Talking therapies

What therapy is

You may be put off by the words counselling or psychotherapy. You might believe that this type of treatment is only for people who are mentally ill. But this is not true.

People have counselling or psychotherapy to help them cope with issues such as:

• depression and low mood

• phobias (such as fear of needles)

• shyness and social anxiety

• severe anxiety and panic attacks

• issues around eating

• sleeping difficulties

Therapy is not for everyone, but many people find it helpful.

Types of therapists

Your therapist might be a:

• counsellor

• psychotherapist

• psychologist

• psychiatrist

There are many different types of therapists. Each has its own theory and its own way of working. Some therapy is about talking only. Others involve setting up tasks and doing them between sessions. Some therapies can be offered individually, to couples, to families, or to groups.

Some therapists use one type of therapy. Other therapists may combine parts of several different therapies into the way they work. It is very important that you feel comfortable with your counsellor or psychotherapist. If you are not, it can be very helpful to discuss it with them.

One type of talking therapy may be better for some problems and conditions than others. You might be better suited to some therapies than others. And there may be a particular type of therapy that is best for you and your situation. If it did not work the first time, a change of therapist or therapy can help.

Read more on the types of therapy from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

Types of therapy

Any of these therapies might help if you have depression, anxiety or are struggling to adjust to having cancer.

Counselling

Counselling involves talking to a trained person (counsellor). Together, you can develop a deeper understanding of the issues you are experiencing in a safe and supportive environment. They can then help you find the ways that work best for you to cope with those.

Talking with a counsellor can help you sort out how you are feeling and find ways of coping.

Read more about counselling

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

The word cognitive describes our thoughts and thinking processes.

When something stressful happens to us, we respond with our:

• thoughts

• emotions

• behaviours

• physical sensations

CBT helps you see how these different aspects interact with each other. This can sometimes create a ‘vicious cycle’ that is hard to break.

CBT can help you change these by responding differently. And to think and act differently with new skills. You practice new skills during and in between sessions. With your therapist, you can work towards the goals that you have set.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy usually involves talking to a trained therapist. Sometimes other methods may be used, such as music or art. It allows you to look deeper into your difficulties and feelings.

There are many different types of psychotherapy. It usually involves talking more about your past. Doing so helps you see how it influences your response to the problems you are currently facing.

One type is interpersonal psychotherapy. It focuses on your relationship with yourself and others. If you think this therapy might be for you, find a therapist who has experience working with people with cancer.

Combining antidepressants and therapy

You may have treatment with a combination of antidepressants and counselling or psychotherapy. This combination works well for many patients because the treatments complement each other. Together, they can support one another and have a longer lasting effect.