After a referral from a health professional, or a self-referral has been made, you will speak to a member of our friendly administration team.
They will take or confirm general demographic details with you, such as your name, address and telephone number. This information, along with any notes made by your therapist, will be kept securely on our confidential records system.
Initial assessment
You will then be offered an initial assessment appointment with one of our therapists. This appointment is usually face-to-face, although telephone appointments are also offered. At this appointment the therapist will get a general idea of your current difficulties and together you will make a decision about whether the service may be of benefit for you at this current time.
Questionnaire
Either posted to you before, or given to you at this appointment, you will also complete a short questionnaire about the symptoms you have been experiencing. This gives both you and the therapist an idea of how much your low mood and/or anxiety has been impacting on you and your every day life. In subsequent therapy sessions, if offered, we will continue to monitor your progress each week using these questionnaires.
Treatment and support
If it is agreed that you may benefit from treatment you will be placed on a waiting list. Waiting lists can vary depending on type of therapy and geographical location, and at assessment you will be given an approximate idea of how long you will need to wait. We offer a range of therapies, including counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy.
If we do not offer treatment, we are often able to signpost you to another service that may better serve your needs. Therapy requires a strong commitment to change and often things may feel worse before they get better, our therapist will discuss with you whether this is the right time to start a therapy programme. On occasion we may also ask for other issues to be addressed first before therapy begins, for example drug and/or alcohol issues.
Involving your GP
Finally, we will make sure that your GP is aware of your treatment plan, or of our suggestions for alternative treatment, by letter after your assessment appointment, and also update them at the end of therapy.
