Curious about counselling but not sure where to begin? This guide helps men understand what therapy is, how to get started, and what support is available.
If you’re thinking about starting therapy but not sure how it works — or whether it’s right for you — you’re not alone. Searching “how do I know if therapy is for me?” or “how to start therapy in the UK” brings up lots of results, but not always clear answers.
This short guide is here to help you take the first step. Whether you’re dealing with stress, low mood, relationship issues or just feel stuck, therapy can offer men a space to explore what’s going on and what you need.
What Is Therapy?
Therapy, also called counselling or psychotherapy, gives you time with a trained professional to explore how you’re feeling, what you’re facing, and what might help.
It’s not about being “fixed” or necessarily about getting advice — it’s a process where you and your therapist work together to make sense of things. That might mean understanding long-standing patterns, or learning strategies to deal with specific challenges.
Want to understand what happens in a typical session? Read our article: What Happens in Therapy? A Guide for Men New to Counselling.
When Should I Consider Therapy?
There’s no checklist, but here’s my attempt - counselling can help if:
• You feel low, stuck or emotionally drained
• You’re struggling with relationships, anger, anxiety or stress
• You want to change a pattern or habit, but don’t know how
• You’re facing a big life decision or loss
• You simply want to understand yourself better
Curious about whether your experience is “serious enough”? You might find this helpful: Do I Need Therapy?
How Do I Start?
Many people start by browsing therapists online. On Men’s Counselling Service, you can:
• Filter by issue (e.g., anxiety, anger, relationships)
• Filter by therapy type (e.g., person centred counselling, CBT, solution focused therapy,, psychodynamic) – learn about the different types in our article Types of Therapy.
• Filter by location or online availability
• Choose therapists offering a free first session to help you try it out
You don’t need to commit right away — just exploring is a first step.
What Kind of Therapy Should I Choose?
There are many different types of therapy — some structured and short-term like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), others more reflective or exploratory like Psychodynamic or Person-Centred Therapy.
You don’t need to know which one is “best.” Many therapists offer an initial call or message exchange to help you decide.
Explore our guide: Types of Therapy: A Guide to Common Approaches in the UK.
What If I’m Not Sure What to Say?
When I started therapy I didn’t know what to say. You might start with, “I’m not sure what to talk about” or “I’ve never done this before.” Alternatively, you don’t have to say anything – it might take some time before you feel comfortable talking – and that’s okay.
Therapists don’t expect you to have everything figured out. Part of their role is helping you feel safe enough to explore what’s really going on.
Final Thought
Starting therapy can feel like a big step — especially if you’ve never done anything like this before. But you don’t need to have the “right” words or the “right” problem.
If you’re curious, you’re allowed to explore that.
Find a therapist offering a free first session, be this online therapy or in-person counselling, via the Men's Counselling Service Directory of qualified professionals.
Connect with the Counsellor who wrote this article by clicking the button below: Ben Jefferson MBACP
