Anxiety and Counselling

Maureen43

Hello All

I don't want to go into details but I need counselling (anxiety, low self esteem, food issues, issues about relationships...I think that's enough to be getting on with!)

I've been on the waiting list for Talking Therapies through the NHS (over the phone) for 8 months and enough is enough. I need to get my life back on track and I can't wait any longer.

A counsellor nearby is £65 per 1.5 hour session. For me that's a lot of money. I looked at healthcare plans but this would be a pre-existing condition so I wouldn't be covered.

Does anyone have any good idea on how I can bring the cost down?

Many thanks
M.

IAmWales

Some therapists offer a limited number of sessions at a reduced rate for those unable to afford the full cost. Alternatively some areas have reduced cost services staffed by (supervised) trainees.

Not sure where you are but in the Midlands £65 would be at the higher end of the scale, and 1.5 hours is a long session (45 mins - 1 hour would be more usual). Are there no others nearby?

Miss_Spud

Hello. I too am suffering badly from anxiety and am waiting for an NHS referal which won't be for another couple of months.
I got made redundant unexpectedly from my job 2 weeks ago to add to the worries. (Not because of my issues).
I like you need to be doing something whilst waiting and after research am going to try a meditation class which focuses on mindfulness techniques next week. Have been speaking to the tutor and she assures me this can help people with anxiety and stress related issues if you are prepared to practice the techniques daily and recommends going for 8 weeks. Not sure if this could be something for you to look into as where I am the 8 weeks will be the same cost as your therapy session.
I believe the NHS use cognitive behaviour therapy techniques and have been trying to do some of the free exercises on the Internet.

theoretica

I read a news article about the NHS working with local libraries to ensure that their self help books were well chosen. You could ask what the library has.

If you work for a larger employer, you may find that they offer some phone help through an employee assistance scheme.

asajj

Have you tried mindfulness sessions? Not sure where you are but you can get some free or cheap sessions through Meetup.com and also you can get some apps or Youtube videos to start with.
That might help you while waiting. Alternatively, you can look for reduced rates as some therapists offer them. Good luck.

BucksLady

My husband is a GP and has found that Tai Chi has helped many of his patients who suffer from anxiety and stress. Might be worth looking into whilst you wait for your appointment.
Hope everything works out well for you

Auntie-Dolly

That seems expensive. We were paying £33 for a 50 minute session

Contessa

For help with relationship issues you could go to Marriage Care. They don't have a set fee but instead ask for donations.

command

Some charities, e.g. Anxiety UK, offer reduced cost therapies if you take their membership. Maybe something worth looking at.

teddysmum

Yoga with visualisation does help. For the latter you imagine yourself in a pleasant situation such as floating on a lily pad or sitting by a log fire in cosy room, while a storm blows outside and the concentration needed distracts your mind from worrying.

You can actually do visualisation by yourself, if you don't go to a class/group.

FBaby

Try http://www.cbttherapies.org.uk/