"Excellent Service"

NB:

Re: Same-sex accommodation - Not Applicable.

Having recently completed an agreed number of Talking Therapy sessions, I would like to share my experience.

It may help if I tell you a bit about myself.

I have long-term medical conditions that cause pain, mobility problems, frustration, low mood and anxiety. For some time, I harboured feelings of anger and resentment about my diagnosis and the changes they have brought to my life.

I was often morose, sad, tearful and emotionally spent.

I longed for the old me and devoted considerable energy to berating myself for my health problems and for not managing my emotions and stress. I began to form negative views of myself and in order to feel better, I began to adopt behaviours that ultimately caused additional stress.

When I started Talking Therapy, I was concerned about the stigma attached to contact with the mental health services, and that the sessions would serve to further confirm my struggle to cope; however, my apprehension was ill-founded.

The therapist was professional, friendly and put me at ease.

She treated me with dignity, respect and as an individual. I was listened to and felt I was an active participant in the sessions rather than someone who was spoken down to, judged, patronised or made to feel foolish. The therapist used a range of engaging tools and techniques to aid my understanding of how patterns of negative thought and behaviour were affecting my functioning.

We also explored how positive self-talk, re-framing, problem-solving, goal-setting, exercise and relaxation could help me to better manage the stresses in my life.

Since attending, I have noticed a change in my thinking patterns and feel more able to cope with my emotions. I shall always have long-term conditions that present challenges, but I am learning to not let them rule my life.

I’m not saying that I do not have ‘down’ days or that my anxiety and stress has completely disappeared, however, I am now armed with coping strategies that help me to take perspective.

I have also been provided with verbal and written information on ‘lapse’ and ‘relapse’ so I can take early steps if I feel at risk or have reverted to previous patterns of unhelpful thinking and behaviour.

Talking Therapy may not be for everyone but may help if you’re experiencing anxiety, stress, worry, emotional issues or feeling lost or depressed.

I certainly found that it made a positive difference to my perceptions and quality of life.