What should I do in a crisis? Expand If you are thinking of hurting yourself, feel you're at immediate risk of harm from someone else, or are in extreme distress, please see our crisis resources page for further advice on what do do and how to contact.
What happens to the information I share with my therapist? Expand In your first session with a therapist, they will explain what happens to the information you share with us. Maintaining high standards of confidentiality is part of our professional code of conduct as well as our legal duty. However, there are limits to confidentiality where there are serious concerns about risk of harm to you or other people - you can read more about our safeguarding policies here. Usually a therapist would discuss their concerns with you and will seek further advice before acting. If you have any questions or concerns about confidentiality you can ask your therapist at any time. You can also ask any health professional to explain things further or to give you more details about confidentiality.
What if I am unhappy with the service I have received? Expand If you have concerns about your therapist or the therapy that you have received, you can make a comment or complaint here. You can read more about our complaints policy here.
What is expected of me when I'm receiving treatment? Expand You may be asked to complete forms or diaries throughout your treatment. These diaries are designed to help you to start noticing in more detail how you think, feel and behave. The sessions are structured but you are working together with your therapist to achieve your goals. For more information on what to expect from CBT, you can view information from the Department of Health - What to expect from CBT
How long will my treatment take? Expand There is no such thing as a standard course of treatment, as every person is different - the length varies depending on your needs. There is a limit of sessions within the service, but your therapist will discuss this with you at your first appointment.
Can I have an interpreter / Can you assist with sign language? Expand Yes - just let us know before your appointment what you need, and we will arrange this for you at no cost to you. (It is better to make use of the interpreter that we can provide who are independent and impartial, rather than family members.)
Is there wheelchair access? Expand If you make sure that we know of your needs ahead of time, we will offer you an appointment at a place with good wheelchair access.
Can I have an appointment that's not during 9am-5pm? Expand We do have some evening appointments available, but there is a high demand for these and you may have to wait longer. First appointments with any therapist are always within office hours (9am - 5pm).
Can I bring someone along to appointments with me? Expand Ideally you would meet with your therapist on your own. Your therapist might allow you to bring a friend or family member in for the first meeting, but it is best to discuss this with your therapist beforehand. Unfortunately we do not have creche facilities. It is best not to bring your child, as he or she could be a distraction and there may be things that it would not be appropriate to discuss with your child there.
How long will it be before I get to see someone/receive an appointment? Expand There is some variation in the length people have to wait to be seen because demand sometimes varies between the different parts of our service. We aim to be as fair as possible, seeing people in the order that they were referred. If you have specific requirements (e.g. seeing a female therapist, evening appointments, being seen at a particular place) this could mean that you might have to wait a bit longer.
Is CBT right for me? Expand There are many different psychological and talking therapies and it's important to choose the right approach for you. The following checklist may help you to decide if CBT will suit you: You want to understand what maintains your problem You want to manage your problem more effectively You are willing to give different ways of thinking a try You want to be an active partner in your treatment You want a short term, time-limited therapy For more information on what to expect from CBT, you can download this leaflet from the Department of Health about what to expect from CBT. You can also read this leaflet about what other types of therapy you may be offered. Depending on your problems, it may be that another service is more helpful in providing you with the support and help that you need. We'll discuss these options with you and, when appropriate and with your permission, can refer you on to a more suitable service. Sometimes, you may need to tackle certain other problems before we can best help you. We are the single point of access for St Josephs Counselling and Making Space Computerised CBT.
What if I am already receiving counselling or therapy elsewhere? Expand If you are already receiving counselling or therapy elsewhere, you must complete that therapy first, before being referred to Talking Matters Warrington.
What if I'm not registered with a GP in Warrington? Expand Other services cover nearby areas - if your GP is in one of these areas, please contact the relevant service for further details: Halton - 0151 292 6952 Ashton, Leigh and Wigan - 01942 772 115 St Helens and Burtonwood - 0151 511 5688
Which Warrington GP practices do you cover? Expand CCA -Culcheth CCA - Chapelford CCA - Appleton Cockhedge Medical Centre Dallam Lane Medical Centre Eric Moore Partnership Manchester Road - The Surgery Greenbank Surgery Brookfield Medical Centre Guardian Medical Centre Latchford Medical Centre Fairfield Surgery Padgate Medical Centre Penketh Health Centre Stockton Heath Medical Centre Fearnhead Cross & Longford Street Medical Centre Stretton Medical Centre Holes Lane Surgery Birchwood Medical Centre Helsby Street Surgery Westbrook Medical Centre Springfield Medical Centre Causeway & Hood Manor Medical Centre Lakeside & The Quays Medical Centre Park View / Sankey Medical Centre Four Seasons Medical Centre Culcheth Medical Centre Folly Lane Medical Centre
Who can access the service? Expand Anyone who is 16 years old and over, not currently involved in any other psychological treatment, and who are registered with a GP in the Warrington area.
How do I log into a virtual consultation? Expand If you've never or rarely used virtual consultation services before, please read the following document that provides an introduction to logging into Virtual Group Workshops via One Consultation How to access virtual workshops