I was referred to Worcester Healthy Minds after a significant life event and ill health. This was an extremely shocking and distressing time in my life and I was struggling with anxiety and depression. As I had become unwell, it also became apparent to me that I needed to speak about some unresolved childhood trauma; I therefore asked to be referred to a trained counsellor.
The first noteworthy occurrence was that I met with a psychiatric nurse at my GP practice to discuss my referral; and after discussing my needs at length (and agreeing a course of action) they wrote to me stating that I could not be referred for counselling (due to me having significant physical health needs) and instead, I should attend a support group.
When I challenged this (due to my mental health diagnoses), they asked me to write an email to them detailing my needs; effectively I felt like I was completing my own comprehensive referral when I was already feeling very overwhelmed and in desperate need of some help. This person demonstrated no empathy or concern for my welfare.
The second instance of poor service, was when I eventually was allocated to a practitioner. This individual was trained in CBT (which I felt was not appropriate to my needs at this time) and was unable to do any meaningful work outside the worksheets they issued to me on a weekly basis to complete. These sessions added greatly to my stress and only made me feel more upset, hopeless and not listened to. The worker frequently spoke over me when I attempted to answer their questions and (I felt) spoke with sarcasm and disdain.
Very fortunately, I had enough remaining strength to ask again to be referred to a qualified counsellor; and I’m so very grateful I did. I was then allocated to a fantastic, experienced and fully trained psychotherapist who really helped me keep my head above water whilst I continued to experience a period of trauma in my life. They provided knowledge, empathy, guidance and support that gave me hope for the future and skills I continue to use every day. Sadly, this person has now moved on; I can see that they were outside the norm of the services I mostly received and I just feel very grateful that, when I needed help, there was this one skilled person who was willing to really help me. I cannot state strongly enough that this professional prevented me from giving up. They made me feel that my life still had value.
I have taken the time to write this review for two reasons:
1. To encourage others to persevere in asking to be seen by a qualified, experienced and empathetic health professional when you need this. You would not ask your neighbour with a 6 week online course in mechanics to fix your car!
2. I hope that professionals might read this; people who are maybe burned out, disillusioned, less qualified or less suited to working in mental health, and consider their actions.
"I asked to be referred to a trained counsellor"
About: Talking Therapies Talking Therapies Redditch B98 8AH
Posted by Ombersley65 (as ),
Do you have a similar story to tell?
Tell your story & make a difference ››
Responses
See more responses from Kate Wood
See more responses from Kate Wood