Prepare for your GP appointment

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Prepare for your GP appointment

Talking therapies like counselling are available through the NHS, through some charities, workplaces and colleges and universities and of course from privately trained therapists like me!

I’m Jennifer Rose, a UK counsellor, psychotherapist and Mental Health Recovery worker.  My blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, medical treatment, or therapy. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding any mental health symptom or medical condition.


How can you prepare to ask for professional help?

  • Start by writing down what you want to say in advance, if you’ve found something in a book or online that helps you explain how you're feeling, print it out or screenshot it.

  • Think about what you want from your appointment (so, if it’s a GP, you may want a referral to therapy).

  • If you have a few things to talk about, especially thinking in terms of GP’s you can ask for a longer appointment when you’re booking.

  • Give yourself enough time before the appointment to set yourself up online or get there in person so you don't feel rushed or any extra stress before you start. 
     
  • If you're feeling nervous, bring your notes and let your doctor (or whoever it is) know your nervous – if it helps, bring someone with you.


The mental health charity MIND, where I get a lot of my information, has got a really good leaflet on talking to your GP about mental health and a short video clip you may find helpful: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/talking-to-your-gp/

Did I miss anything?  Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

 

Jennifer Rose
P.S: Why not follow me on my socials?

Click here to go to the Socials page of my website, where you can find the links to all my social media.



 

Life doesn't always follow the path we expected. Grief, loss, anxiety, change, and life's unexpected challenges can leave us feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or wondering where to turn next. I created the Therapy Roadmap as a gentle way of making sense of these experiences. Rather than seeing therapy as simply solving problems, the Roadmap uses familiar landscapes—such as rivers, bridges, forests, and quiet places to rest—to explore the emotional journeys we all encounter at different times in our lives. Wherever you find yourself, each place offers an opportunity for understanding, reflection, and growth. Through these articles, I share compassionate insights, practical guidance, and reflections inspired by the Therapy Roadmap, with the hope of helping you feel a little less alone and a little more confident about the next step on your own journey. Whether you're simply curious, seeking support, or considering counselling, you're warmly welcome here. Take your time to explore the path ahead, and if you feel ready to take the next step, I'd be honoured to walk alongside you.

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