"Feeling like a different, happier person."

I've dealt with depression since being a young teenager and tried CAHMS and later on my university's counselors for support. I've never felt understood or really listened to. They provided short if any relief from my low mood. After being prescribed antidepressants (again) from my doctor, I requested to be referred to adult mental health services despite having very poor experiences in the past with counseling. This was going to be my last attempt at counseling, if this was to also be poor, I would of lost faith in ever finding professional support. 

The wait time was shorter than initially predicted and came at a time I really needed it. I began having meetings with Amy every 2-3 weeks. It felt like I was really being listened to and she asked direct and thoughtful questions. I had tried many of the worksheets and mindfulness coping strategies before and never felt like they helped but because I trusted her I tried them all again. A few of them actually really helped and I slowly managed to understand more what was going on and how to manage these low moods.

She was never condescending or rude (which I've experienced before) and seemed genuine and interested. She is also funny and easy to talk to which made the whole experience a lot more natural. She helped me rationalise my thoughts and be kinder to myself.

Without her support I don't know how I'd be doing. Also importantly, I feel able to manage in thr future when/if these periods of depression return. As I was unemployed I could not afford much so the fact the service is free is a miracle. 

I am now finished my counseling sessions and have started my new job and feeling like a different, happier person. 

Anyone who has Amy as a counselor should be lucky to have her and I will genuinely miss our calls.