2 minute read
I WANTED EVERY SECOND TO COUNT
Helen Maver is studying as a postgraduate at Liverpool University. She tells MC Magazine how online therapy helped her.
I’d had times when I’ve felt low since I was 17. It would come whenever I was under stress.
When I came up to Liverpool from my family home in Kent to study human physiology, I had Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, but I was always looking for a reason why I was feeling so sad. I knew I needed something else.
During the summer I had days where I really struggled, but I thought I was just like everyone else. I tried to fight it but I couldn’t. I’d go home, thinking it would give me some distance from my thoughts, but it didn’t.
All the time I wanted someone to talk to me about things that had happened to me. To help me understand myself. I self referred to Talk Liverpool; it definitely helped when the call came with an appointment for telephone therapy.
It felt awkward when Claire called. I’m not used to talking about myself. I gabbled on, and then I felt selfish.
We agreed on telephone therapy, but I’d have moments of panic during the calls. If there was a silence I’d wonder what she was doing. Was she listening? It felt more like a meeting – I needed to be able to see her.
When we changed to online sessions I felt I was finally meeting her. I was talking to an actual human being. I’d make notes so I could relive the sessions. I wanted every second to count.
Student Helen Maver tells how having therapy on a virtual platform has helped her
I'd always dismissed issues. Claire taught me that I had to acknowledge the difficulties to break the cycle.
She guided and helped me verbalise my thoughts. But her real skill lies in helping you understand what you need to do to give yourself advice. Once you can do that through your life you become your own crutch.”
IT'S A SAFE SPACE
Senior psychological wellbeing practitioner Charuni Perera knows maintaining continuity for clients is crucial.
As Talk Liverpool lead for digital courses, she was also acutely aware of the challenges in developing a safe, reliable digital course in a short timescale.
“We were working remotely and had the added pressure of time; we know that people receiving cognitive behavioural therapy need consistency to avoid setbacks”, said Charuni.
Clients were prioritised and the most at risk offered immediate support. The team was given training in online techniques, and IT support to eliminate technical problems.
Senior Psychologist, Charuni Perera
The team is delighted at the level of uptake and attendance of the digital course.
Charuni explains: “We were nervous people might not keep appointments, but they can see it’s a safe and secure space. Our support workers are on hand and will buddy up with people and may come on the call to offer a familiar face and reassurance, and if needed will give them a call afterwards.”
NEED SUPPORT?
Help yourself – our self help guides on anxiety and low mood can be read online, downloaded or watched as a video.
www.merseycare.nhs.uk/are-you-a-service-user/self-help-guides
NEED TO TALK TO US?
Need help with stress, anxiety or depression? Talk Liverpool can help.
You can refer yourself online by visiting talkliverpool.nhs.uk or calling 0151 228 2300, alternatively you can be referred by your GP or another health professional.
