Will therapy be a quick fix?

Try not to expect therapy to solve your issues in just one session. In your first session, you will focus on building a relationship with the therapist and getting comfortable discussing your emotions with them. It will take time; untangling grief is like slowly loosening a big knot. Some days will feel better or worse than others, and that’s ok.

Can I switch therapists easily if I don’t get on with my therapist?

This is not a break-up situation and therapists will not be offended if you feel it’s not a good match. You should feel comfortable sharing deeper emotional information with this person, so it is important that you feel like you are in safe hands. Many online therapy platforms and freelance therapists offer trial sessions, so if you don’t get on with them, you don’t feel trapped in a longer-term commitment. Although, do consider that it can take time to build a relationship with your therapist.

Does crying during therapy make me weak?

Crying during therapy is perfectly normal, and is your body’s way of expressing emotion. It can often be a sign of progress, and that you are open to processing deeper emotions. Don’t feel that you need to hold back your tears during a therapy session if you want to change things in your life, it is only natural that this evokes a large range of emotions, and some are expressed through tears.

Does going to therapy mean I cannot handle problems on my own?

Attending therapy sessions does not mean that you are weak or cannot handle your own problems. You may fear judgement or be scared of the change that will inevitably come from therapy. However, it is important to acknowledge that losing a parent is a significant life event, and it is not always easy to process this on your own.

Isn’t talking to a therapist the same as talking to a friend?

Not quite. While talking to your friends can help you along your grieving journey, it is not the same as talking to a therapist. Therapists are trained professionals with an unbiased view of your life. Therapy is not just chatting or getting advice, it is a unique journey you embark on with the guidance of an expert. One key difference is that therapists will limit how much they talk about themselves; allowing more time for you to talk about yourself, which can let you begin to unravel and disentangle your feelings.

Does going to therapy make me less of a man?

No, not in the slightest. Mental health support is for everyone, regardless of gender. Reaching out for support is a vital first step in navigating the emotional storms we experience during our lifetime. Whether you need support following a bereavement or another significant life event, it is ok to talk about it, and attending therapy can be a good opportunity to open up about how you are feeling. One charity showing a great example of men supporting men is ANDYSMANCLUB, a men's suicide prevention charity. They offer free peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. Click here to find out more.

Putting your mind at ease: Answering common worries and doubts about therapy