Anonymous service user shares their experience of using TALKWORKS

A former service user, who has requested to be anonymous, has shared their experience of using TALKWORKS. In their testimonial below, they open up about what made them decide to reach out for help and how therapy made a difference to their life:

"You never know what's round the corner. Sometimes life is difficult, shakes you up and leaves you struggling to face simple everyday tasks. 

"When life challenged me last year, I carried on as usual but it was a struggle. People who saw me would only see the surface: someone that was a bit tired but otherwise continuing with her role at work and home. It was my husband who saw me at a deeper level and suggested that I needed some talking therapy. I reached out to TALKWORKS at that point. 

"The funny thing is, I started the process wanting one thing, but ended up getting what I needed, rather than what I wanted. Having anyone listen and facilitate my thoughts for an hour a week was a relief and a luxury. There was no judgement, no pressure - just listening, understanding and kindness. My therapist would ask questions during our sessions that enabled me to process, understand and find solutions myself. She would plant a seed that would make me think in between sessions as well. It took time, effort and patience, but the healing was worth it. 

"People can be judgemental. I have had people question why I've sought help from talking therapies, people who have seen my asking for help as a weakness. I can only say that the therapy helped me at a time when life was very dark and has helped me to re-find joy. I wanted to be strong for my family without feeling like a shell myself. Therapy helped me get there. 

"I will end by saying two things:

1. If you are in mental distress - ask for help. You seek help for physical issues, why would you suffer mental anguish in silence on your own?
2. If you know someone who is going through a tough time, be kind to them. You never know what inner demons people are dealing with. Having someone's support can make all the difference."

If you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, low in mood or aren’t quite feeling ‘yourself’, you can talk to TALKWORKS. Our fully accredited NHS therapists are here to listen to you and help with a range of difficulties to get you back on track. All treatment and support is available free of charge to adults age 18+, across Devon (outside Plymouth which is covered by Plymouth Talking Therapies). You don’t need a referral from a GP to access our service, you can refer yourself online via our self-referral form, or by calling 0300 555 3344 (our phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am – 4:45pm).