"thank you"

I was referred to the IAPT service after I visited my GP for help with self harm and suicidal ideation which I had been experiencing for about 5 years but never had the courage to ask for help as my self esteem has been low due to a history of emotional abuse. I fortunately didn't have any problems contacting them over the phone as I called them first thing in the morning and didn't have to wait for someone to pick up; very prompt and efficiently handled

I was called a few days later by a therapist for what i assume was an initial assessment which took about an hour. the lady i spoke to was so lovely and understanding even when i cried the whole time but unfortunately i dont remember her name. i was signed up for the running group and put on the waiting list for cbt. the running group was hard at first just getting the motivation to attend but afterwards the feeling you get afterwards was worth it and it is something i still try to keep up with even months after. the two therapists who ran the course are so motivating and approachable

then during the last few weeks of the running group i was finally contacted to organise a cbt appointment which was 8 sessions once a week although it was a bit difficult to schedule because of my work schedule and i dont think they take weekend appointments? my therapist was also very kind and thoughtful and made sure i wasn't doing more than i could handle and let me do things at my own pace. she helped me to identify healthier ways of dealing with my emotions and how to maintain them. i am so grateful for all of her hard work.

what i will say to people who are unsure of cbt, if you feel it isn't working then you need to communicate this with your therapist and they will adapt but you need to work together with them. i understand that my problems will never fully go away but after the course of cbt at least i now have the tools i need to handle my emotions on my own. there are still days where i struggle of course but they aren't as frequent anymore.

the only con is the waiting time, you have to wait for so long to start individual therapy and when you do it is still over the phone because there arent enough rooms to see your therapist face to face and also if you have a full time job and other commitments like kids then it will be difficult to arrange appointments.