Private Therapy?

[Fauna21]

I’m despairing and feeling I can’t cope. I’m studying but I’ve been struggling for a while with no motivation and I’m not sure I can cope much longer. I’ve spoken to my GP who has given medication but it’s not helping and I’m considering trying private treatment. I’ve had counselling but it was only a couple of sessions but didn’t really help, I’m not sure whether I should see a Psychologist or Counsellor and hoped someone might be able to advise? I’m really struggling and I’m behind which is making it worse.

Have you tried self referring to somewhere like IAPT's?

The fact you say you can cope for much longer would definitely make me think starting some sort of talk therapy asap so that you can have some support whilst you figure out your next steps and whilst you wait for some NHS therapy. You may of just not clicked with the last counsellor. It can take a while to find someone you feel comfortable with so its worth trying again.

Hi OP,
Sorry that you are feeling like this.

You say psychologist in your post, but it seems that you are asking whether counselling or psychotherapy may help?

Many therapists do both, and there is not a clear distinction between them - both are talking therapy. But as a general guide counselling is usually shorter term and is to help you with the here and now problems; and psychotherapy is longer term, and explores the deeper issues that caused the issues with the aim of a longer term solution and being happy in your true self.

There is also CBT, which is what GPs can usually refer for, short term and learn techniques to adjust behaviour to counteract eg negative thought patterns.

Your college should have a counselling service for students- have you asked the pastoral care team what is on offer? They might have some valuable support for you?

If you do decide to go for private therapy or counselling there are two professional bodies, to be registered therapists and counsellors have to be properly trained.

Look up BACP and UKCP websites, you can search by area and also the issues you want to discuss.

Then have a look through the profiles, see who you like the look of and call them up.

It is a good idea to call a few, you will usually have to leave a message and they will call you back. The initial chat will be a brief conversation to get the basic gist of what you are looking for and them to tell you how they work. As well as practicality of when you are both available for sessions.

Listen to your gut instinct when choosing a therapist.

Thank you for your help. I’d considered a Psychologist as I thought they may also help with motivation and counselling is short term, my college allocated 3 sessions, which I’ve used and now are fully booked.
I’m not sure what’s best, I don’t want to pay for something that would be wasted.

Have a look at iapt, as pp suggested, that could be helpful for you.

Another possibility is there are low cost counselling services, usually 10-20£ per session, where you see student therapists. They are closely supported and supervised ( sessions are 1-1 though) . See if there are any training institutes nearby, or gp usually knows details of these services.

3 sessions of therapy won't be much help I'm afraid. Depending on the area you live in there are often a few charities that offer therapy for a very reduced rate. Some Local Mind Centres have things running like mentoring, befriending, self-help groups, support groups. Its worth applying for everything that is cheap or free as it can take time to get access to any help.