guided self-help

• self help therapy - psychological therapies that you can do in your own time to help with problems like stress, anxiety and depression
• self help can be a useful way to try out a therapy like CBT to see if the patient feels that it might be beneficial
• it can be convenient if:

  • you are short of time
  • have family or work commitments
  • cannot get out easily
  • you want a therapy that is completely anonymous
• guided self help is where you work through a self help workbook with the support of a therapist
• types of guided self help include:

  • online tools and apps
  • online course with the support of a therapist
  • over the phone support
  • live therapy with a therapist via instant messaging
  • anonymous online community where you can meet and talk with others who have the same mental health problems as you
• guided self help works by

  • working with a psychological wellbeing practitioner in a course of up to six sessions - tend to last 30 - 45 minutes
  • the practitioner will help to introduce clients to a range of self help materials
  • they will guide them in how to use the materials effectively
  • as well as to help them make positive and practical changes
• guided self help sessions can be tailored to suit people with difficulties related to mild or moderate difficulties e.g.

  • low mood
  • anxiety and worry
  • panic
  • phobia
  • sleep difficulties
• ethical factors

  • accurate information should be provided when developing products and training advertisements
  • public statements should be based on appropriate professional literature and practice
• eval

  + self help is empowering as it keeps a person in control of their own life and destiny
• eval + self help makes other people feel good about you
• eval + individuals become a role model
• eval + self help can be a time saver / it is private meaning no one will know about what goes on
• eval - may lack the perspective to properly understand the nature of their issues initially
• eval -- may lack the knowledge of how to fix their issues
• eval -- may lack the motivation or will power to stick to a self help plan