For the past three years, I’ve seen a therapist once a month – a routine that’s become as integral to my life as sleeping and eating well. This regular hour of talking therapy is one of the most important ways I take care of my mental health and I’m profoundly grateful to have a safe and open space to talk.

When I first started therapy, it wasn’t out of curiosity or a desire for self-improvement, I was navigating a challenging time, overwhelmed by stress and uncertainty, and feeling like things around me were shifting constantly.

As many people do, I hesitated to reach out to a therapist. I wondered if my problems were enough to warrant professional help, I questioned whether talking to someone would even make a difference and worried about being judged. But from that very first session, I realised the value of having a space to speak freely. My therapist didn’t have a magic solution to my problems but gave me something just as powerful, the tools and perspective to work through them. Over time, I became more self-aware and gained a deeper understanding of how I respond to challenges and why. I learned to recognise my triggers, understand my reactions and give myself the mental space to navigate difficult situations with greater mindfulness and self- compassion.

Once I was no longer in crisis mode, I assumed I’d stop going to therapy, but I didn’t. Why should I stop going if therapy provided a protected space to stay on top of my mental health? Just like going to the gym to stay physically fit, talking therapy became my mental fitness routine.

There’s a common misconception that therapy is only for people who are deeply struggling or experiencing a crisis. But therapy can be incredibly valuable even when life is ticking along relatively smoothly. For me, my monthly sessions are a chance to check in with myself, untangle my thoughts, notice patterns in my behaviour and process emotions that might otherwise get buried under the busyness of everyday life.

Sometimes, therapy feels like holding up a mirror. My therapist reflects back things I might not have noticed about myself. Other times, it’s like a brainstorming session, where I can explore ideas, hopes and goals without pressure or judgment, and occasionally, it’s a space to vent and release whatever’s been swirling around in my head. Every session is different, but all of them leave me feeling lighter, clearer and more grounded.

I know there is stigma attached to therapy, but hopefully, having conversations about its benefits can help challenge and change this. I believe there’s nothing shameful about talking to someone. If anything, it’s an act of courage—a willingness to be vulnerable and invest in yourself.

I’m acutely aware of the privilege I have in being able to access therapy. The cost, time commitment and availability of therapists are significant barriers for many people. That’s one of the reasons I’m so invested in supporting initiatives that make mental health care more accessible both in my role at Leeds Trinity and outside of work.

I would encourage others to give therapy a go. You don’t need to be facing a particular challenge to justify it, sometimes the simple act of having a dedicated space to focus on yourself can be transformative. I walked into my first therapy session feeling unsure of what to expect and now, I walk into my monthly sessions with a sense of gratitude and purpose. Therapy has taught me so much about myself and it continues to be one of the most valuable assets in my mental health toolkit.

Sophie Rani Bannister is a Wellbeing and Inclusion Specialist at Leeds Trinity University.

Leeds Trinity University offers a number of in-house mental health and wellbeing resources, such as an Employee Assistance Programme and free access to mental health apps ‘Wisdom’ and ‘Thrive’. The University has also recently launched a ‘Wellbeing Champions Programme’, an initiative empowering colleagues to take proactive steps in promoting mental and physical health.