"Wonderful practice. Thank you Talk Wandsworth."

I self-referred to Talk Wandsworth (TW) earlier this year on the advice of a neurologist in St George’s hospital for help in trying to overcome difficulties associated with past traumatic events which were negatively impacting my mental health, physical health and family life. I had an immediate response from the service and was assessed via the phone and online forms. I was told that the service would be able to help me but that there would a wait of around six weeks before this could happen. I was assured that it would definitely happen and was asked to be patient and to seek immediate help in the meantime from my doctor or get back in touch with them if my problems became urgent.

The service got back in touch as promised after around eight weeks apologising for the slight delay, and given that we were at that point in national lockdown due to Covid19, I was surprised and grateful for their timely response.

I was offered one-on-one Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) sessions via the NHS online video service and was diagnosed with Complex Post Traumatic Stress disorder.

I cannot say enough for TW and the help I received. I am incredibly grateful. The CBT I received via TW was life-changing. I had a weekly video appointment with a psychologist for four months. I had “homework” to do each week between appointments which I committed to wholeheartedly and each week I began to feel less frightened, less anxious and less depressed. Also some of the physical pains I had in my body, my back and head in particular, began to ease. It was at times a challenging process emotionally, but at all times I felt safe with and cared for by the TW psychologist who was extremely professional, considerate and kind.

If you are considering asking TW for help, please persevere and be patient with the initial waiting list. I have read a few negative reviews and I felt that I owed it to the TW practice and to anyone considering asking them for help to write of my experience. I had a wonderful therapeutic experience and I wish anyone seeking help the same.