What therapy works long term?

[Maytheforce18]

I had counselling last year and at the time, felt good to talk to someone, however, only got 12 sessions free (can’t afford private counselling unfortunately) and after those sessions I went downhill again.

I got back in touch with the well-being clinic and I have been offered an initial appointment but for CBT not counselling.

I had CBT a few years ago and it didn’t work for me. The therapist was somewhat judgmental and I couldn’t gel with her or the process as it didn’t allow me to talk through my problems. It was after this I was offered counselling and then now I’m offered CBT when I asked if I could have more counselling. They won’t give me any more counselling.

My issues are mainly medical, I have long term illnesses which make life a struggle at times.
It’s especially difficult at times to cope with illness, working full time and cleaning a house (I have OCD so don’t trust anyone else to do it to my standards - it’s been discussed in therapy before).
I was sexually assaulted at school when I was 14 by 2 boys and tried to commit suicide.
Since, I’ve struggled with relationships and have had many miscarriages which led to the end of one LT relationship before I met DH.
We are currently TTC.

I struggle with my weight due to one of my illnesses & it’s taken 6 months to lose 2.5 stone so far and now losing it is a struggle despite walking every day and following SW diet.
I still have 3.5 stone I need to lose.

I feel like I’ve failed in life as I struggle with the day to day and have frequent suicidal thoughts although I couldn’t act upon them due to being an only child and not wanting to do that to my parents.

Does anyone have any good experience of CBT?

Thanks

No advice but can sympathise as I was in the same position re 12 sessions only. There was nothing I could do but pick up some extra hours and go private. There are counsellors that will see you on a reduced fee if you ask, the cheapest I saw was £25 per session. I've been with my current therapist 2 years now and starting to see real improvement in myself.

@nothingcanhurtmewithmyeyesshut

No advice but can sympathise as I was in the same position re 12 sessions only. There was nothing I could do but pick up some extra hours and go private. There are counsellors that will see you on a reduced fee if you ask, the cheapest I saw was £25 per session. I've been with my current therapist 2 years now and starting to see real improvement in myself.

Thanks, cheapest i could find was £40 per hour and they said I’d need weekly sessions. Just cannot afford £160 per month so reliant on NHS unfortunately.

Take care of yourself 💐

If you ask them, many will work on a sliding scale for low income clients. I saw a hypnotherapist once who charged £60 per session but saw me for 25 as I am low income.

Good luck, I hope you find something.

My current counsellor lists his prices as 50 to 80 but is seeing me for 35.

Hi Op. I'm really sorry to hear these things you've been through, it sounds like it's been a struggle for you this last while
I'm currently about to qualify as a therapist/counsellor and whilst CBT may help your OCD it's only a short term solution and it sounds like you need a long term talking therapy to process and discuss everything you've experienced.
My student placement is with a company that offers both funding and low payments for people who refer themselves - I'm in Northern Ireland so that isn't much help but is there anybody in the area that offers this? We charge 15 for those who work and only 7.50 for those who don't and if you pay it isn't time limited.
I'd have a hunt round and see if there are any services that provide this as it could be really beneficial for you. Also agree with above posters ' it's always worth contacting private therapists and see if they do offer concessionary fees for those who struggle to afford it.
I really hope you find the services you need and you're so brave for wanting to reach out for help. Xx