Blackburn with Darwen Mindcare - Blackburn

Cheryl Dixon

If you are mentally unwell with depression and anxiety, DO NOT COME HERE! You will receive no help what so ever, the staff think people like me are not worthy of ANY kind of help or support. They will make you more unwell and more suicidal than you was before you started there services. I've had to find my own councilling for myself at £40 an hour. I will never enter into any of there services again. I give zero stars, I had to tick 1 star so I could tell vulnerable people like me not to use there services, you will not get no help.

Elle Skye

I had Cognitive Analytical Therapy (CAT) a few years ago, after being referred by my GP. I waited nearly a year to be assessed twice by two people, who were pleasant enough but their knowledge of mental health issues seemed very basic, which isn’t what one would expect from professionals. I knew more than them, and that didn’t make me feel confident about the service I would be receiving.

A year later I (finally) managed to see a psychologist which initially made me feel a bit more positive about my future. My therapist seemed okay at first, but after a couple of weeks she tried to pressurise me into attending various organisations and groups, but at that time, I wasn’t ready. It was difficult enough for me to see her, never mind anything else. I got the impression that she was under pressure to get positive results quickly so she could tick a few boxes (maybe she had targets to meet) and this made me feel very anxious. She was also extremely condescending and constantly underestimated my intelligence and capabilities. If I asked her a question or wanted to discuss something more deeply, she’d either change the subject or go into what I call ‘robot’ mode, and stare at me or repeat herself.

My problems appeared to overwhelm her, and to deal with this she would spout generic and meaningless motivational phrases that made little sense. This therapist would sometimes talk about herself, which isn’t necessarily a problem if it’s done in the right way, but she seemed to want me to know how great she was. It made her appear very self absorbed and judgmental. Her views about mental health were worryingly outdated and she didn’t seem to understand that we all present ourselves differently, and that one size doesn’t fit all. My mannerisms and body language were were sometimes criticised too, and it felt like a personal attack because I wasn’t “getting better” quickly enough.

This is not what I expect from a therapist; I need someone knowledgeable who will treat me as their equal, and work with me at my own pace. CAT is too similar to CBT for my liking because it’s time limited and focuses too much on the present and developing coping strategies, as opposed to getting to the root of the problem. The therapists stick to a script, and that doesn’t work for everyone. I was blamed for failing to engage, which devastated me, even though I know I tried my best at the time. Holding the client solely responsible is cruel and should not be allowed.

I’d also like to say that I didn’t like the waiting area/reception because it was too big, and there were too many rows of seats. The therapist would enter a door facing the seats and shout your name, and I felt on display. I’d prefer privacy, but that’s just personal preference.

I do hope that my review won’t put anyone off seeking help; my experience may not have been great, but there might be more positive outcomes for others. As an NHS mental health service user, I just wanted to share my thoughts because we don’t often get the opportunity to voice our opinions publicly due to the stigma. It’s as though we don’t matter.

A *

attempted several times, no answer. letter states 'daisyfield mill' BUT website states 'daistfield'. Also no point of contact name.

L.J Graham

If you are on the Autism spectrum please avoid seeking therapy here because the staff do not understand our condition.

Fake Jarvis

Wow how disorganised is this place.?

Kirsty Halliwell

I attended one session of CBT and was told to call if I couldn’t make an appointment. So, I did—three days before, the day before, and on the day itself—but the phone just rang endlessly for over an hour each time. Then, I got a text saying I needed to call before 30/10/2024 to rebook, or I’d be discharged. Same issue again—I’ve spent hours this week trying to get someone to answer the phone, but it just rings and rings. Honestly, it feels like a complete scam and I’ll be making a complaint. I urge anyone else in the same position to do the same thing.