Mental health service budgets 'cut by 8%' But we can still help you by offering affordable counselling

Mental health service budgets 'cut by 8%'

But we are still going strong regardless & offering affordable counselling

'Therapy for Life' has survived all along without funding or any aid from the government, and still able to offer affordable counselling for the public from as little as £15 per session on our scheme.

How do we do it? Our successful results bring back client after client through positive word-of-mouth. We are able to see clients within a week instead of long waiting lists, and our therapy is tailored to each client. We don't just use a single theory, we are integrated therapists and apply several theories to get the client to achieve their goals.

Successful companies like us are built on good feedback and results. That's how we survive inspite of the cuts that the NHS IAPT and MIND services suffer.
We are here and ready to help, why not come along and meet us. You'll be greeted with a warm friendly smile and offered something to suit your needs.

Client Testimonials:

"I have struggled with depression at various points in my life and have had anxiety as long as I can remember. I thought these were things I had to learn to live with.When it got really bad, I felt like there was nobody to help and no escape from my fears. It was a very frightening time. Luckily, I found Sam at Therapy for Life. Using CBT and other techniques, we talked through my worries and worked through my issues each week. She laid out a plan for me to do after each session and I felt empowered. My confidence grew and she gave lots of support and kindness. I was quickly back on my feet and I have got a brand new outlook on my life. It was a compelling and rewarding experience. I feel more in tune with myself and my confidence is here to stay. I am very glad I picked up the phone to her. I would highly recommend Therapy to Life and thank Sam for helping me feel free and happy."

Lucy from Southend-on-Sea

"On initially meeting Sam, you immediately realise why she is a counsellor. Being able to talk to someone knowing that they are truly listening is such an empowering experience. Sam shows such empathy and provides the perfect environment to be able to talk openly and honestly without the fear of being judged. Most of us at some time, for whatever reason, struggle to deal with certain issues and don’t quite know how to move forward. By seeing Sam and talking it through we worked together on coming up with a more positive way to deal with things. We owe it to ourselves to lead the happiest life possible. I would most definitely recommend Sam to anybody. You could not meet a kinder, more caring, genuine, trustworthy person. A truly positive experience. Thank you."

Keeley Smith from Essex


"Many thanks for the care, warmth and professionalism you have shown me over the last few months Sam. As I have said to you before, I am amazed at how much I have got out of the counselling sessions. I have a greater understanding of myself, feel more relaxed and able to manage life’s challenges better, which previously caused me a lot of anxiety - can’t thank you enough!"

Nicola Huggan from Essex

"I can honesty say therapy for life changed my life in every way As cliche as it may sound I feel like I've grown as a woman and person in mind and spirit. Sam was so welcoming and warm I felt comfortable and safe. Thank you is not enough I will be forever and eternally grateful."
Laurelle from Essex

"We found our counselling sessions really helpful and supportive. Sam was really lovely and made us feel at ease. Just having someone listen to our situation really helped us in our relationship. We would definitely recommend Sam and therapy for life for anyone who may have problems or struggling with life in general"
Claire and John from Southend-on-Sea

Source: BBC News

Stuck on a Waiting List? Can’t afford Counselling? Really need help?... Sessions from £15 on a new scheme

At Therapy for Life, we can now offer counselling that’s affordable for everyone in Southend-on-Sea.

If you don’t mind having treatment from recently qualified counsellors, or counsellors undergoing the last parts of training... we have found your solution!

Our counsellors are supervised and monitored and are up to date with all the latest techniques and skills in psychology.

For £15-£20 per hour, you will benefit from their expertise in a modern comfortable room. We are a friendly group of counsellors and you will be very welcomed.

Many people have negative preconceptions of therapy, if you’ve never been sure whether it would suit you, or you had a bad experience in therapy... This is your chance to give it a try with us for very little expenditure. You never know, you may really benefit...

We only have space for a few clients under this new scheme, so do contact us and book in as soon as possible... We will start running these sessions from September 2016.

You will be given an initial assessment on the phone with Sam, then your counsellor will communicate with you to arrange a suitable date and time.

Terms & Conditions:

• Cash is to be paid upfront at each session.
• Your attendance is expected unless you ring to cancel (early that morning at the latest if possible in emergencies).
• There will be a minimum charge of £12 if you fail 2 consecutive sessions or more without ringing to cancel (please cancel sessions ideally at least 24 hours before to avoid charges). These failure charges are put in place because room rent still needs to be paid whether the client turns up or not.
• If you fail to attend 2 or more sessions successively without ringing to cancel, or your attendance is very poor, your place could be given to someone else
• You are entitled to have an initial 6 sessions then a review to see if more are needed. You may have up to 12 sessions at this reduced fee, then the session fee goes up to the normal concessional rate at Therapy for Life if long term therapy is required.
• To qualify, you must prove that you are on Income Support, Benefits, Pension Credits or Job Seekers Allowance at your first session. If you are on a low wage and can prove it but don't receive benefits, you can still be entitled to the help, every case is considered.
• Your financial situation will determine your fee, our negotiation on fee relies on clients being honest about what they can truly afford, at the end of the day we'd rather you get the help you need, but understandably bills must still be paid at Therapy for Life. 

Contact Sam: sam.c@therapyforlife.co.uk/ 07546 917252

www.therapyforlife.co.uk

Are you on a waiting list? Don't wait for help any longer

Forget waiting lists for therapeutic counselling, if you are struggling to cope, speak to us now, no sense delaying. 

"Stress, depression & anxiety doesn't just melt away."

We have helped many people who are on benefits and are low earners, and we are able to negotiate a payment plan to suit you.

We know the basics in life always take priority like "the kids, the pets, household food, the bills", but your mental health is suffering, and all these challenges in life become unmanageable....

"Time to put your health first"

"Believe it or not, if you are healthy minded, everything and everyone around you will benefit as well as you."

We have childcare options in the room next door at an additional cost if you are really stuck. 

There's no excuse, start taking care of yourself today and give us a call. You'll be so glad you did...

Call Sam on 07546 917252

or Jackie on 07492 360357

Where do your priorities lie?

I have had clients addicted to various substances and behaviours in my counselling experience. When it comes to paying me for my services to help them they sometimes say...

“I can’t afford to pay you this week, can I pay next week?”
- OR -
“ I have no money, but can I still come to the session?”

It’s an unfair position to put the counsellor in; the dilemma is that within a helping profession such as this, it is difficult to turn a client down who needs help. It goes against my nature to turn someone away. I allow the unpaid session and I realise as their story continues, that they are infact under the influence of a substance (that they purchased this morning), or did infact deplete their finances to fuel their addiction the day or weekend before they came. This is typical behaviour for people suffering with addictions, logic has trouble prevailing and the fact that they had taken advantage of you can get missed with the condition.

I’ve had clients spend £100’s to £1000’s on cocaine, alcohol and prostitutes just before their counselling session and then tell me they have nothing left to pay me with. I of course take the opportunity to challenge the client’s priorities at this stage and question whether they really want to continue counselling. It's a tough conversation for both of us.

On the other hand, away from addiction, in my experience working as a dental nurse for over 15 years, and being on Tax Credits, I have seen many patients on Income Support and Tax Credits who appeared to have either their nails manicured or their hair professionally styled and some even wearing designer clothing.... People on benefits seem to be able to save for and afford some occasional personal treats as I was also able to do.

Back then, if I had problems coping with life, I would certainly sacrifice certain treats to get the help I needed... Maybe I'm alone in this thinking...

Surely if someone feels their situation is becoming unbearable, thoughts are becoming too irrational and life is increasingly upsetting. Do you still get your acrylic nails done? Or do you put that off briefly and put that money towards some real help with your life? 

Isn't it a matter of Prioritising what finances you do have?

Yes a treat for yourself is certainly a nice quick fix to feel better, but it hasn’t resolved the depression, anxiety, stress or loss that you are feeling overall.

Your options are to just leave things as they are

- OR -

To pop along to the GP and refer yourself to the free NHS service and be put on the waiting list. (This can work for some)

- OR -

You could come along and see us immediately and get started on the road to recovery and wellbeing fast. The nice thing about our therapeutic counsellors is that we are willing to negotiate a session price based on your income to make it affordable for you.

Your decision really depends on:

How long you are able to wait for help with your problems

If you are willing or able to pay something affordable each week...

towards taking steps to improving your life for good.

"I have seen many clients on benefits and agree an affordable price they are happy with. Many have been on the NHS waiting list and couldn't wait any longer. They had only a few sessions with me and felt so much better having left with new skills and new hope. Even at the end of treatment, they still hadn't got their appointment through from the NHS - they were just glad to feel better so much more quickly."

Sam at Therapy for Life 

At Therapy For Life, we tailor your sessions to suit your needs. As integrated therapists we have access to many types of different therapies... And we can see you now!

A letter to GP's

Dear GP

‘Therapy For Life’ has an experienced set of Counsellors who can be available within 24 hours. Sometimes almost immediately if your practice is nearby, the client can travel straight to our office just off the High Street in Southend-on-Sea, alternatively with arrangement we can travel to your surgery.

You may find that patients suffering from mental health issues are propelled to repeat behaviours and are unable to escape a vicious negative cycle. Part of that cycle can be repeatedly returning to the GP surgery with unrealistic worries, fears and negative thoughts.

Please consider offering our help to your patients if...

• ·       Patients are re-contacting you whilst being on the NHS ‘Therapy For You’ waiting list needing help much sooner than is available and are able to pay for private sessions (Staff can advise patients to come along to ‘Therapy for Life’ as an interim whilst waiting for an NHS response).
• ·       A patient seems chronically depressed needing help quickly and in your opinion should be seen within days or hours.
• ·       Patients seem to be taking up nurse and GP time discussing problems other than physical ailments.
• ·       Patients that repeatedly return complaining of undiagnosable ailments or unexplainable pain.
• ·       Patients that return with the same or similar issues that are realistically manageable by themselves.
• ·       Patients suffering from recent loss of a loved one or unhealthy long-term grief.
• ·       Patients repeatedly approach you outside of the surgery.
• ·       Patients who approach with hostility and anger.
• ·       Patients that don’t adhere to your advice yet keep returning.
• ·       Patients that bring along symptom after symptom, none of which falls into any recognisable pattern of illness.
• ·       Patients that are ‘manipulative help rejectors’... "Why don't you?" "Yes, but I can’t because ... "
• ·       Patients that are ‘self-destructive deniers’ e.g. Patients with emphysema who cannot stop smoking, alcoholics drink even though their liver is failing etc.

A chronically depressed patient needs time to talk about their issues, much longer than the nurse or GP can provide in a booked session. Please do offer them a solution at Therapy for Life in addition to their physical needs.

It will not only help the patient, but your future interactions with the patient will become simpler. 

"We believe Physical Illness is linked to Mental Health, let us work side by side with you."

We understand the NHS provides IAPT, which is essentially low and high intensity CBT. We provide CBT but also Psychodynamic, Transactional Analysis, Solution Focussed and Loss/Grief Therapy.

As you already know, CBT is not the choice therapy for someone suffering from loss and grief. If you do have a patient who is unwell but also grief stricken, offering them therapy alongside physical healthcare is the most beneficial treatment for your patient.

We would be happy to leave more business cards with you if you think you will refer to us. Please check out some of the counsellors on our website, we have many more all with different backgrounds and experience. Give us a try, and see the positive feedback from your patients.

Take Care... Samantha

Director at ‘Therapyfor Life’

Parents who feel helpless... the best thing you could do for your child is this

Are you struggling to connect with your child?

Are emotions high, arguments constant, behaviour bad?

Do they seem quiet and shy or constantly getting into trouble?

If you are worried and they are not talking to you, you probably feel helpless.

The one certain way you can help your child is through counselling.

We at Therapy for Life have counsellors on board that have huge experience working with children from all backgrounds.

As a parent we feel our child’s pain, but thinking you are unable to help is incorrect. Let your child form a trusting bond with a therapist so they can release everything

that is bothering them.

“Sometimes kids don’t want to tell us parents all their ‘stuff’ for fear of hurting us or being disciplined.” 

Sam Director at Therapy for Life 

Take a massive step towards doing one of the best things you could ever do for your child. You know you’re a good parent when you never stop trying to help them.

“We don’t judge or criticise your parenting, we know how tough it is."

We are a big solution for a child that needs somewhere to talk and release their worries and pain.

You will notice how much better your child feels after the first session. Please call us, and you’ll be taking one of the most caring and beneficial actions for your child’s wellbeing.

Please contact Sam at Therapy for Life, you will be very welcomed by our friendly therapists, you will be seen quickly, and see how easy and laid back it all is for you.