#28: Do I Need Therapy? When To Seek Support?

Life has a way of throwing challenges our way—some we navigate with ease, others leave us feeling lost, overwhelmed, or disconnected from ourselves. 

Common questions many of us ask ourselves: 

• Should I go to therapy? 
• How will it help me?
• When is the right time to start?

As a psychotherapist, my first response would be: What do you feel? What do you think?

Fundamentally, you know yourself best. You are the one who experiences your life, your emotions, and your inner world. As psychotherapists, we trust in your knowing and your readiness. Whenever you choose to go to therapy, that is the right time. And if you choose to go but later decide not to, that decision, too, has meaning.

Many people come to their first therapy session after years of deep self-reflection. They already understand so much about why they feel the way they do, why they behave in certain ways, and what has shaped them. The therapy room simply provides a space to externalize and embody these reflections. Within the therapeutic relationship, the therapist acknowledges witnesses and validates your experience. Whilst supporting you to shift the axes of perceptions to explore new possibilities.

The truth is, you already know what you need. There are obvious exceptions to this, and getting a helping hand to connect you to the parts of you that are alive, experiencing and expressing is the path is key. By the time you make the call and book your first appointment, you’ve already done significant inner work. You’ve taken yourself through a personal journey of self-exploration. You are human—you know what it is to feel, to live, and to experience, just as much as a therapist does.

So when you ask yourself, When should I start therapy? How can I prepare? Trust that you will know when the time is right. Listen to the whispers. At Hue Therapy, we believe therapy is not just about overcoming struggles; it’s about connecting with yourself, increasing self-understanding, processing emotions in a healthy way, and creating space for personal growth.

Therapy isn’t only for those in crisis—it’s for anyone seeking clarity, support, or simply a safe space to explore their thoughts and feelings.

5 Common Signs You Might Need Therapy and How to Spot Them

1. Persistent Mental Health Concerns

Not all pain is visible. Emotional distress can show up in ways that aren’t always obvious but still impact your day-to-day life.

Therapy might be a good idea if you:

• Struggle with negative thoughts, low self-esteem, or feel stuck in patterns that don’t serve you?
• Experience intrusive thoughts, social anxiety, or find yourself relying on substance use to cope.
• Have suicidal thoughts or symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

2. Life Challenges & Emotional Distress

Life’s transitions—both expected and unexpected—can leave us feeling uncertain, emotionally drained, or alone.

You might benefit from therapy if you:

• Are facing life changes like a breakup, divorce, job loss, or grief.
• Are processing childhood trauma or a traumatic event that still affects you.
• Feel constantly overwhelmed or disconnected, or find it difficult to maintain healthy relationships.

3. Physical Symptoms Linked to Mental Health

Our mental health and physical health are deeply connected.

When emotional struggles go unaddressed, they can manifest physically, leading to:

• Chronic pain, headaches, muscle tension, or digestive issues.
• Exhaustion, difficulty sleeping, or unexplained fatigue.

If medical tests don’t explain your symptoms, it might be time to explore the emotional root causes.

4. Difficulty Communicating or Coping

We all experience emotional ups and downs, but when it feels like you’re constantly at odds with yourself or others, therapy can help. Consider seeking support if you:

• Have a hard time expressing emotions in a healthy way.
• Struggle with communication skills in relationships or at work.
• Feel stuck in unhealthy coping mechanisms or emotional reactions.

5. Signs of a Mental Health Disorder

You don’t need a diagnosis to seek therapy, but recognising ongoing mental health concerns can be the first step to overcoming mental health barriers.

Therapy may help if you:

• Experience symptoms of an anxiety disorder, Bipolar Disorder, or borderline personality disorder.
• Notice patterns of substance abuse, depression, or other mental health disorders.
• Have trouble regulating emotions, maintaining relationships, or functioning in your day-to-day life.

Exploring the Different Types of Therapy, Finding What Resonates

Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Just as no two people are the same, no two therapeutic journeys will be identical. The process of mental health care is deeply personal, and part of that journey is finding the type of therapy that resonates with you.

At Hue Therapy, I believe therapy is about more than just “fixing” something—it’s about understanding, self-inquiry, and learning new ways of being.  

Below are some of the mental health services that may support you, depending on where you are in your process:

Talk Therapy (Psychotherapy)

A space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a way that feels safe and contained. Talk therapy provides a safe space to express yourself, process mental health challenges, and gain deeper insight into your day-to-day life.

Whether you’re navigating relationship issues, life’s challenges, or struggling with negative thoughts, talk therapy offers a structured approach to unpack what’s weighing on you.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT focuses on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. If you find yourself trapped in negative thought patterns, struggling with low self-esteem, or dealing with anxiety disorders, CBT helps reframe your mindset and develop healthier coping strategies.

CBT is particularly effective for those experiencing:

• Intrusive thoughts that feel overwhelming.
• Social anxiety that impacts daily interactions.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or trauma-related stress.

By working with a licensed therapist, you can begin to challenge self-defeating beliefs and develop effective therapy techniques to shift your perspective.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

EFT is particularly effective for couples therapy and family therapy, as it explores the ways we attach to others and the emotional responses that shape our interactions.

If you are struggling with relationship issues, communication skills, or feeling disconnected from your partner or family members, EFT helps deepen emotional bonds and fosters secure, supportive relationships.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT encourages acceptance of difficult emotions rather than fighting against them. Instead of avoiding discomfort, ACT invites you to move through it with self-compassion, while realigning with what truly matters to you.

ACT is particularly helpful for:

• Managing mental health disorders like Bipolar Disorder and borderline personality disorder.
• Learning how to process emotional distress in a healthy way.
• Developing mental well-being through mindfulness and values-based actions.

Schema Therapy

If you find yourself repeating patterns of behaviour that feel difficult to break—whether in relationships, self-worth, or emotional regulation—schema therapy can help uncover the root causes of these patterns.

Schema therapy is particularly useful for those struggling with:

• Childhood trauma that continues to impact daily life.
• Hard time setting boundaries or maintaining healthy relationships.
• Mental health problems stem from deep-seated belief systems.

Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)

A goal-oriented approach that focuses on strengths rather than problems. If you feel stuck in your day-to-day life, SFT offers practical strategies to help you take the next step toward meaningful change.

SFT is useful for those who:

• Want professional support for life changes such as career shifts or relationship transitions.
• Are looking for mental health support with clear, actionable steps.
• Prefer a structured, short-term therapy approach.

Couples Therapy and Family Therapy

Healthy relationships are central to our emotional well-being. 

Whether navigating relationship issues, family dynamics, or communication breakdowns, therapy provides a space for open dialogue and deeper understanding.

Family therapy may be beneficial if:

• You’re experiencing conflict with family members that impacts your mental well-being.
• You want to develop better communication skills and emotional support systems.
• You need guidance on navigating life’s challenges as a family unit.

How To Choose the Right Therapist?

Finding a good therapist is about more than just qualifications—it’s about connection and trust.

Different professionals offer different kinds of support. You might be asking yourself:

• Does this therapist feel right for me?
• How do I feel when I share space with them?
• Am I ready to explore these parts of myself?

These questions are completely normal and common.

At Hue, I work with individuals navigating life challenges, offering a warm and safe space to explore what’s on your mind.

If Life’s Challenges Get in the Way, Trust That Your Journey is Still Unfolding

If you book a session and later cancel, trust that this, too, is part of your process. 

Every life experience you have—including hesitation or resistance—has meaning.

Often, our thoughts and behaviours are shaped by different parts of ourselves, whether our inner child or our present self, and they all serve a function. 

If you feel fear or resistance, allow it. Be curious about it. Ask yourself: Why is this feeling here? What is it trying to tell me?

At the core of effective therapy is learning to trust yourself—the part of you that holds the answers.

No one can tell you what is right or wrong for you. 

The process of asking yourself the questions, of reconnecting to yourself as your own reference point, is the beginning of the therapeutic journey. It is the foundation of self-actualization.

And that’s exactly what therapy offers: a space to validate your own truth. 

So, why not begin at the very beginning—with the decision of whether you want support and whether you’re ready to start?

The Support You Need, The Space You Deserve. The Next Step Is Yours.

1. Taking the First Step

Acknowledging that you might need therapy is a courageous act of mental well-being. Therapy isn’t about “fixing” yourself—it’s about understanding yourself in new, more compassionate ways.

2. What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session

• Getting to know
• A conversation about any mental health challenges/experiences you might be experiencing
• A confidential, safe space to express yourself without judgment.
• Exploration of past experiences, emotions, and patterns to help uncover root causes.

3. Making Therapy Work for You

• Therapy is most effective when approached with openness and commitment.
• It can help you develop new ways to manage stress and improve your quality of life.
• If you don’t feel a strong connection with your therapist, it’s okay to explore other potential therapists to find the right fit.
  
  

Final Thoughts

Therapy isn’t just for when life feels unbearable—it’s for anyone who wants to navigate life with more clarity, flexibility, and emotional well-being.

Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s an act of self-care and self-awareness.

If you’re struggling, or even if you’re just curious about whether therapy could help, Hue Therapy offers a supportive, judgment-free space for exploration and healing.

If we are not the right service for you, we will assist you in finding an option that suits you best.

You don’t have to do this alone.