Psychological Wellbeing and Improving Access to Psychological Therapies

What is Psychological Wellbeing?

Psychological Wellbeing is more than just an absence of illness, it is a balance between physical and emotional health. It can be a combination of good health, a good state of mind or feeling relaxed. It could also be the feeling of value, being valued or doing something valuable. More than one in four of people in the UK suffer from a psychological wellbeing problem.

How can problems with psychological wellbeing affect people in their everyday lives?

It can affect people’s lives in different ways but common symptoms might be:

• Not doing things we usually enjoy
• Sleeping more or being unable to sleep
• A need for time off work
• A reduction in appetite
• Not wanting to see people.

What is IAPT?

IAPT is national initiative which aims to ensure that people with mild to moderate problems with psychological wellbeing get access to talking therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). NHS Norfolk has developed an IAPT implementation plan to develop a network of psychological therapists across Norfolk by April 2011.

How can IAPT help?

IAPT provides two levels of support:

• Up to six sessions with a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP), or
• Traditional face to face CBT therapy with a Psychological Therapist.

We can help you understand what triggers and keeps your difficulties going. Help discover what it is you would like to change and set goals towards achieving that change. We can support you in returning to activities that you may have stopped or establish new ones. In addition, help you find other organisations that may be able to complement the work you do with IAPT.

How can I access IAPT?

Currently you can access IAPT by visiting your GP or Practice Nurse. However, self-referral will be available soon.