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I've done a search for ones near me and there are quite a few, some specialising in certain areas and others are general ones. What I feel I might need, while complicated as most of you know, pretty much fits into all the categories.
I remember my doctor saying to me pre covid i could do with dealing with my mental issues first before bereavement counselling as everything that's happened (or not) has had a major impact on me generally. Then covid hit so everything stopped and there's a waiting list now. But I think I could do with something ASAP. Things are getting pretty bad inside.
Apparently recognising you need it is the first step and seeking it is a major step. I'm always on the verge of tears, my head is constantly spinning, always seems to be an explosion waiting to happen in there too. I fear if it gets much further the eruption I think that's waiting to happen will be catastrophic. I think I need and have to do this, for myself, my kids and my relationship.
Apologies for the dreary post yet again but I feel I can be honest here with you all. Not sure I could be this open to people around me, at least not yet anyway. Cost aside (another issue to sort) how do I go about choosing a therapist? Any advice or help will be genuinely appreciated.
If your doctor has said that you need 'to deal with your mental issues' could they give any guidance on what type of therapy might be best??
Depending where you are, there are various NHS funded organisations that provide free CBT that you can self refer to, this sort of thing: https://www.italk.org.uk/how-we-help/silvercloud/?gclid=CjwKCAjwqauVBhBGEiwAXOepkWTL-Uj2nyE7Fzzo6KrvLaM_3NeDtfHINndSDu9cqzbMvqKzeDDTGRoCsHcQAvD_BwE
Has your doctor mentioned your Community Mental Health Team? I'm not sure at what point the GP would refer you, but they can often provide more guidance with regards to mental health issues than a GP.
I think in the first instance speak to your GP and ask for a referral.
If you're going private (i.e. paying the therapist directly) you could still ask your doctor if they know any good private therapists.
I did what you've done and searched for local ones and made a shortlist of ones that seemed suitable. I then made appointments with them (shortlist was whittled down to three) and stuck with the one I felt most comfortable with. Being comfortable is important otherwise you won't be open and that kind of defeats the point.
Good luck.
ETA It was a few years ago now, but I'm sure all three initial consultations were free or certainly at reduced cost as Therapists recognise that suitability is important.
Eh up mate, sorry to hear you’re not well. I sent an email a few days ago to see how you were. I’m not an expert but in my experience if you manage to get through to a doctor or even reception and tell them how you’re feeling then they mostly act very quickly - lay it on VERY thick. Sounds like you perhaps need to see a different doctor too! Otherwise NHS 111 online are good, they’ll probably ring you up fairly quickly and get the ball rolling. I’m here if you need to talk. J.
Do some research, therapists specialise in all sorts of different areas. Then speak to a few that you like the sound of. You will find that you build up a rapport with one and feel comfortable with them. They are the one you need to go with as you really need to trust you therapist to get the best out of them.
I am sure that you will get a free initial consultation with most of them.
The trouble is that private therapy is expensive and can compound problems. Keep pushing the NHS mate unless there’s someone on here who can help? It could be the start of the STW benevolent fund perhaps, to help fellow members who need it?
I did try once.
Some info in this link here regarding NHS, private and other options
https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/
This is a website i used to find a private therapist. I had 15 months with mine and it was a incredibly positive experience.
I chose private as other people i know had very mixed experiences with therapy through GP referrals.
Op I phoned my gp, and they recommended me to NHS through a dedicated NHS website. Do this first becuase it’s free.
I was very lucky because I got on well with my first therapist and she really helped me (for flying issues and general anxiety) (and in some respect it’s a shame she’s not private). The second private therapist used all the same techniques but I didn’t bond with her and stopped when it ran it’s course of paid sessions. You may need to try several therapists until you find one you are happy with and can continue with.
Well done for asking, it’s a big step to admit you needed it but it can be more helpful that you could ever imagine.
You should be able to self refer for talking therapies, I did it this week and have my first appointment in early July. My past experience was that they would give you a certain number of appointments and then they’d reassess whether you were entitled to have more. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/nhs-talking-therapies/
These people have the NHS contract in my area, not sure if they cover you or not: https://www.vitahealthgroup.co.uk/nhs-services/nhs-mental-health/
To give you an idea of what to expect privately, my friend does online counselling and offers a free 15 minute consultation so you can get a feel for each other and see if she has the skills you need and if she’s the right fit. After that it’s £50 for 50 min, but I reckon you should be able to get free NHS support at least for a few sessions. www.fifecounselling.com
And as others have said, talk to your GP too - meds can help put you in a place where the talking therapies are more effective/manageable.
Evening gnusmas, no specific advice beyond what has been said above, but I've been seeing a new counsellor for a few weeks now, they are all different! My last counsellor had an interest in head injuries, which was relevant for me then, the new one has an interest in chronic fatigue which gave her some insight into my post covid lethargy (and she is refreshingly sweary!).
I'm on the happy tabs for the forseeable, them and occasional courses of counselling seem to keep me rolling along.
Well done for looking into it, some people refuse to even consider it.
To a certain extent your choices will revolve around your finances.
NHS will sometimes offer CBT which gives you a coping strategy but doesn't necessarily get to the root of the issue, and you're on a list of variable length.
£50 for 50 minutes is a typical price for a private counselling session but you should be able to get help sooner.
Online is fine, a study in Wales found that it was as good as face-to-face for PTSD
IANAC, but I know someone who is and I've sent you a pm
You ok Mate? If you have to pay £1 a minute for help then I'm in to contribute. I’m sure some others will be along too. J x.
Good post. I decided what I needed, researched a few, spoke to/emailed four and chose the one I felt could help most. All online due to my location (Highlands). I went private as the NHS mental health provision here is abysmal and I was lucky enough to have the cash.
As others have said, it depends what you need and what their speciality is.
What is also found is that if someone thought they couldn’t help me they’d tell me which I found very helpful.
If you go for private CBT, check for accreditation with BABCP - the British Association Of Behavioural Cognitive Therapists. Doesn't guarantee they will be the right therapist for you, but does show they have done quality training, have plenty of experience, and access decent supervision.
The problem with some of the help is that it’s private and costs lots of money that not everyone has. The NHS approach, when you can get it includes medical help too because just talking is not always the complete answer, prescriptions can have a very positive outcome. A combination of different professionals is usually better than just talking, even though that can be effective for specific conditions.
I’m not an expert, just had experience and can understand people who have no spare money. I might head over to the sandal thread now…
Actually mate, if you go over to the sandal thread it’ll probably give you a chuckle. Priorities eh?
Anyone would be better than the one I was assigned. She was Czechoslovakian, and of the opinion that unless you were putting away a litre of vodka a day, there was nowt really wrong with you.
Apologies for this not being a direct answer...Have you read The Body Keeps The Score? It explains (in a very clear and accessible way) how trauma affects the brain, how this influences emotions and behaviour following that, and how to approach treatment to literally achieve a better state of mind.
It sounds like it might be all woo and crystals from the title but that couldn't be less the case.
Anyway it might be useful for giving you ideas about what sort of therapeutic approaches you could be interested in.