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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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Hello 
I posted yesterday about going for a hysterectomy privately, now I’m looking for more advice on a similar topic.
For context: I’ve had mental health problems since a child and I was fobbed off by the NHS even after being diagnosed. I was finally listened to last year and was given therapy and it was extended to 9 weeks and when it finished my counsellor said she’s putting me on the waiting list for 16 week therapy; the problem is; I don’t know how long that waiting list is or how long I’ll be waiting. I already waited a long time to get to that therapy in the first place.
I’m wondering whether it’s worth going private and removing myself from the waiting list? I know it’s very expensive to go private, and I’m going to have to explain all my issues all over again, but my mental health is very complex so a private therapist might be able to help me more? But I also don’t want to go to a private therapist if I’m on the waiting list; as that could literally mean I’m on top of the waiting list.
Can I do both private therapy AND NHS therapy? I’ve researched but all the answers I get are ambiguous. Just looking for some advice pls!!
P.S. Keep your negative comments to yourself |
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Going private and paying for counselling us expensive but you can get treatment now as opposed to some random point in the future when the NHS gets around to it.
You may also find better quality care, by being able to research and find a therapist who specialises in the areas in which you need help. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Hello
I posted yesterday about going for a hysterectomy privately, now I’m looking for more advice on a similar topic.
For context: I’ve had mental health problems since a child and I was fobbed off by the NHS even after being diagnosed. I was finally listened to last year and was given therapy and it was extended to 9 weeks and when it finished my counsellor said she’s putting me on the waiting list for 16 week therapy; the problem is; I don’t know how long that waiting list is or how long I’ll be waiting. I already waited a long time to get to that therapy in the first place.
I’m wondering whether it’s worth going private and removing myself from the waiting list? I know it’s very expensive to go private, and I’m going to have to explain all my issues all over again, but my mental health is very complex so a private therapist might be able to help me more? But I also don’t want to go to a private therapist if I’m on the waiting list; as that could literally mean I’m on top of the waiting list.
Can I do both private therapy AND NHS therapy? I’ve researched but all the answers I get are ambiguous. Just looking for some advice pls!!
P.S. Keep your negative comments to yourself "
Having two therapies at the same time is not recommended, and you will be hard pushed to find anyone to do it, even if your paying. Therapies can work against each other, undoing good or perhaps making it worse. Now if you can find a counsellor that will see you on the NHS and take your cash working on the same issue, with the same therapies, that might be doable but it’s just a bit much for the noggin to take. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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My wife is a counsellor. Any funded counselling is generally limited to a certain number of sessions which is never enough to see decent results.
If you can find the money to go private do so but, personally, I'd stay on the waiting list as well.
Keep your options open. It may take a while to find a private counsellor that you can work well with for the long term any way.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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As someone that’s struggles in the past (and present) with mental health my heart goes out to you (heart) I recently got my appointment for therapy from the NHS and it was for 2 day after I got the letter. I found my self in the same position as you before I got the letter and was considering going private (I was 100%going to until I got the appointment) but babe if you think you need it go private and don’t look back as you can’t put a price on your mental health and in my opinion it’s money welll spent
Anyhow I’m sorry if that made no sence as I’m half asleep and honestly if you ever want to talk I’m only a pm away ?? Stay strong
Xo |
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By *eisty LadyWoman
over a year ago
Count Your Blessings Cottage, Gratitude Grove |
NHS sessions tend to be short lived and give minimal help, by the time you get to know someone enough to open up the sessions often end
There’s no reason why you can’t have private and NHS sessions running along side if they’re for different things
The purposes of all sessions are that you should improve and be time limited - infinite private sessions with a therapist are no good.
Even though it takes time to build rapport in some sessions, a fresh approach can be a big release
Essentially there’s no right answer
But in a nutshell private and NHS alongside each other are fine as I said if they are for other things
Solution focused therapy is good
As is ACT
Self help books are a good support alongside professional therapy sessions, audiobooks are better than text as you don’t have to commit the time to sit down with a book and you can play them as you’re driving or doing house work
The Hay House app has an excellent range of books worth checking out
Also depending on your situation a self care planner, a mood journal or habit tracker may be of benefit too
Good luck |
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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago
yumsville |
The 16 week sessions may or may not help you depending on who you get. You'll likely get the first available counsellor/therapist and have 16 weeks probing away and discussing your problems. It'll be no different to the 9 weeks only more drawn out.
Though having no experience of private therapy I know people that have. Finding someone qualified in what you want resolving will have it done faster and with greater depth.
If you don't have an appointment time already it'll be a long time before you do, so get on the waiting list and cancel it should you take private therapy, but it'll be expensive, upward of £100 per session |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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If you can afford it, then private counselling is the best way too be seen quickly. It doesn't necessarily mean you'll get better treatment or counsellors though.
If you did go private, I would remove yourself from the NHS waiting list. The lists are so long and someone who can't afford it will appreciate your place. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Down through the years I have tried both NHS and private counselling.
When I felt I needed a higher level of therapy after a review was told I did not qualify for the service through NHS as condition was not serious enough (I did not agree but little could do)
Was fortunate to be in touch with a charity that offered therapy at cost depending on your circumstances
Good luck to the OP |
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"The 16 week sessions may or may not help you depending on who you get. You'll likely get the first available counsellor/therapist and have 16 weeks probing away and discussing your problems. It'll be no different to the 9 weeks only more drawn out.
Though having no experience of private therapy I know people that have. Finding someone qualified in what you want resolving will have it done faster and with greater depth.
If you don't have an appointment time already it'll be a long time before you do, so get on the waiting list and cancel it should you take private therapy, but it'll be expensive, upward of £100 per session "
More like £300. (Per hour) |
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