Blog

• NHS Talking Therapies
• Libby Richardson, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP), East Riding Talking Therapies, provided by Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
  

What does your role involve?

I assess patients that come into our service to help ensure their treatment is relevant for them or even signpost to somewhere better suited for what treatment they prefer. Also, I provide low intensity cognitive behavioural therapy treatments (CBT). That may seem like a lot of words, but what that means is I provide treatment sessions that provide patients with skills to improve their anxiety and/or low mood, as well as other conditions like OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).

What sort of help do you provide?

We support anyone experiencing difficulties with their wellbeing. Wellbeing and mental health looks different for everyone, but some examples are feeling anxious, worrying, stressed, or feeling low, depressed or demotivated. During assessments and treatment, patients are asked to complete some questions about their wellbeing. This is vital for us to have a good understanding about how they are feeling.

The treatment I provide includes structured wellbeing tools to help everyday life such as increasing motivation, facing phobias, managing worries and identifying unhelpful thoughts. However, if there is something that could be better suited to the needs of the patient, we can signpost to that service or make a referral in some cases.

When does someone need Talking Therapies support?

There are all types of situations a service user or patient might seek our support. Our service is focused on supporting people with anxiety or depression symptoms, which can impact people in different ways. We offer cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in lots of ways: firstly, we run online groups that mean people can share experiences and connect with others. Another method is through an app called ‘Silvercloud’ which means you could work on your wellbeing at any time at home. Finally, we also offer one to one treatment where a practitioner is allocated to the patient, and we go through the skills and tools with you.

How do patients benefit from treatment?

We work towards patients’ questionnaire scores coming down to indicate their wellbeing and symptoms of low mood or anxiety are improving. Typically, patients are provided with six sessions, and this is reviewed throughout the process. Some just need a couple to help them on their way while others may benefit from stepping up therapy at the end of treatment, which means something a bit more intensive to support them. East Riding Talking Therapies supports anxiety and low mood conditions. As a service we also provide treatment for more specific conditions like health anxiety, social anxiety, and PTSD. In my role I work to treat anxiety, depression, OCD, phobias, and stress. These conditions do not discriminate and can impact anyone. This means I get to work with a great range of age groups, race, ethnicities and cultures.

If someone is struggling with their mental health this Christmas, what’s your advice?

My advice is to set some time aside before things get busy and spend 15 to 20 minutes identifying things that help you when you feel low or overwhelmed. Christmas, although great for some, can be stressful or even lonely. So, before things get busy it’s great to identify what can help you. Ask yourself, ‘What has made me feel better in the past? Who can support me? What makes me relax?’ Some examples might be a hot drink, a craft, a comfort TV show. For me, I know an evening with chamomile tea, watching my comfort show goes a long way!

Other tips are check in with others, and speak out when you need support. We can isolate ourselves during busy times of the year, thinking other people are too busy for us. But ask yourself, ‘Would I want them to come to me if they were struggling?’ I bet you would say, ‘Yes.’ Remember, if you are struggling and need support, crisis support is available through many different forms. For adults living in Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire, the Mental Health Crisis Intervention Team can be contacted on 0800 138 0990. Outside this area, for crisis intervention support phone 111 and select the mental health option. Other organisations like Samaritans on 116 123 can also help.

Will you be working over Christmas?

I will be practising what I preach! I will be equal parts work and play – having some well-needed days of fun and relaxation as well as a couple of days’ work to ensure service users continue to be assessed and start the first step in their wellbeing treatment.

How to access Talking Therapies

There are lots of ways patients can seek support from NHS East Riding Talking Therapies. Ring the office team on 01482 335451 if you prefer to speak over the telephone. Alternatively, if you prefer the internet you can refer using our website. Another way to refer is by talking to your GP. More information can be found here: How To Refer & Next Steps – NHS East Riding Talking Therapies

• If you live outside the East Riding please visit uk/mentalhealth or speak to your GP.