We’ve been shocked by some of the coverage of Prince Harry and the Royal Family that has seen the topic of therapy used to create sensationalised and damaging headlines.

No one’s mental health should be used in this way.

A seemingly ill-thought out, dismissive comment about therapy can have much greater repercussions if splashed across the front page of a newspaper.

Insulted

Some comments and coverage have stigmatised and insulted the millions of people in the UK who have sought support for their mental health and emotional difficulties through therapy, and the tens of thousands of therapists who provide this much-needed help. 

Earlier this week we wrote to one publication to stress how their front page headline could be damaging.

But damaging coverage and comments on therapy have continued throughout the week in a variety of media outlets.

Therapy is a confidential, safe space without judgement.

It can help people in different ways – and everyone’s experience of it is different.

Judgements

People have written at length giving their own views and judgements about the impact therapy has had on Prince Harry.

One newspaper refers to how “therapy has been weaponised against him” in the press.

Enough is enough.

Our research shows that 33% of people in the UK have had counselling or psychotherapy, and 92% of those agree it’s a good idea to seek counselling or psychotherapy for a problem before it gets out of hand. 

Prince Harry himself has spoken at length about the support he’s received, which has helped to break the stigma around mental health and encouraged more people to seek therapy. 

Benefits of therapy

We’re thankful that some of the coverage this week has highlighted the benefits of therapy and helped raise awareness of support available.

But we’re disappointed therapy has been used in such a damaging and unhelpful way.

We have more than 60,000 counsellors, psychotherapists and coaches among our membership.  Our members are highly trained and skilled, working in the NHS, education settings, workplaces, the third sector and in private practice. Every day they’re helping people to cope with the challenges they face and to deal with issues including anxiety, depression, bereavement, trauma, relationships and the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At a time when the country is experiencing a mental health crisis, we should be encouraging people to seek the help and support they need and not to suffer in silence.