Cognitive behavioural therapy

My DH had phone sessions which were convenient. Perhaps, though, getting out of the house and having a journey to plan and undertake, might also be of some benefit in themselves.

I had some NHS paid for over 10 years ago local to where I then lived. I stopped going after a few weeks because I am a private person and every session it was the therapist and her "trainee".
I kind of came away feeling that my life was the entertainment. Not their fault, I just think I would have been better one to one.

You could try it on-line first and see how it goes. You can do it at a time that suits you, and you wouldn't be nervous. I went to a mindfulness session and the leader's voice was so soft and low that I couldn't hear a word, so it was useless for me.

Myself and novelist Marian Keyes (who has suffered depression) both think it's a pile of poo but that's not to say it won't work for you. give it a try!

Hi Bopeep14,

I'm a qualified counsellor and, although I have never used CBT, I understand it to be very good indeed. Try it.

Please try it. It does help more I think if you have it face to face with a therapist rather than online although that is a good follow up. Annie I am astounded and disgusted with your experience the man you spoke to should be sacked please make a complaint. Also it shouldn't be done with a practitioner looking at a screen all the time . FGS where did these people train! I am a therapist and trained in CBT but the techniques should be used in an individual way with the client emphasising building up a trusting relationship with the therapist. We are not robots. In a nutshell CBT teaches you techniques to link your feelings and thoughts to change your behaviour so it helps you look at the same situation in a different way. Most therapists work one to one with clients using paper tools to explain what they mean, giving clients examples of what they can try to change what they do. It is available on the NHS but some areas do have long waiting lists, sometimes you have an assessment and then wait for a run of appointments. Do PM me if I can clarify anything for you but do make the journey I think it will be worth it.

DH had several sessions of CBT, worked better than medication for him, gave him coping stratagies which helped him manage. Give it a try, you've nothing to lose.

Do give it a try bopeep. I had 12 sessions earlier in the summer .. with a 25 year old girl (I'm 61). I was dubious but she was fantastic .. I could really talk to her and felt so much better .. and still do .. she taught me several useful techniques for dealing with my anxiety. Don't hesitate.

I'm curious to know what sort of training do those therapists have, for how long, with whom and where do they train? What is the end qualification and the recognised body who issues it?

I have done it. A while ago. At least I know now if I am catastrophising, which is assuming the worst possible outcome of any set of circs. You have to write things down, which always helps.

Gabrielle there are various routes but I did my training at the University of Wales first of all a Post graduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling then a taught Masters in CBT ( cognitive behavioural counselling) and a research dissertation. 2.5 years training altogether. I also did a years training in bereavement work as a specialism. The minimum qualification for you to practise as a counsellor in paid work is a post grad diploma and all my training was accredited by BACP my professional body (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) I am accredited and registered with them which proves I work to a recognised professional standard. I had to do several pieces of work to prove how I worked before they would grant me accreditation . This usually takes at least another 6 months and qualified counsellors are expected to do a minimum of 30 hours CPD ( continual professional development) to keep up their standards and experience . Unfortunately anyone can set themselves up as a counsellor in private practice with only a few months training by just doing an introductory course. They would never get a formal salaried job without similar qualifications to mine and they shouldn't. As in all professions there are poor or indifferent counsellors. Never be afraid to ask for proof of qualifications or if they belong to a professional body and have professional indemnity insurance which is another thing counsellors should have and which they pay for themselves.

TwiceAsNice
Thanks for that.
I read that there are a lot of people who profess to be nutritionists but don't hold any qualifications and counsellors who have no depth to their training. It's important to know that you are getting help from a person well qualified to listen and advise, as it's often people's deepest fears and traumas you are dealing with.
I may suggest it (depression/anxiety) as a subject for a talk/discussion by a suitably qualified therapist, to my WI. I do know that one or two have had private problems and found they were not understood by their partner or family.
Thank you

I have. It was a total life changer for me and worth it. I found out so much about me, my triggers, covert rules and core beliefs I had. It gave me new tools for dealing with life too which I can still use. Go for it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain

I went years ago & it was appalling. I did the course in a private room on a computer at the 'mental health' centre. It was like a questionnaire & each week was asked if you have thought about suicide. One particular week I went in the room & there was another client's details on screen asking about suicide. I was shocked & outraged. I asked to see the person in charge, told her what had happened & said I would notify their boss. I was invited back but this time a 1 to 1. Sorry but it didn't work for me but I know for others it has.

Thanks Gabriella. I should add that the CPD 30 hours has to be completed each year and many counsellors do more. I also have to re-register each year when I renew my professional membership. Membership and insurance cost me £ 400 a year plus the fees for my CPD

Rubbish counsellors who are not professional and give us a bad name do make me mad!

HI, Check with your local NHS, ours do an online version with 6 - 30 minute telephone consultations with a therapists. Ive found it extremely helpful. I would recommend CBT counselling for anybody with anxiety, low mood etc. Go for it in whatever form you can afford.

Lesley 4357, could you please ask your husband what he would recommend other than cbt? Thanks

TwiceAsNice, I can’t report him. I have no other contact in the town, last winter I had to have an x ray and someone from MIND drove me to the hospital. I can’t risk losing that contact but I have no wish to have them make a visit now, I find I am turning their failings to keep their promises back onto me and I ask myself what have I said or done to cause it.

sorry Annie, but these people are supposed to be professionals bound by a code of ethics. They can't just not do their job properly and be allowed to continue?

There must be something in place for complaints?

Not going to complain batty , too risky .

I was offered online CBT via GP. Signed on, took an hour per session. Was interesting. Basically common sense. But when you’ve lost the plot, that helps. A psychologist from hospital phoned me once a week and I saw her a couple of times. Probably could have done with a bit more hands on. But better than nothing, or the meds. Which I’m dead against.

Annie I understand your reasons if you are isolated and still need their help but I am still appalled at this behaviour and he should still be sacked for his unprofessionalism and horrendous ethics. Believe me you have said or done nothing to make that happen and it is in no way your fault. The fact that you have been made to feel like that rather proves my point about how disgusting the service ( or lack of service) you had. If it would help I would be very happy for you to PM me about anything I might be able to help you with. I'm sorry you have been so let down and ashamed it was by the counselling profession

He sent me a text Wednesday to say he would call at 12.30, I replied ‘no thank you, not necessary’. Then worried I had been rude. Texted him yesterday and apologised, he came at 12.30. I explained I would understand a text saying he was too busy to keep an appointment but silence for three weeks
had troubled me, I thought I had done something wrong, he replied- ‘ has it been three weeks ‘. He then admired Fred, told me I to go out little by little. They encouraged me to buy a scooter , said they would walk with me the first time I went out., now that’s changed. I give up. I will do it alone.

Will not complain, they work closely with the surgery, I have no trust in them.

Words fail me! Not even an apology!