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Counselling/therapy

theme79

curious how as disabled people we find that counselling or therapy (or talking therapy as they call it now).

I am not convinced that is is always suitable to the issues we face. I won’t prompt what I consider the flaws in the service as just wondered what others think whether you have actually experienced the NHS system or private or have chosen not to avail yourself of psychotherapy or counselling

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Comments

Loulou82xx

I have physical disabilities so have not used taking therapies related to my disabilities, however when my daughter was diagnosed with acute leukaemia I went to my GP and they referred me to a therapist specialiasing in cancer counselling which I did find beneficial as it is easier to sometimes say things to a stranger rather than loved ones or friends. I do think it can help but it depends on many factors and you have to be at the point in your journey where you are ready to open up, doing it too soon can put you off counselling in the future as it can feel too invasive.

Loumc48

I am not disabled but am under talking therapy for PTSD and honestly, I am really happy with it which surprises me as I was quite sceptical when it was suggested to me.

The only issue is the time it takes to get on the programme. I had to have three assessments before I was accepted and nearly pulled out a couple of times as it was frustrating but glad I didn’t.

hope that helps

kitsmum

I have multiple conditions, mental physical and neurological. I find talking therapies useful for some aspects and a hindrance for others. I have just referred myself back for some help and explained what I need help with. They were very accommodating and I am on the list for some counselling to help with my mental health following a really stressful and traumatic year and online guide for acceptance therapy to help me come to terms with some conditions that are incurable and don't improve by 'thinking positively'

So yes and no is my answer.

snuggles65

My hubby was under a neuro psychiatrist for a long time. The last time he saw him was 2020 just before lock down. He told my hubby there is nothing more that could be done but I will leave you with an open appointment. Last year my hubby took up the offer and contacted the service only to be told he has left it to long and ask the GP for a referral that didn't happen the GP told me hubby that they are not doing referrals. So my as now been left in limbo the whole system is in shambles. It will be even worse come the white paper in march

smokey18

I see my therapist from the Reach Approach, Principal before profit counselling service each fortnight. Honestly I have never come across a therapy that that looks at the whole body, in that the philosophy, that believes, i order to cure a part should, this should not be treated without treating the whole. The model is based on four life parts, a process of life mapping, Shame work, Dark room and Lifestyle. Although at times it brings me to places that I don’t want to go, personally zI find this model works best me.

Littlefatfriend

In my experience it's a case of horses for courses, as it were.

Talking therapies can be hugely helpful for people experiencing problems managing their emotions (for example) but other conditions/situations will require greater involvement.

There's a lid for almost every pot.

MCMikey

Not all the time, but I mask my problems also (constant and increasing spinal pain with its associated limitations and mood). I think this is fairly normal as I think most of us are brought up to show our best side to other people, both visually and by what and how we say things. Over time with a counsellor there's normally a forging of trust and I found I've started to be able to open up more.

When I do describe myself I do it in effect as if I'm describing a another person. This sort of protects myself from myself as it were (there's a fancy word/phrase that describes this in the psychiatry world which I forgotten). I've told the counsellor that I do this. For me counselling at times is helpful, but not every session is; sometimes two steps forward one step back. Sometimes I go through a session probably appearing fairly ok, for only afterwards to break down as I haven't at the time being willing to say what I'm really feeling and how I'm (not) coping.