[Lunatyc]

I was wondering If any forums users from the UK could give me advice on finding a therapist. I have never really openly talked about my life and experience with bipolar. With friends I've touched on it. I think, I need a professional to help put it all away for good. Lay it to rest.

Should I ask the psychiatrist to be referred to someone? I was referred years ago. Twice actually. But one left the post and with the other, it just wasn't the right time. I feel like I am asking for too much. I don't know. I can't afford private therapy. Since I have never spoken to someone, have a diagnosis, and because of my past, that would possibly make me a priority candidate and I won't have to wait long.
I don't know how to go about asking? They would ask me why? Like do I get intrusive thoughts. They may only want to refer me on problems I have with the "condition" and I want to talk about my life and past. I think I need help to move on.

[Miss Laura]

Hey there im in Scotland. I know you say you can't pay, I don't work but get discount on my sessions. I see my counsellor weekly and pay £30 for an hour or £40 for 2 sessions a week.

I just googled counsellors in my local area. There is a directory for this and on the one here it had over 30 counsellors. It gives a bit about them, their prices, their specialities etc. Give it a look. Plus email and just ask if they could help. I didn't know if a Counsellor would like to work with me considering im under the Community Mental Health Council (CMHT). There is no harm in asking things huh.

I have been waiting to see a Psychologist on the NHS for the last 2 years. I had one for 7 months she refused to work with me cause I was non med compliant. But she wrote on my file it was cause I have the tools to do it... erm I got less than 7 months with a Psychology Student then Psychologist. So go figure

Please look around though you might find what your looking for

[Lunatyc]

Some counselling is a good idea. I could get some online sessions. I was really hoping to find a psychologist. I need a psychologist with a medical background rather than a person centred counsellor or life coach.

I really want to dig down as far as I can and I think I need help and assistance for that. I think a lot of the counsellors in my area may struggle with my particular trauma and bipolar combination. I need my meds as I am bipolar type one. But I could wait for a psychologist and look into counselling for the time being.

[KLL85]

If you’re looking for a psychologist, the only real way without going private would be to go via the NHS but the wait times are long. I was actively suicidal and self harming and was told there was a 2 year wait before I would be able to be seen. Psychologists working with the NHS don’t always necessarily offer proper therapy either. It sounds as though you may benefit from longer term therapy and within the NHS it tends to be time limited. Private psychologists are expensive but you may benefit from a different type of psychotherapy. I have had person centred therapy and you’re right, it doesn’t dig deep enough to come anywhere close to dealing with all of my issues from the past. It works well for some, but just not suitable for me. Before lockdown I began seeing a psychodynamic therapist and within the first couple of sessions I felt a completely different sense of therapy, one that I knew would get to the route of the problem. This would be a much more affordable option for you than a psychologist, lots of private Ts across the UK use a psychodynamic approach. The BACP list of counsellors is a good place to start looking as is the uk counselling directory. There are also some centres that offer therapy at a reduced rate for those that struggle to afford it. For example I know of a centre near me that offers open ended psychodynamic therapy and after the initial assessment fee (I think it’s £25), you pay what you can afford per session.
Good luck finding someone.

[Lunatyc]

Yes I would be seeking psychotherapy with grounding in the psychodynamic approach and/or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I took the advice and did a search for private practitioners and it seems that most of them are working at full capacity : ( I don't want to travel for hours to speak to someone out with my area. I am fairly busy right now.
There is no harm in asking about an NHS therapist first. If push comes to shove, I can email the private practitioners who are at full capacity and see when they would be able to take me on as a client in future. So more waitng.