Is Psychotherapy Helpful? Here's What UK Data & Experts Say

2 Feb

Written By OLIP THERAPY - Online and In Person Therapy

Psychotherapy is a powerful and proven method for improving mental health and in the UK, it's more accessible than ever. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life, talking therapies like psychotherapy can offer meaningful relief, support, and transformation.

A Trusted and Evidence-Based Treatment

Psychotherapy is not a fringe solution; it’s a well-researched and widely accepted treatment supported by decades of clinical evidence. According to the NHS, talking therapies have been shown to be effective for a wide range of mental health difficulties. In fact, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), one of the most common forms of psychotherapy, is a recommended treatment by the NICE guidelines (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for conditions like anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and depression.

In 2022–2023, more than 1.2 million adults in England accessed NHS talking therapies through the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme. Of those, nearly 50% showed reliable improvement in their symptoms after completing treatment — with many reporting long-term benefits, even after therapy ended.

Is It Right for You?

Whether psychotherapy will benefit you personally depends on a few key factors:

Your goals – Are you looking to process trauma, manage stress, overcome depression, or understand yourself better?
The type of therapy – CBT, psychodynamic therapy, EMDR, integrative counselling, and hypnotherapy each offer different approaches.
Your therapist – Working with a qualified, experienced professional who helps you feel safe and understood is crucial.
Your readiness – Therapy is a process, and while results can be transformative, they take time and commitment.

It’s also important to note that many people combine psychotherapy with other therapies, like hypnotherapy or EMDR, for a more tailored and powerful approach, especially when dealing with trauma, phobias, or ingrained habits.

Therapy in the UK: NHS or Private?

While the NHS offers access to psychotherapy, waiting times can be long. Many people are now turning to private therapy for faster, more personalised support. Private therapists often offer flexible appointments, a wider range of therapeutic styles, and the ability to build an ongoing, trusting relationship without time limits.

At OLIP Therapy, we’ve been supporting people across the UK for over 20 years through a blend of psychotherapy, counselling, CBT, EMDR and hypnotherapy. Whether online or in-person, our tailored approach is designed to match you with the right therapy - or combination of therapies - to help you move forward.

Take the First Step Towards Better Mental Health

You don’t have to keep struggling alone. If you’re dealing with anxiety, stress, low mood or feeling stuck, psychotherapy can offer the support and tools you need to make real, lasting change.

📞 Book a free consultation today and discover how therapy could help you feel more in control, more confident, and more connected to life.