Talking therapy is a type of mental health treatment that involves talking to a trained professional, such as a therapist or counsellor, about your thoughts and feelings. Talking therapy can help you cope with various problems, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Talking therapy can also help you deal with the emotional impact of having a long term physical health condition.

Having a long term physical health condition can affect your mental health in many ways. You may feel frustrated, angry, or hopeless about your situation. You may feel isolated, misunderstood, or unsupported by others. You may feel guilty, ashamed, or responsible for your condition. You may feel worried, scared, or uncertain about your future.

If your condition is a stressed-induced condition, then talking therapy would be incredibly beneficial.

• Counselling

• Therapy

• Psychotherapy

• Psychological therapy

• Talking treatment

Usually there's very little difference between what's meant by these terms – they all broadly refer to talking therapy (as opposed to other types of treatment, such as drug therapy). But sometimes they might indicate differences in who your therapist is, or refer to a specific type of talking therapy.

Talking therapy is not a cure for your condition, but it can help you cope with it better. Talking therapy can also complement other treatments, such as medication, physiotherapy, or alternative therapies. Talking therapy can help you improve your quality of life and happiness.

There are different types of talking therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), or counselling. You can access talking therapy through the NHS, private providers, or charities. You can refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service without a referral from a GP. You can also get a referral from a GP if you prefer. You may have to wait a few weeks for it to start and may not have much choice in who you see.

See more info on finding therapists on the Mind website

Talking therapy can be done face-to-face, over the phone, or online. You can have individual, group, or couples therapy. You can have short-term or long-term therapy. The length and frequency of your sessions will depend on your needs and preferences.