The 10 most common questions people ask about therapy
Therapy has become a much less taboo subject in recent years, with celebs and friends alike feeling comfortable mentioning their sessions.
But despite its growing popularity, plenty of people still have questions, concerns, and maybe even a few lingering doubts about therapy. And where do people turn when they need answers? Google, of course!
These burning questions tell us a lot about how attitudes toward mental health are changing and, more importantly, how more people are opening up to the idea of seeking support. The experts at Resolute, a service that offers personalised, 100% online mental health care, have analysed Google search trends to reveal what’s on people’s minds when it comes to therapy.
Using data from Ahrefs, Resolute reveals the average search volumes for the top ten most Googled therapy questions and how many people were searching for them per 1,000,000 people in the UK. They also provide answers to each.
So, what are those questions, and what do the answers say about where we’re headed?
The 10 most searched questions about therapy
| Rank | Questions | Average Monthly Google Search Volume | Rate (per 1,000,000 people) |
| 1 | What is therapy? | 3,220 | 46.57 |
| 2 | How much is therapy? | 3,000 | 43.39 |
| 3 | How to have a therapy dog? | 1,830 | 26.47 |
| 4 | Do I need therapy? | 1,450 | 20.97 |
| 5 | Does therapy work? | 1,000 | 14.46 |
| 6 | How to have couple therapies? | 1,000 | 14.46 |
| 7 | How long are therapy sessions? | 240 | 3.47 |
| 8 | Is occupational therapy a good career? | 160 | 2.31 |
| 9 | Why is therapy so expensive? | 150 | 2.17 |
| 10 | Is there therapy near me? | 100 | 1.45 |
1) What is therapy?
Therapy is a professional, structured way of exploring your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours with a trained therapist. There are different types, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, counselling, and creative therapies like art or music therapy.
Why people ask this: There’s still a bit of mystery around what actually happens in a therapy session. Do you lie on a couch? Do therapists give advice? (Not exactly – they help you find your own answers.) While therapy is great for people struggling with severe mental health issues; it’s also for anyone who wants to understand themselves better, manage stress, or work through life’s challenges.
2) How much is therapy?
Private therapy in the UK typically costs between £40 and £100 per session, but prices tend to be higher in London. The NHS offers free therapy through services like IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies), though waiting lists can be long. Charities such as Mind and Samaritans also provide low-cost or free support.
Why people ask this: Cost is a big factor when considering therapy; many assume it’s only for the wealthy.
3) How to have a therapy dog?
In the UK, therapy dogs are specially trained to provide comfort in settings like hospitals, care homes, and schools. If you want to have a therapy dog in the UK, your dog needs to be trained and assessed by an official organisation. The most recognised group for therapy dog certification in the UK is Pets As Therapy (PAT).
To get started, you’ll need to find a dog with the right calm, friendly temperament, and then train them to follow basic commands and be calm in a variety of environments. The final step is to apply to an organisation like PAT for certification, after which your dog will be an official therapy dog.
You should be aware that a therapy dog is not the same as an emotional support animal (ESA) or a service dog. Unlike service dogs (like guide dogs), therapy dogs do not have public access rights under UK law, meaning they can’t go everywhere with their owner.
Why people ask this: Therapy dogs can be an enormous help with mental health. Furthermore, some people are also interested in volunteering with their dogs to help others.
4) Do I need therapy?
If you’re asking this, chances are therapy could help! It’s helpful in managing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or even just gaining better self-awareness. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit.
Why people ask this: There’s still a belief that therapy is only for people in extreme distress rather than a proactive tool for mental well-being. In truth, therapists would prefer you start therapy before your mental health deteriorates to that point.
5) Does therapy work?
Yes! Research consistently shows that therapy is effective, especially for conditions like anxiety and depression. CBT, in particular, is widely used in the NHS because of its strong evidence base. However, the key is finding the right therapist and approach for you.
Why people ask this: Some people are sceptical because they’ve heard mixed experiences or worry it’s just talking about feelings. In fact, therapy isn’t just about venting – it involves evidence-based techniques to help you change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours.
6) How to have couples therapy?
In the UK, couples therapy is widely available through private therapists and private organisations that specialise in relationship counselling. Some NHS services offer it, but availability varies by location.
Why people ask this: Many couples want help but aren’t sure how to bring it up with their partner. Many also think couples therapy is just for relationships in crisis, but it can be used as a tool to proactively strengthen communication and prevent problems.
7) How long are therapy sessions?
Most therapy sessions in the UK last 50 minutes to an hour, though some therapies (like EMDR for trauma) may have longer sessions. NHS therapy programs often involve short-term courses (e.g., 6–12 sessions), while private therapy can be ongoing.
Why people ask this: Some worry that an hour isn’t enough, while others are concerned about long-term commitment. Therapy doesn’t have to last forever – you can go for as long (or as short) as you find helpful.
8) Is occupational therapy a good career?
Absolutely! Occupational therapists (OTs) in the UK work in hospitals, schools, and community settings, helping people regain independence after illness, injury, or disability. It’s an in-demand, rewarding career with salaries starting at £27,000+ in the NHS.
However, occupational therapy is not the same as mental health therapy. It focuses on helping people regain physical and cognitive function in daily life.
Why people ask this: Some are considering it as a career option, while others may be unsure what it actually involves.
9) Why is therapy so expensive?
Private therapy is costly because therapists undergo years of training, supervision, and accreditation to be certified and allowed to practice. However, NHS therapy is free, and there are charities that offer lower-cost options.
Why people ask this: People may feel therapy should be more accessible and are frustrated by long NHS waiting times.
10) Is there therapy near me?
Yes, in the UK, you can access therapy through:
- NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT) – Free therapy for common mental health issues (GP referral or self-referral).
- Private therapists – Search via BACP or UKCP directories.
- Charities – Mind, Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness, and local counselling services.
- Workplace schemes – Many employers offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) with free therapy sessions.
- Online therapy – Platforms like BetterHelp, Resolute, and Kooth.
You also don’t always have to see a therapist in person – many offer online or phone sessions, which can be just as effective.
Why people ask this: Many want therapy but don’t know where to start or worry they won’t find support locally.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about therapy
One of the biggest barriers to seeking therapy has always been the fear of judgement. But now, thanks to digital platforms like Google, people can quietly explore their options, ask the questions they might feel too embarrassed to say out loud, and take those first steps toward getting help – all from the privacy of their own screen.
Someone who might hesitate to call a therapist’s office can instead type ‘Do I need therapy?’ into Google at any hour of the day and instantly get reassurance that, yes, it’s okay to need support. The anonymity of online searches removes much of the anxiety around taking that first step.
It’s also helping to chip away at the stigma – when you see thousands of other people asking the same questions you are, you realise you’re not alone. And with the rise of digital directories, online therapy services, and even AI chat support, people now have more ways than ever to access mental health support in a way that feels safe and manageable for them.
Resolute Psychiatry offers personalised, 100% online mental health care with board-certified providers. The platform addresses various conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and insomnia, using tailored treatment plans and medication management.
They are in-network with major insurance plans. They also offer same-day appointments and seamless access to psychiatrists and therapists. Resolute focus on outcomes-driven approach, tracking patient progress to ensure effective care.
