Talking therapies, or psychological therapies, are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained and accredited NHS practitioners. They can help with common mental health problems like stress, anxiety and depression.
You can access talking therapies for free on the NHS.
You can refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service without a referral from a GP, or a GP can refer you.
Help is available in person, by video, over the phone or as an online course.
Information:
There are also simple steps you can take to look after your mental health.
The Every Mind Matters website offers expert advice to help improve your wellbeing, as well as practical tips on sleep, coping with money worries and self-care.
Important:
Urgent help in a crisis
If you or a loved one are having a mental health crisis, you can call a local NHS mental health helpline for 24-hour advice and support:
Find a local NHS urgent mental health helpline
You can call for yourself, your child, your parent or someone you care for.
If someone’s life is at risk or they cannot be kept safe, call 999 or go to A&E.
What are talking therapies?
Talking therapies can help with common mental health problems like stress, anxiety and depression.
Which therapy you are offered depends on which one has been shown to be most helpful for your symptoms.
Here are a few examples:
- Guided self-help – where a therapist coaches you as you work through a self-help course in your own time, either using a workbook or an online course.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, what we do, and how our bodies feel physically, are all connected. CBT works to help us notice and challenge patterns of thoughts or behaviours so we can feel better.
- Counselling for depression – a type of counselling developed for people with depression.
Talking therapies are offered in different ways, including:
- using a self-help workbook with the support of a therapist
- as an online course
- one-to-one in person, over the phone or through video consultation
- in a group
See more about talking therapies
What can talking therapies help with?
You do not need to have a diagnosed mental health problem to refer yourself to an NHS talking therapies service.
Getting support as soon as you start having difficulties can help to reduce their impact.
You may be:
- feeling anxious
- feeling low and hopeless
- having panic attacks
- finding it hard to cope with day-to-day life
- struggling with flashbacks and nightmares
- feeling stressed
Perhaps you’re finding it hard to cope with work, life or relationships.
Other things that talking therapies can help with include:
- worrying
- obsessive thoughts or behaviours
- fear of social situations
- trouble sleeping
- phobias
If you’ve already been diagnosed with a mental health condition you can still refer yourself to an NHS talking therapies service, or a GP can refer you.
Talking therapies can also help if you have mental health problems resulting from other conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, long-term pain or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
What happens when you refer yourself
- Contact your local NHS talking therapies service.
- Someone from the service will get in touch, usually within a few weeks.
- They’ll ask for more details about the problems you’re having. This is known as an assessment.
- If the service thinks they can help you, they’ll recommend a therapy for you. This is based on your symptoms and how severe they are.
- Waiting times for the first session vary. The service will tell you what to expect.
Information:
While you wait for your assessment or therapy to start, you can access expert advice and practical tips on the Every Mind Matters website.
Who can have talking therapies on the NHS?
Anyone who is registered with a GP can get talking therapies on the NHS, but you do not need a referral from a GP.
You can refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service online.
If your first language is not English, talking therapies can be delivered in your chosen language through multi-lingual therapists or confidential translators. Talking therapies are also available in British Sign Language (BSL) through SignHealth Psychological Therapy Service.
Young people
You need to be aged 18 or over. Some services offer treatment for young people aged 16 and 17, but you need to check this with individual services.
Children and young people who are not able to access adult talking therapies can get support with mental and emotional problems from their local children and young people’s mental health service (CYPMHS).
Pregnancy and new parents
If you’re feeling anxious or depressed during pregnancy or after becoming a parent you can also access NHS talking therapies services.
Talk to your midwife, healthcare worker or GP about your mental health, or you can refer yourself to an NHS talking therapies service online.
Older people
Talking therapies have been shown to be very successful and beneficial for older people.
Find out more about how talking helps on the Age UK website
Does my GP need to know?
Talking therapies services normally let your GP know that you are getting support. Your talking therapy team will explain what information will be shared confidentially with your GP and why this is important.
If there is anyone else you would like your information to be shared with, or if you have any concerns about what will be shared, talk to your therapy team.
Other places that offer free help
Some employers provide free counselling for their employees. Ask your HR department.
Most colleges and universities offer free counselling to students who need it. Read a blog about what to do if you’re a student and it’s all getting too much from Professor Prathiba Chitsabesan, National Clinical Director for Children and Young People’s Mental Health.
Some charities offer helplines, cheap or free talking therapies or group support.
Video: Talking therapies for stress, anxiety and depression
Animated video explaining self-referral to talking therapies services for stress, anxiety or depression.
Counselling for depression, anxiety and stress can help
There are more people suffering from depression than alcohol and drug use disorders combined.
Without the proper understanding or knowledge, people who suffer from depression can feel alone and helpless. But they’re not, because millions of people in the world struggle with this mood disorder in their everyday lives.
Feeling helpless or trapped
A common feeling that accompanies depression is that of being trapped in an intolerable situation. The depressed person can often see two alternatives, neither of which is possible, and without change the existing situation is too painful.
Feeling anxious
Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed or worried . Anxious feelings are a normal reaction to a situation where you feel under pressure
However, for some people these anxious feelings happen for no apparent reason or continue after the stressful event has passed.
For a person experiencing anxiety, anxious feelings cannot be brought under control easily. Anxiety can be a serious condition that makes it difficult for you to cope with daily life.
There are multiple kinds of anxiety
It is important to note that many people with anxiety experience symptoms of more than one type of anxiety.
Anxiety is common, but the sooner you get help, the sooner you can learn to control your anxiety.
Beyond Blue classifies the different types of anxiety we can face as:
- Generalised anxiety disorder: This means that you likely feel anxious on most days, and you have been worrying about lots of different things, for a period of six months or more
- Social anxiety
- Specific phobias
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) …
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The most common forms of phobia in Australia include
- Claustrophobia: Fear of being in constricted, confined spaces.
- Aerophobia: Fear of flying.
- Arachnophobia: Fear of spiders.
- Driving
phobia: Fear of driving a car.
- Emetophobia: Fear of vomiting.
- Erythrophobia: Fear of blushing.
- Hypochondria: Fear of becoming ill.
Depression and anxiety faced by men – risk factors
Depression and anxiety are among the most common health conditions experienced by men in Australia. Different things can cause depression and anxiety for different men, and sometimes it can be due to things building up over time. Men often don’t talk about the issues they are facing so it can be a surprise to learn that most men have dealt with depression at some point in their lives, or are currently dealing with depression right now.
See the most common risk factors for
Helping to make sense of depression, pain or stress
It is common when you are depressed to feel helpless and feel as though you have little control over things. Our trained psychologists can help you make sense of what you are going through.
Sharing your story is therapeutic
Sharing your story with a nonjudgmental counsellor who understands and respects you can be amazingly therapeutic.
Inspiro has experienced and caring therapists practised in working with families, couples and individuals and we are here for you.
Reaching out and taking the first step
. There are many reasons that people seek out therapy. We work to create a safe and supportive environment for all of our clients, so that they may begin to explore and understand themselves, their feelings, and their way of relating to others.
Our clinicians care about you feeling better
Because we care about our clients we have dedicated clinicians who will work with you in navigating life changes and transitions. We are all unique so discovery of uniquely personal symptoms is paramount.
If you feel you have symptoms of depression, grief from loss or anxiety contact Inspiro immediately on 9028 0153
Counselling and psychology is available at Lilydale, Healesville, Belgrave and Yarra Junction
Education and counselling is the first step to dealing with depression, anxiety and stress. Understanding the different types of depression, stress and anxiety and their causes and symptoms is important.
Call now to discuss or make an appointment with Inspiro’s counsellors who specialise in helping people with depression, anxiety and stress: 9028 0153 or
Our clinicians’ approach to therapy values your needs
Our approach values the unique needs of each client, and we’ll work with you to establish goals that are meaningful and attainable. Many of our clients come to us feeling stuck after having tried other ways of coping that just aren’t working.
Getting help shows you’re strong
It shows great strength that you’re interested in getting help. Together we’ll chart a path forward that can help make you feel whole again and meet your goals. I look forward to talking with you!
Are you having difficulty making sense of depression, pain or stress and feeling like you’re stuck? You’re not alone. depression, anxiety and stress are real issues that effect a surprisingly large percentage of society.There are more people suffering from depression than alcohol and drug use disorders combined.Without the proper understanding or knowledge, people who suffer from depression can feel alone and helpless. But they’re not, because millions of people in the world struggle with this mood disorder in their everyday lives.Depression and anxiety are among the most common health conditions experienced by men in Australia. Different things can cause depression and anxiety for different men, and sometimes it can be due to things building up over time. Men often don’t talk about the issues they are facing so it can be a surprise to learn that most men have dealt with depression at some point in their lives, or are currently dealing with depression right now.See the most common risk factors for depression in men here. It is common when you are depressed to feel helpless and feel as though you have little control over things. Our trained psychologists can help you make sense of what you are going through.Sharing your story with a nonjudgmental counsellor who understands and respects you can be amazingly therapeutic.Inspiro has experienced and caring therapists practised in working with families, couples and individuals and we are here for you. Reaching out and asking for help is often a brave and difficult first stepThere are many reasons that people seek out therapy. We work to create a safe and supportive environment for all of our clients, so that they may begin to explore and understand themselves, their feelings, and their way of relating to others.Because we care about our clients we have dedicated clinicians who will work with you in navigating life changes and transitions. We are all unique so discovery of uniquely personal symptoms is paramount.If you feel you have symptoms of depression, grief from loss or anxiety contact Inspiro immediately on 9028 0153Education and counselling is the first step to dealing with depression, anxiety and stress. Understanding the different types of depression, stress and anxiety and their causes and symptoms is important.Our approach values the unique needs of each client, and we’ll work with you to establish goals that are meaningful and attainable. Many of our clients come to us feeling stuck after having tried other ways of coping that just aren’t working.It shows great strength that you’re interested in getting help. Together we’ll chart a path forward that can help make you feel whole again and meet your goals. I look forward to talking with you!
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
RELATED:
Why we get stressed at certain times in the year: 8 Ways to reduce your stress and anxiety
14 tips for parents with teenagers from teen expert Louise Hayes: 14 teenager tips
Information about our counselling staff: why they love what they do at Inspiro
Over 65% of teens have experienced cyber bullying: 5 ways to protect your children online
When mean girls make your daughter’s life hell: The negative side effects of social media
Inspiro provides free youth, young adult and family counselling: Free youth and family counselling
Find out how a mother was able to help her son who was struggling at school
For teens, how to deal with school and parents: Stressed depressed or anxious at school: How to deal
The day my high school results were released was devastating: Coping with disappointing year 12 results
Do you ever feel stuck as a parent? 10 ways to build relationships with your teen children
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
About Inspiro psychologist Louisa
Louisa is a registered Psychologist and an Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society.
She offers over 15 years experience counselling adults in a variety of settings, and recently completed Post Graduate qualifications in Family Therapy.
With a focus on promoting insight and understanding, Louisa supports her clients in gaining control of their lives, amidst the vast range of issues that life presents.
Louisa has experience across a broad range of mental health, with a special interest in Anxiety and Depression, Loss and Grief, Peri Natal Depression, Social Anxiety, Social skills, adults with High Functioning ASD/Asperger’s and family counselling. Find out more about the counselling Louisa offers for depression, anxiety and stress here.
Louisa offers therapy, counselling and psychology services.
- Individual counselling for adults
- Family counselling for all families
- Reasonably priced services, with rebates available with a GP Mental Health Care Plan
- Limited bulk billed appointments available for people with a health care card. Wait times may apply
- Appointments available Weekdays 9am – 5pm and Tuesday evenings by arrangement – Higher rates may apply
Inspiro psychologist Louisa Cleland –
Inspiro psychologist Louisa Cleland – Find out more about Louisa here
Appointments:
Call us on 9028 0153.
More about Inspiro’s services:
Inspiro is a local, not-for-profit health service. We offer free counselling and excellent rates on psychology counselling.
Inspiro have general, family counselling, drug and alcohol counselling, counselling for anxiety, depression, loss and grief, Peri Natal depression help, counselling for social anxiety and development of social skills, adults with high functioning ASD/Asperger’s, youth counselling, help with eating disorders and more.
Inspiro also offers dental services, podiatry, speech therapy, dietetics and nutrition, diabetes assistance, physiotherapy and more.
See more about the counselling Inspiro offers here
Call us on 9028 0153.Inspiro is a local, not-for-profit health service. We offer free counselling and excellent rates on psychology counselling.Inspiro have general, family counselling, drug and alcohol counselling, counselling for anxiety, depression, loss and grief, Peri Natal depression help, counselling for social anxiety and development of social skills, adults with high functioning ASD/Asperger’s, youth counselling, help with eating disorders and more.Inspiro also offers dental services, podiatry, speech therapy, dietetics and nutrition, diabetes assistance, physiotherapy and more.
OUR LOCATIONS
Inspiro Lilydale
Inspiro Belgrave
Inspiro provides family counselling, psychology, counselling for depression and grief and youth counselling services to the outer east and outer south eastern suburbs of Melbourne including but no limited to: Badger Creek, Bayswater, Bayswater North, Belgrave, Belgrave Heights, Belgrave South, Boronia, Chirnside Park, Coldstream, Croydon North, Croydon, Croydon Hills, East Warburton, Emerald, Ferny Creek, Healesville, Heathmont, Hoddles Creek, Kallista, Kalorama, Kilsyth South, Kilsyth, Launching Place, Lilydale, Lysterfield, Macclesfield, Menzies Creek, Millgrove, Monbulk, Montrose, Mooroolbark, Mount Dandenong, Mount Evelyn, Narre Warren East, Olinda, Ringwood, Ringwood North, Sassafras, Selby, Seville, Seville East, Silvan, Tecoma, The Patch, The Basin, Tremont, Upper Ferntree Gully, Upwey, Wandin, Wandin North, Warrandyte South, Warranwood, Warburton, Wesburn, Wonga Park, Woori Yallock, Yarra Valley, Yarra Glen, Yarra Junction and Yellingbo.
