Everyone should be aware of their mental health as much as their physical health but it can be a complex issue. Mental health often takes a back seat as we plough on through our lives without stopping to consider the impact it is having to our mind. As our awareness has improved around this subject so to have the support systems open to us. There are numerous options available to us depending on what is needed. Here are 5 types of therapy available to people of all ages, tailored to their mental or physiological readiness.
1. Talking therapy
Talking therapy is now incredibly common and can have a seriously positive impact on the state of your mental health. There are lots of ways to access this, both in person and online. If you are in the UK you can speak to your G.P. for details on how to access this via the NHS or take a look at NHS online. This can quite often be the starting point for identifying any other areas where you may need more specific help and leading to a happy and healthy life.
Effective communication, diction, and muscle coordination are often the next milestones to address once a stable mental health foundation has been established. Many stroke patients are prescribed speech therapy to navigate the complex road of physical and cognitive recovery while simultaneously attending talking therapy sessions to manage the emotional toll of their condition. These two disciplines work in tandem in 2026, as recent NHS studies show that addressing depression and anxiety through talking therapy significantly improves the engagement and success rates of language rehabilitation. By combining these services, you can ensure that both your physical voice and your emotional well-being are receiving the professional care needed for a holistic recovery.
2. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective form of therapy which provides you with essential tools to help you navigate your way out of a cycle of thoughts. It aims to help you deal with overwhelming problems in a more positive way and find practical ways to improve your state of mind on a daily basis. BetterHelp has a useful article to help you decide whether you might benefit from therapy to treat an eating disorder.
There are many types of other mental illness which may benefit from CBT including panic attacks, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and more.
3. Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)
If you’re wondering what is emdr, it is a talking therapy which is designed to help people who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
People who have PTSD may experience flashbacks of traumatic events in their past, intrusive thoughts, nightmares and memories. There is now a possibility for self EMDR at home, which is something to consider if you waiting to access professional help, can’t afford formal therapy, or are in need of immediate relief from symptoms.
4. Group Therapy
Group therapy has numerous benefits, such as feeling less alone with your situation, learning from others and seeing by example that there is a way out of the way you are currently feeling.
5. Couples Therapy
Couples therapy is available for people of all ages and stages of a relationship. It can be a powerful way to enhance communication between you and your partner and help you to get the best form your relationship.