"Perth Adult Psychological Therapies Service"

Although my journey with the Perth Adult Psychological Therapy Service is not over, I am writing this in appreciation as this particular leg reaches its end.

I have written to the service to thank the Clinical Psychologist involved in my care, so I will refer to her as Dr B for this - to spare her blushes!

I was referred in September 2018 by my GP to find me support in coping with a very difficult time in my life. An appointment for an assessment came through very quickly.

I was incredibly reluctant and nervous to engage with the service for various reasons, and was primed for disappointment, or the possibility of being unable to engage with the clinician, and thus the process.

Dr B carried out the assessment, and advised me that she felt that I would benefit from the service. Her quiet confidence and obvious astuteness settled my worries from our first encounter. I had been, and continued to be, to some degree, suspicious and nervous. She was not overbearing or pushy. She enquired with empathy, and listened without judgement.

I began to attend sessions with her in November 2018.

Dr B immediately was very professional in advising me of how the service operates, what would happen, how my personal data would be handled and stored, and gave me an approximate timeframe for therapy within the service.

I appreciated this greatly as it was important to me to understand the process, this being integral to gaining and maintaining trust in the system. I am aware this can often be overlooked or neglected.

Throughout my time within Perth APTS, Dr B has shown herself to be an incredibly astute and observant clinician.

It was important that I was not just listened to, but heard. Dr B was flexible and mindful of my concerns, working with me to mitigate my concerns.

I would suggest that I am not the easiest patient in many ways, but I found her insight and empathy encouraged me to engage and contribute to my own therapeutic process.

One would expect Clinical Psychologists and other mental health professionals to be naturally empathetic but I am aware that this is not always the case.

Dr B utilises her innate empathy, alongside her professional skills and knowledge, to engender positive interaction and change.

As a medical professional, I am well placed to recognise an intelligent and insightful practitioner.

I have completed my therapeutic time with Dr B and still have much work to do. I am prepared to continue on my journey, despite the difficulties I might encounter, as a result of her excellent handling of our time together.

I thought that it would perhaps be beneficial to share some positive press about mental health services for a change.

For anyone else looking for support, please, give services such as this the benefit of the doubt. My GP and Dr B have supported me and helped me move forward despite my best efforts at being a hopeless patient.

I would also like to state that the reception staff at Murray Royal Hospital have always been quietly friendly and polite. Despite the waiting area being a draughty place to sit, the general feeling is peaceful and welcoming. This is in stark contrast to my experience (as a parent) with CAMHS Perth.

The only issue I would raise is that the consulting rooms are very barren, struggle with noise and temperature control, and that it can be disorienting and unsettling to be in a different room from session to session.

Sadly, Dr B is moving on. I felt it important that her positive contribution to Perth APTS was recognised. She will be an asset wherever she goes. I have developed a renewed confidence in mental health services and professionals. The next therapist has big boots to fill!