S1 E1 About Therapy - Misha's Story: "Mum, why don't you go to therapy?"

What is therapy really like? What happens in a session? And can it actually help?

In the first episode of Let's Open Up: About Therapy, host Dr Ruth Schumacher speaks with Misha, who shares her personal experience of accessing NHS Hertfordshire and Mid Essex Talking Therapies following years of difficult experiences and emotional challenges.

After her son asked a simple question, "Mum, why don't you go to therapy?", Misha decided to give it a try. What followed was a journey that would help her better understand herself, challenge long-held beliefs, and learn practical tools to improve her wellbeing.

Together, Ruth and Misha explore:

• What led Misha to seek therapy
• Her first experiences of group and one-to-one therapy
• Working with a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT)
• How thought diaries helped her recognise and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns
• The impact therapy had on her self-awareness and confidence

This honest and inspiring conversation offers a real-life glimpse into therapy and may help answer some of the questions you have about taking that first step.

Please note: Misha's experience is unique to her. NHS Talking Therapies offers a range of evidence-based therapies, and each person's journey will be tailored to their individual needs.

Find out more about Hertfordshire and Mid Essex Talking Therapies and refer yourself via our website: www.hpft-talkingtherapies.nhs.uk 

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Connect with us on social media: @HPFTTalkingTherapies

Coming up next: Misha shares more about her therapy journey, including behavioural strategies she learned through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and a message of encouragement for anyone considering therapy.