"Offering hope"

I have reached out to Inclusion Thurrock on two separate occasions for help with symptoms from my anxiety and panic disorder. I have just finished a course of CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) with my therapist, Ben. To say the support Inclusion has offered me is life changing would be an understatement. I went from being bedridden and riddled with frequent panic attacks, to starting a new full-time job this month. For the first time in many years, I feel excited and hopeful for the future. I know none of it would have been possible without Ben and Inclusion’s support.

I referred myself to the service both times, and was quickly called by a wonderful support worker to discuss why I had reached out to Inclusion and to pair me with the best treatment for my needs. The wait to start therapy was much shorter than other services I have been with in the past, and while I was waiting, I was offered Inclusion led courses online or in person to teach me general panic management techniques and get me ready to start therapy (all optional, but amazing services). The courses were amazing and taught me techniques I have never heard before despite being diagnosed over ten years ago. I still use panic management techniques I learned in the course in my day-to-day life, and this was all before I had even started therapy.

Everyone I have spoken with at Inclusion has been kind, patient and respectful. I have, at times, needed to reach out with queries or to move sessions, and the receptionists have always been wonderful and relayed my information quickly and professionally. Both times I was contacted after referral, I felt at ease discussing my struggles and felt listened to and respected when being matched with suitable therapies. My input was acknowledged, and I was even moved from one program to another after myself and my therapist decided another treatment would be most suitable for me. I was never just let go or abandoned. Inclusion made sure I was supported the entire time.

Finally, I must talk about my therapist, Ben. His support was immense, and he went above and beyond to make sure I was supported. The knowledge and skills he provided me will stick with me forever. He made connections to previous experiences and thought processes I have that had never even crossed my mind before. The tasks set and behavioural experiments were sometimes challenging, but it was a good challenge and helped me to start recovering. He is caring, methodical and a huge credit to the service. I can honestly say that Ben has set me on a whole new path of thinking, and I cannot wait to implement his advice more and more in the future.

Overall, I really cannot praise Inclusion Thurrock enough. The work they do is vital for our community and absolutely saves and changes lives. I know they changed mine. The fact that this service is here and available to return to should myself or anybody in Thurrock need it is so comforting. I hope Inclusion Thurrock is around for many, many years to come. A thousand times, thank you, all of you, for your hard work and care.