The article presents a list of things to consider when starting talk therapy, but seems addressed to those who are already self-aware of the problem. I believe there are many people who have mental health issues but are not at a clear level of self-awareness of them. In my case I had no idea I was depressed. I had locked everything down and numbed it all inside, so I thought, until some external events broke through and my edifice crumbled. I went to a talk therapist at first for marriage counselling. From that I realised I had been depressed for many many years. A close acquaintance was long resistant to the idea that depression had an impact in her life and could be treated.

For effective talk therapy, you have to decide to go to it, you have to find a therapist "who acts like a human" and ideally someone that has been recommended by others and has good credentials. You also have to keep an open mind about the therapy. That's essential. It can't help if you don't fully participate.