I have recently been seeing a counsellor. I have used counsellors on occasion but they have been very expensive. Usually I would see a counsellor for 2-3 months or so on a weekly basis. They usually practiced CBT and general psychotherapy.
In late 2016 to early 2017 I saw a counsellor weekly from a charity. I had very little money during that period as I didn’t get PIP. The charity used to charge me £5 a session. My Mum had recently just died so it was helpful in me coping with that. At the time I got Employment and Support Allowance and worked part time in a supermarket 12 hours a week in 3x 4 hour shifts at night weekly stacking shelves. Sadly I had to quit the job as in 2017 as I had multiple sections from psychosis episodes and the lack of sleep from night work wasn’t good for me. Fortunately I got PIP in late 2017 which was really good for my health.
Despite multiple psychosis episodes I didn’t see a counsellor until I saw a psychotherapist in 2022 when homeless in a psychiatric hospital for 4 and half months. I think the psychotherapist was mainly there to keep me well while in hospital as the NHS tried to find a way to discharge me to suitable accommodation. It was hard living in a psychiatric ward with all the restrictions but the therapist helped me cope.
Eventually in July 2022 after being in homeless in hospital since March 2022 I was discharged to a hotel. My care coordinator left the NHS Trust after 2 weeks and I was all alone. Thankfully by September 2022 the council had found me a privately rented 1 bedroom home.
I spent much of my money in 2022 and 2023 furnishing my flat. Getting the necessary furniture, appliances and general home things. Now (in 2025) it’s a lot more homely and comfortable. Despite another severe episode of psychosis in 2023 I managed to recover faster than usual and was baptised. The Church is a big support to me since I joined my Church in 2022.
In 2024 with my court case going on I started seeing a counsellor again. It helped me cope during that stressful period. Initially I saw the counsellor weekly but now I only see her fortnightly as its cheaper and I was finding weekly appointments a bit too much and overwhelming. These days I talk to my counsellor about general day-to-day coping and any stressors I’m dealing with that at the time.
I think seeing the counsellor regularly and continuously has helped kept me well. 2024 was the first calendar year I hadn’t been in a psychiatric hospital since 2009. I plan to keep the counselling up this year and so far in 2025 I haven’t been in a psychiatric hospital. I wouldn’t be able to afford the counsellor without PIP (Personal Independence Payment).