Dr Michelle O'Driscoll: Counselling is a tool everyone can benefit from

We wouldn’t hesitate to go for a full physical examination, or to attend the GP for bloods and a check-up - if we were not feeling 100%.

However, we’re much less inclined to engage with our mental health in the same proactive way. As a nation, the tendency to put the head down and just get on with things is strong, and tough to break. Despite this, attitudes are slowly changing. More people are sharing their experiences with therapy, highlighting how it has helped them through tough times.

What can it help with?

Therapy is a supportive environment with a trusted professional where you’re able to discuss in confidence your experiences and life challenges, and to work through any emotional burdens or unresolved issues around these. The types of topics that might be covered include: childhood issues; work-related issues; relationship issues; health-related issues; any current or past trauma or problem.

Who should I choose to see?

Your GP is a good source of local knowledge regarding available counsellors, psychologists or psychotherapists. They can signpost you to the best option for you and your circumstances. Which of these you choose to attend depends firstly on what you’re hoping to get from the interaction. Different qualifications come with different approaches and skill sets.

The other consideration when choosing a therapist is any financial barriers. You can arrange to attend somebody privately, or look to avail of some reduced cost or even free offerings through your GP, via charities, or online offerings, depending on the severity of your mental health symptoms and whether or not you have a medical card. Health insurance may cover some or all of some sessions, or even offer access to a therapist as part of the policy.

Be careful that you read the small-print in terms of what is covered in this context, and what qualifications the therapist requires in order to be covered also – not everybody meets the criteria set out, which is helpful to be aware of before the fact. It can feel like a minefield, so ask for some signposting that is relevant to your situation. There are many more options available than most people realise.

When should I attend?

Prevention is better than cure in most scenarios, and our mental health is no different. We tend to more commonly reach out for this type of support when we’re really struggling, approaching rock bottom. Think of therapy as weaving a safety net before you need it.

Attending therapy is a wonderful thing to do when life is actually going OK. It’s a great opportunity to take stock and maybe tackle some historical issues that have been packed away indefinitely. It’s also of course a really helpful way to get support through a current issue or crisis. Don’t struggle alone, reach out and put that support in place. Many people attend therapy for long durations of time, and the frequency can be adjusted according to current need.

Therapy really is for everybody. Take this as a sign to arrange to speak with somebody, even if it’s not for any particular challenge. The benefits are undeniable and will support you in times of future crisis. Take this as your sign to explore therapy.

Whether you’re facing challenges or just want to maintain your mental health, speaking with someone can be transformative.

Prevention is better than cure in most scenarios, and our mental health is no different. We tend to more commonly reach out for this type of support when we’re really struggling, approaching rock bottom. Think of therapy as weaving a safety net before you need it.