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Should you see a therapist? The Life Edit podcast has the answers

Watch: How can I improve my mental health

The Life Edit podcast is your weekly must-listen. It's got all the advice, insight (and wit) you need to answer your burning questions, and it's like talking to a couple of very good friends.

Time to make a cup of tea and pull up a chair for this week's topic - ' should I see a therapist?'

Health reporter Alexandra joins presenter Flic Everett as they look at the increasing demand for psychotherapy - and what it actually involves.

Flic says she has been to therapy, and some types have worked better than others for her. They discuss the ways we can help ourselves to feel less stressed, too - Alexandra belongs to a choir and Flic has taken up painting landscapes.

They also ask, has Prince William and Harry talking openly about therapy helped to remove the stigma? And should we go to therapy as a form of maintenance rather than cure, to keep us on an even keel?

Why do we keep repeating certain patterns, or making the same mistakes - and how does talking to a professional help?

Young African-american mother talking with a male psychologist about her daughter´s problems.
Should we go to therapy as a form of maintenance rather than cure, to keep us on an even keel? (Getty Images)

"There's a lot of value in confiding in loved ones," says Alexandra, "but a trained professional can help to identify challenging thought patterns and help you understand how to change your thinking."

She says she's spoken to many doctors who would recommend that we all see a professional at various points.

"Sometimes things are overwhelming," agrees Flic. She found therapy 'immensely helpful', and adds "not having to feel guilty about burdening your friends is a huge bonus."

As a result of the pandemic, there are big waiting lists, says Alexandra - but she gives advice on how to get an appointment, and importantly, how to work out which kind of therapy will work for you.

She covers key questions like, whether couples therapy is a wise idea post-lockdown, ("don't be ashamed, it's a sign you want the relationship to work") and why celebrities are leading the way when it comes to discussing therapy.

Flic and Alexandra even look at the history of mental health and the negative impact of instagram - "we only see the highlights reels of others peoples' lives."

Knowledgable, insightful and very honest, The Life Edit has all the interesting parts of life - with none of the boring bits.

Listen: The Life Edit Podcast is now available on Apple Podcasts and all other podcast platforms