Finally Being Heard

When I originally went to therapy over 4 years ago, I was told that the things I talked about linked to autism and therefore, I should get a diagnosis. Due to this they said I was unable to get the help I needed, so I was referred back to the NHS, for a diagnosis, which took two years. Then I had to wait another 18 months for a referral to the Talking Therapies Programme.

Over that time, they sent me videos and activities to do, but as I am autistic, they didn’t help. They only told me if I was really struggling; to go to hospital. At that time, I was feeling suicidal; ready for a mental breakdown, but I knew I needed face to face support.

I’d left work, due to issues with bullying, but was being supported by the wellbeing team, until I was then placed on gardening leave. It led to me being paid off, as they didn’t want me to report them. I had to sign paperwork, so that I could not take them to court at a later date. I then had to go to the job centre to get some help, and based upon how I was feeling after speaking with my Work Coach, they made the referral to Talking Therapies Plus, which I had not heard of before. There was nowhere else for me to go, it was my last chance for help, based upon how I was feeling. The job centre said it was a really good programme and much quicker than waiting for the NHS.

I wanted to find out why all these things were happening to me, as I was diagnosed with autism in late 2024. I wanted the opportunity to talk to get my mind in a better place. My therapist helped me to talk through things slowly and we were able to build trust. She is different to other therapists that I have had before. Other therapists give you lots of pointless paperwork and give you things to read. My therapist has been more understanding and has talked to me, and allowed me to talk. Other therapists, want you to sit in a room and do all these things, which make things very complicated. They only offer 6 sessions and then that’s it and they always offer times for sessions that you cannot attend. I wanted face to face support, which is what I received.

I’m in a much better place than when I first started.. I’ve been able to gain voluntary work, which I am enjoying. I don’t feel suicidal, which is based upon all the talking I’ve been able to do with my counsellor. Because my counsellor is based in a community organisation they’ve been able to help me get more things sorted out than if I were somewhere else, because it’s all under one roof. I’m receiving help with sorting my benefits – PIP and UC Claim. And I love the fact I get free cups of tea, as other places don’t offer you anything.

I feel as though other therapists, do not know or deal with people with autism. Mine seems to have more of an understanding. She provides support out of office hours if you’re feeling suicidal, and has offered to provide an emergency session if it has been necessary, within a 3 three-hour time frame. If this was the NHS, you’d have to call the crisis team and potentially an ambulance.

I feel like I am slowly heading in the right direction. My counsellor has allowed me to talk, and she listens, but she also talks too. I haven’t been sent somewhere else because of my autism and I am still going to get support from Life in Community after my TT+ sessions have ended.