For some people, coming to see a therapist for the first time can be a great relief. They think that at last they are getting help with a difficult problem, and feel hopeful. For others seeing a therapist for the first time can raise a lot of difficult and painful thoughts and feelings that they may have tried to avoid. When this happens people can sometimes feel hopeless. This webpage will help you think about what you can do and where you can turn to for help.

You may have talked with your therapist and agreed an action plan to manage these difficult times. If you haven’t done this yet, and you are finding it difficult to cope with your feelings of depression or anxiety, your therapist will be happy to talk things through with you.

If you are struggling to cope on a day when you are not due to see your therapist, call them at the office on 020 3513 4455. They will make themselves available if at all possible. If your therapist is not in the office when you call, one of their colleagues will take your call to support and advise you.

When you feel quite desperate or hopeless, it may be because you are stuck in a rut of repeated thoughts and or actions. Just doing something small to change this pattern can help. If you find yourself stuck in a loop of thinking, make a deal with yourself to do something you’ve enjoyed in the past, something like taking a short walk to get some fresh air, or listening to a favourite piece of music, just for 10 minutes or so, to see if you feel any better.

For some people, talking with friends and or family can help in a crisis. If you have a close family member or a friend you get on well with, they might be the best person to turn to if you are finding yourself unable to cope.