out, even for just a few sessions, can give you insight, as well as clarity on what you need and want. As a trained mental health professional, a counsellor also ensures that the therapy sessions offer you a confidential, safe space to be yourself.

Many people seek out counselling when their old coping strategies are no longer working for them. They have tried, for a long time, to navigate the challenges in their life. They're at a point where they go, "You know what, I've tried everything" and feel "stuck". They can sense that it's worth trying something new.

As a rule of thumb, it can be a good idea to seek counselling for a problem before it gets out of hand – in other words, to be preventative, rather than reactive. That said, timing and how ready or open a person feels will matter a lot. 

If you or someone you know is thinking about counselling but feeling unsure, it can be helpful to try one or two sessions to start. It can be a good way to dip a toe into the water and see how it feels, before making a decision.