Introduction by Dr Gisele Caseiras
I often meet young people, young adults and parents who have spent some time wondering whether what they are experiencing is “enough” to bring to therapy. Sometimes a GP is the first person with whom a worry can begin to be put into words.
I invited Dr Simmy Kaur, a private GP in London, to share what she notices in these conversations and what she wishes people knew when they are considering therapy for themselves or for a young person.
Guest contribution
Dr Simmy Kaur, Private GP, The Nine Clinic, London
You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy
One of the most common misconceptions about therapy is that it is reserved for “rock bottom”, or for when things have become genuinely unbearable. In reality, people often seek therapy for less obvious reasons: feeling stuck, finding life difficult to navigate, managing stress, or simply wanting to understand themselves more clearly.
We tend not to wait for serious illness to progress before attending to our physical health, so why should we do the same with our mental health? Mental wellbeing deserves early consideration, not simply as a last resort, but as a reasonable response to life feeling harder than it should.
This can be true across different stages of life. Parents may begin to notice changes in their child or have a growing sense that something is not quite right, even if they cannot fully identify what is troubling them. Young people may feel something is wrong but struggle to put it into words. University students and young adults may find themselves frustrated that they have not “figured things out” by now.
Each may come to therapy for different reasons, and each can benefit from having a space to think.
Often, the first step is beginning to understand what might be troubling them, something that may initially be explored in a GP consultation. Therapy can then offer space to think about this more deeply and begin to look at things from a different angle, which can make change possible.
Not knowing whether to start is completely normal
Common concerns I hear include: “I wouldn’t even know where to start”, “Do I really want to go over all that again?” and “Do I want to open up a can of worms?”
That uncertainty is understandable.
You do not need to arrive at therapy knowing exactly what is wrong or what you want to say. A therapist can help you begin to make sense of what is troubling you at a pace that feels manageable.
Starting is often the hardest step. Many patients later tell me that they wish they had done it sooner.
The right therapist may take time to find
As with any professional relationship, fit matters. It is okay if the first therapist you meet does not feel quite right. Finding someone with whom you feel able to speak openly can take time.
Different therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioural therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy, may also suit different people.
Finding an approach that makes sense to you, and a therapist with whom you feel genuinely comfortable, is part of the process rather than a detour from it.
Therapy isn’t always a quick fix, and that’s okay
In a world where we are accustomed to fast results and immediate answers, therapy can sometimes feel slow. Meaningful change often takes time.
Some sessions may bring an immediate sense of clarity. Others may feel more reflective or even challenging. Progress is rarely linear and it is not always easy to measure in the moment.
What patients often describe over time is a quieter and more gradual change: a deeper understanding of themselves, greater self-awareness, and more steadiness when life becomes difficult.
Therapy can also help people recognise and understand patterns and triggers in a safe, open space. Mental and physical health are closely connected, and managing psychological stress can have important implications for our wider wellbeing.
Speaking to your GP can be a good first step
You do not need to have everything figured out before speaking to your GP. Part of our role is to help you begin to clarify what you might need.
If you are unsure how to bring up concerns about your mental health, remember that these conversations are far more common in general practice than you might imagine, and they are taken seriously.
A GP can help you think about what is happening and consider possible ways forward. You do not have to navigate that uncertainty alone.
There may be more options than you think
Therapy can sometimes feel inaccessible, particularly when people think of long waiting lists or are uncertain about the different forms of support available.
There can be greater flexibility in private practice around scheduling and therapeutic approach. A GP may also be able to help you think through the available options and, where appropriate, recommend professionals suited to your particular needs.
Asking for help can reflect insight
Perhaps above all, I want people to know that recognising you might benefit from support is not something to minimise or feel embarrassed about.
In my experience, people who take this step often demonstrate considerable self-awareness and a willingness to invest in their wellbeing.
Sometimes the hardest part is recognising that something is troubling you and allowing yourself to ask for help.
A final word
Therapy begins with a conversation. Sometimes it is tentative; sometimes it has been a long time coming.
If you have been considering therapy, you do not need to wait until things become worse before beginning to think about what you might need.
From where I sit as a GP, those first conversations matter.
About Dr Simmy Kaur
Dr Simmy Kaur is a private GP and founder of The Nine Clinic in London. Her work includes supporting individuals and families with both their physical and mental health, including conversations about when psychological or therapeutic support may be helpful.
