Introduction To Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service

Service Introduction Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service was designed to help people manage everyday problems Anxiety Low mood Stress Sleep problems We are of the national initiative: Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)

What we offer We offer a range of talking therapies Silvercloud – online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) programme Guided Self Help – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – telephone work Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – face-to-face Groups Counselling – face-to-face and we run a group

What is CBT? Type of therapy that looks at how you think of yourself, the world and other people It looks at how what we do affects our thoughts and our feelings. It focuses on ‘here and now’ problems We can help ourselves with CBT principles and become our own therapists

What is depression? Depression is characterised by persistent low mood and other symptoms, which will vary from person to person. It can develop quickly or gradually, and be brought on by life events and/or changes in body chemistry. The more episodes of depression a person has had, the easier it is for more adverse life events to cause another episode. CBT significantly reduces the risk of relapse after recovery.

What is anxiety? Anxiety is a word we use to describe feelings of unease, worry and fear. It incorporates both the emotions and the physical sensations we might experience when we are worried or nervous about something. Although we usually find it unpleasant, anxiety is related to the ‘fight, flight or freeze’ response – our normal biological reaction to feeling threatened created by the body’s release of adrenaline. Worry and anxiety only becomes unhelpful when it is very frequent and becomes difficult for us to control or disengage from.

CBT and Autism CBT will focus on secondary issues that are related to the experience of life on the autism spectrum: depression, stress and anxiety We creatively adapt and adjust CBT to meet the strengths and needs of the individual. From the beginning of treatment, we help individuals explore their goals, passions, and values, then identify specific steps that CBT can help them make in service of that long term goal.

Accessing Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service You can self refer into BWS by telephone 01234 880400 or via the website www.bedfordshirewellbeingservice.nhs.uk Or you can ask your GP/Health Professional to refer you You will be offered a suitability assessment on the phone or face-to-face if you require We will then discuss treatment options with you

Any Questions…