Gaskell House Psychotherapy Service - Manchester

Amy

(EDIT: PLEASE SEE END FOR UPDATE, WENT FROM 4 to 2 STAR, rereading my previous review has left me feeling so betrayed. I should never have felt hopeful.)
***
It took me a relatively long time to finally get to an assessment with this service (because of a failing in the NHS/GMMH system, not Gaskell House itself), however I'm glad I kept pushing to be referred.

So far I've had 3 assessment appointments with a genuinely caring, professional doctor who actually made me feel heard and understood (I'll not share their name for privacy).

I've been in and out of mental health treatments/services for around a decade at this point, I have NEVER felt as understood as I did during my assessments. I finally feel like I've found somewhere that can give me a chance to heal and move forward in life.

The doctor took their time over multiple assessment appointments to make sure they would be referring me to a therapy that we both think will be appropriate and effective (I was given options, which we discussed the pros and cons of).

I've been told that even if this doesn't work for me, there are other steps that can be taken and there are other options I can try - I feel confident I'm not just going to be abandoned by the system again.

For the first time in a long time I feel like I have hope, I'm not expecting a miracle cure and know I'll have to put in the work but I feel like I'm finally in the right place.
I was previously made to believe I was a hopeless case, with no chance at ever getting better, but the doctor helped me understand that isn't the case at all.

While I haven't started therapy yet, the service I have received so far is definitely deserving of 5* - the only negative is that the service itself is so limited, I had to get an "out of area" referral even though I live within Greater Manchester - again this is an issue with the system and limited resources rather than the service itself.

I genuinely wish everyone had access to services such as this, with caring, insightful doctors like the person who assessed me & helped me figure out a way to go forward (as well as helping me understand some things about myself that I hadn't realised!)

I say this without exaggeration: This is truly a life saving service, I can attest to that personally.

(Parking is also a bit of an issue at busy times, just to keep that in mind if you're driving in!)

EDIT: UPDATE - They essentially told me I have to "imagine myself better" - they might as well have told me to "imagine" I'm Harry Potter and expect me to turn into a fictional character. This service is probably more suitable for people who don't suffer from long term mental illness/disorders and certainly isn't suitable for people who have suffered from lifelong struggles. You'll probably be fine if you've recently had a mild mental breakdown or just suffer from a mild case of anxiety or something, the sort of experience where you "just need to get back on track". But this service is no good for people with long term struggles.

Imogen

Currently under the service and haven’t had a therapy sessions since February. Waiting on phone calls back but no one responds.

Julia Taylor

Brilliant therapists on Dialectical Behavioural & CAT teams. Totally confidential and professional. Very friendly & welcoming reception team.

Lisa Vincent

Absolutely second-to-none passionate professionals who are deeply invested in their clients and their journey.

Horror Lass

Unhelpful. Don't care if you're better or not, the only care about their "policies", and will leave you without help

angry shiba

Linda

Kelly Eddleston