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Getting therapy
TheNightmare
Posts: 2,590 Boards Guru
I know a lot of this is repetitive, and I’m sorry if it seems like I’m ignoring any comments. I’ve been thinking about therapy for several years to help with stress, low moods, sleep struggles, and worrying, but I haven’t been able to take the step to seek it. I’ve looked into private options, but they’re expensive, so I’ve wondered if I could get therapy like CBT through the NHS or my GP for free, as I’ve heard some people have. I know therapy won’t fix everything, but I believe it could help me manage these issues and improve my overall wellbeing. I’ve done confidence-building courses that helped a bit, and I’ve been working hard toward getting a job, which I think will help too. I also think having a relationship with the right person could boost my happiness and confidence. However, I feel like therapy might still be necessary to work through these challenges.
I think there are multiple barriers holding me back. One is accepting that I need therapy and worrying it might not help, even though it could. Another is fearing judgment or being seen as weak, even though I don’t believe seeking help makes someone weak. I also struggle with worrying about people’s opinions and letting comments get to me. While I’ve found it easier in the past to talk to mentors at college, taking the step to explain my situation to a GP and start therapy feels much harder. Despite these barriers, I do think therapy could help, especially since venting and being listened to in this community already makes a difference. I just want to improve my wellbeing, feel happier, and build more confidence in myself.
I think there are multiple barriers holding me back. One is accepting that I need therapy and worrying it might not help, even though it could. Another is fearing judgment or being seen as weak, even though I don’t believe seeking help makes someone weak. I also struggle with worrying about people’s opinions and letting comments get to me. While I’ve found it easier in the past to talk to mentors at college, taking the step to explain my situation to a GP and start therapy feels much harder. Despite these barriers, I do think therapy could help, especially since venting and being listened to in this community already makes a difference. I just want to improve my wellbeing, feel happier, and build more confidence in myself.
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Comments
I really hope things improve for you and you do get the therapy because you deserve it, keep working hard
@Lucy_21 thanks so much as always
You mentioned in particular that there's a part of you that's afraid counselling won't be helpful, and I want to reassure you that this is such a common feeling. I wonder what it might be like to even share this fear with a future counsellor in your first session? It's their job to hear you and to support you through those doubts and questions, because they're really valid, esspecially when you're investing your time and potentially money into something too!
Secondly, you mentioned about that fear of judgement or being deemed weak, and I really empathise with that because it's true that therapy has been so stigmatised at times, and it can take a lot to say, 'I think I need to ask for some help now'.That can be scary
If helpful, I'll list some no-cost or low-cost counselling providers below, including The Mix's counselling service too
Doc Ready is a digital resource that helps young people to prepare and make the most out of mental health related GP visits. They offer information and advice about what to expect when talking to a GP about your mental health. You can also build an interactive checklist to help you feel prepared. For more information you can go to their website https://www.docready.org
There is an organisation called Youth Access which has a database of free youth advice and counselling throughout England and Wales. You select what you need help with and type in your location to find who can help. Visit their website for more information www.youthaccess.org.uk
Connect Counselling is a service offering help, support and counselling to individuals, couples and families experiencing a range of problems, such as anxiety, depression, an inability to cope, relationships, bereavement and more. They can offer regular, weekly 50 minute sessions with an appropriate counsellor for as many times as needed. There is no fixed charge for their counselling, but they do ask for a voluntary monetary donation for each session, if possible, but they will never turn anyone away through lack of funds. Sessions can be delivered face to face in Surrey or remotely via Zoom or telephone. You can fill out their Self Referral Form on their website https://www.connectcounselling.org.uk/. You can also phone them on 01276 24210 or email info@connectcounselling.org.uk for more information.
The Mix offers webchat and phone counselling. Our counsellors aim to help by listening to your problems and working with you to find ways to cope. Our webchat/phone counselling service operates on a self-referral basis. It is suitable for anyone under 25 who is looking for short-term help with mental health and emotional wellbeing. You can refer yourself to our counselling team here: https://www.themix.org.uk/get-support/speak-to-our-team/the-mix-counselling-service Our counselling does not use a waiting list system, but new appointments are posted to our website as soon as they become available, so it is worth checking in regularly if you can't see any right now. Your first appointment is likely to take place up to a month after the point that you self-refer.
One option is YMCA. They are there to support young people in a range of ways. They can support young people with housing, accommodation and food banks, mental health advice and counselling, sexual health advice, drug and alcohol advice and counselling, a range of wellbeing services, family work and respite for young carers. This support is offered through 116 local YMCAs throughout England and Wales. To access their support or to find your local branch, visit their website at https://www.ymca.org.uk/
More support...
https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/we-can-help/
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/talking-therapy-and-counselling/how-to-find-a-therapist/
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/talking-to-your-gp/
How does this sound?
@Sian321 Thanks so much for your kind and encouraging response. It means a lot to hear that my feelings about therapy and the fears I have are valid and normal. It really helps to know that counsellors are there to support me without judgment, and your personal experience has given me hope that I could walk away from a session feeling understood and more in tune with myself.
I’ve been trying to get into The Mix’s counselling service for some time now, but I haven’t been able to find a space. It’s a bit discouraging, as I feel ready to take that step and think their support could really help me explore everything I’ve been going through. If you have any advice or suggestions, I’d love to hear them.
Thanks again for your reassurance and understanding. It’s really given me a boost to keep trying.
I've got my fingers crossed!
@Sian321 I'll do that, thanks so much for that, I heard you're new here and want to say you're doing a great job. Thanks so much for all your replies and everything