Testimonials from our patients

Elliot contacted TALKWORKS after experiencing symptoms of low mood and anxiety. Through accessing internet cognitive therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (iCT-PTSD), he was able to work through his difficulties and get back to feeling more like himself again. 

“TALKWORKS for me has been one of the greatest, most achieving and wholesome processes I have ever put myself through. 

“To get there, I first realised I needed help. It was no good continuing on with a stubborn mindset of "it'll be alright". My quality of life was very poor. I was miserable, down, afraid and confused and constantly on edge with no end in sight. I had so many everyday triggers that made life challenging for me, to the point of active avoidance of things no one should have to. I admitted I wasn't okay so set about receiving the help I desperately needed as I was desperate to not live like this anymore. 

“TALKWORKS is a self-referral service, so the first step to recovery is to self-refer to get the process started. It does feel daunting at first - you have no idea what will happen or who you'll speak to. There may be feelings of doubt, anxiety and fear of judgement - however all of this is shattered when you get through and you're greeted by TALKWORKS’ staff. Their initial warm, welcoming and supportive discussion will ease all fears and install that first feeling of comfort that has been missing for so long. 

“From here you'll be assigned your therapist and treatment can begin. You will be given access to iCT-PTSD platform which I have nothing but positive things to say about. To have a platform like that as your disposal whenever you need it is very special and makes you feel like you have a best pal there at all times. You can complete all modules and add stuff to your library (I added images of things that make me happy and music etc to look at during my time of their to remind me of the present). The ability to have such a powerful tool on all devices is unique and most certainly something that should continue. The advantages are clear - a session with a therapist is a great however once the session is over, it's over. The platforms allows you to go back through all your modules as many times as you like to remind yourself of whatever it is you need in that moment. 

“The sessions with the therapist are also great. They understand everything you say and display an incredible knowledge in the subject with constant ideas, help and activities for you to do. Your therapist is there to support you and nothing you say is judged or made fun of. They are extremely professional. Your sessions are a very safe space and you will feel comfortable to speak freely in due course. 

“TALKWORKS has given me the skills and knowledge to help combat my triggers to the point where my daily life isn't affected - a goal of mine at the very start. I have the knowledge of knowing what to do in these situations and the ability to control how the triggers and feelings affect my day. The difference from the start of treatment to now is huge. Before treatment, a single trigger would affect me for the entire day - I'd isolate, be very anxious, nervy, jumpy and extremely on edge, uncomfortable and be battling a racing heart beat all day, as well as knowing it would trigger a night terror that night. Now, these triggers are far less impactful and they are dealt with more quickly and effectively. I am no longer afraid of certain things and don’t actively avoid the things I know used to trigger me so badly. I use the knowledge I learnt to tackle the problem and will continue to do so. I also refer back to the platform when I need it. It is a very powerful programme and I cannot recommend it enough.

“I urge anyone and everyone who needs help to ask for it. Living in the way you feel now isn't okay and you deserve the comfort of knowing it can be better. The biggest step is the first one, admitting you need help and after that it only gets easier. I wouldn't be where I am now today without the help I received. 

“I will be forever grateful to TALKWORKS and will not hesitate to suggest TALKWORKS to anyone in need.”

If you have noticed a change in your mood, are withdrawing from doing the things you enjoy or are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, help is available. TALKWORKS is a free NHS Talking Therapies service (part of Devon Partnership NHS Trust), open to adults living in Devon (outside Plymouth). You don’t need a referral from a GP to access our service, simply self-refer through our online form or call our team on 0300 555 3344 (our phone lines are open between Monday and Friday, from 9am - 4:45pm).