"Receiving counselling from IAPT"

I work in the NHS and have always helped others and never really thought about my mental health needs until my manager suggested that I self-refer to IAPT as i was having a lot of personal issues that were impacting on my well being. 

When I first started counselling I was very guarded and found it very difficult and uncomfortable speaking about things that I had buried for years.   I used to dread our sessions but a bit like things you don't want to do, I always felt better afterwards which motivated me to go to the next session. 

I have now completed 20 sessions and I wanted to share what a positive life changing experience it has been. I honestly do not know where I would be without this input. It gave me an deep understanding of my needs and also helped me to be kinder to myself,  get in touch with my emotions, adopt healthy coping strategies, and how to recognise warning signs before things reached crisis point. 

My therapist was compassionate, supportive, and most importantly non judgmental and kind. She really had the skills to empower me to make positive changes. I will carry on my journey with therapy but feel very happy that I am on the right path for me. As a general health clinician this experience has also had a positive impact on my work place practice with patients who may be experiencing mental health issues