I don't know what to expect.

[willows]

I have been referred by my GP for CBT and I have a telephone assessment on Wednesday. I am really worried about it as I am dreading talking to a faceless stranger and worry that I will not be able to express the full extent of how I am feeling at the moment and that they will think I am wasting their time. has anyone had experience of telephone assessment before? What should I expect?? Thinking that I might just not answer the phone, then I won't have to deal with it

[Beetzart]

Hi Willows,

I was referred to a counselling service called IAPTS and the initial appointment was over the phone. The lady I spoke to was very nice, although I find it hard to communicate this way.  With regard to my situation they thought I was too much at risk to be offered any help from them. 

I would urge you though to take the call and get the help you need.  I haven't as such been left in the lurch but just referred to other services. 

Hope it works out for you

Beet

[lightenup]

I know saying don't worry will help u much please take the call sometimes it is easier to express ones self to a stranger, also nothing can shock them as they have heard it all before.  Good luck:)

[Buttercup]

I had a face to face initial cbt assessment and then telephone cbt. Turned out in my area you had to go through that to access the next level. 
Although it wasn't great for me.  The lady was lovely and it was better than expected on the phone. Xxx

[Sweetpea]

I did my CBT at MIND on their computer.  But I am she whoever you speak to will be understanding as they deal with this all of the time.  I agree that sometimes talking to a stranger is easier.

Hope it goes well for you.

S x x x x

[Munchroom]

Please answer the phone to them, I know it will be scary but like Shaz said, they do this all the time. They will know what questions to ask to determine how much help you need and they will essentialy guide you through it. I also find it can be easier to speak to a stranger sometimes.

Good luck xx

[Zaf]

Do try to answer it if you can xxx

[willows]

Thank you for all your encouragement and support. I do intend to take the call in the morning but I am so anxious about it I think it is going to be a long night.

[Zaf]

Thinking of you xxx

[Buttercup]

If it's anything like mine, it's just a bit of admin and doing those depression scoring quizzes that you may have already done at the doctors.  xxx

[Buttercup]

How did it go?

[willows]

Hi Buttercup,
You were right and it was really just the same questionnaires the gp makes me complete and a couple of further questions. I stupidly still managed to get upset on the phone which is what I didn't want to happen . Have to now wait for a phone call to arrange my first session.

[Zaf]

Its not stupid to get upset willows and I'm sure you wouldn't be the first  !+_

[Sweetpea]

This is not silly, I am sure loads of people do the same.  Hope you get your date to start the CBT soon.

S x x x x

[mamalou]

Willows  !£! "big hug" as the teletubbies used to say !! x x