New Psychotherapy and Counselling service offers talking therapies to people with mental health difficulties By Sian Alexander

Mental Health ought to be as easy to talk about as physical ailments. But while aches and pains are commonly discussed, talk of psychological problems can be met with awkwardness and misunderstanding. For those with mental health problems, it can sometimes be hard to find someone to talk to about it. A new centre in East Hull hopes to fill the need for 'talking therapies' in the area.

The Ellesmere Centre for Psychotherapy and Training in Holderness Road, East Hull, held an open day for the public in March, to explain what it does and how it can help. The centre provides therapies for children, adults, couples and families. It also runs a range of courses for people who want to train as counsellors and psychotherapists, as well as advanced courses for established professionals.

Kathie Hostick, clinical director, said, "According to research data, one in four people will experience mental distress in their lives and one in 10 children has a mental health condition. Despite these statistics, the availability of talking therapies is very sparse. Those fortunate enough to be offered talking therapies by their GP will often have to wait for several months and sometimes years, before receiving skilled help"

There are a variety of talking treatments - some may last for years whilst others take just a few sessions - that can be one-to-one or in a group. The Ellesmere Centre has three consulting rooms as well as a complimentary therapies room offering reflexology and aromatherapy. There is also a large event room for up to 40 people that is available for training larger groups and conferences.

People are offered talking therapies for a whole range of reasons. Although some people think seeing a therapist is a sign of weakness, in fact the opposite is true, as people must face their problems. At the centre there are therapists, specialising in Depression, Post Traumatic Stress, work related stress, bereavement and eating disorders. Talking therapies can also help with anxiety and panic attacks. The centre can also provide staff counselling and stress management for businesses.

At the open day, directors and therapists met GP's and other medical officials to discuss how to make talking therapies more available on the NHS. Although they are helpful for many mental health problems, they are in short supply around the country. Prices at The Ellesmere Centre range from £8 to £45 per hour depending on the level of experience of the therapist. For more information on the therapies, the courses or on joining the expanding team of therapists, call (01482) 702571 www.ellesmerecentre.co.uk

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