There are some helpful questions you can ask yourself to determine if now is a good time to start therapy:
Can I commit to weekly sessions at the moment? Sessions may be weekly to start, but as therapy proceeds we may agree that wider spaced sessions, for example fortnightly or longer, might be helpful so that there is to time to practice use of tools discussed and consolidate learning.
Can I commit to in between session work that has been agreed in session? Research illustrates that this engagement is required for best outcomes. Should we find that in between session work is not being possible, we will discuss this. It may be an indication that CBT is not the right therapy for you (it isn't for everyone) or now is not the right time for therapy.
Do I have coping strategies and support in place? Therapy can initially make things feel worse rather than better so consider if you have some helpful coping strategies and supports in place to access after or between sessions if required.
If you are having any suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm we would recommend that you discuss this with your GP first so that level of support can be assessed prior to starting treatment. The GP can make referrals if required to local resources and services.
If you are using alcohol or drugs to manage how you are feeling on a regular basis, again we would recommend that you discuss this with your GP prior to commencing therapy so that support needs can be more broadly assessed. Given that therapy can make things initially feel worse, we would not want to be placing you in a position of increased use to manage emotions.