Kayleigh's story - severe stress and anxiety and employment support
NHS Stockport Talking Therapies helped Kayleigh overcome severe anxiety and depression and achieve her dream of opening her own bakery. She had struggled with isolation and constant worries about taking her toddler out in public while managing single parenthood and job hunting. After being fast‑tracked for support, she found a safe space to talk, learn coping strategies, and challenge negative beliefs. Phone appointments made it easier to access support around childcare.
As her wellbeing improved, Kayleigh still faced setbacks finding work and was referred to the service’s employment team. With practical and emotional support, she rebuilt her confidence, identified suitable roles, and explored her long‑held dream of running a bakery inspired by her grandmother.
Kayleigh said: “You don’t know what help you’re missing out on if you don’t try it. I’ve had help from other services in the past, but nothing has stuck with me the way this has. Remember to engage as much as you can – it’s a joint effort but it’s worth a leap of faith.”
Read more of Kayleigh's story.
Simon's story - work-related stress and anxiety
Talking therapies helped Simon when work-related stress and anxiety took a toll on his health.
With a high-pressured job that took him around the world, Simon found his stress and anxiety levels rising as demands and lack of a work-life balance overwhelmed him.
Simon self-referred and had his sessions over the phone - a flexibility that benefitted him. Over time, his therapist suggested he find a focus outside of work - something to get him away from his screen and get outside into nature. To help with this, Simon now has a new best friend – his dog Rodney.
Simon said: “Having this therapy has given me a new outlook and confidence in life. I’m able to go back to work and spot the signs and symptoms sooner. Most importantly, I’ve taken steps to help myself so I can stay well and in work.”
Jaime's story - overcoming severe anxiety, depression, and trauma.
NHS Bury Talking Therapies has transformed Jaime Leigh Williams’ life after more than a decade of severe anxiety, depression, and trauma. She first struggled with her mental health at 11 following her parents’ separation, later facing multiple suicide attempts, PTSD symptoms after a sexual assault, and the loss of a close friend.
She received cognitive behavioural therapy by phone and online from practitioner Noreen, which felt more comfortable. Jaime finally felt understood and learned to process her trauma, challenge compulsive behaviours, and rebuild her confidence. Through small, supported steps, she reduced the extreme showering routines linked to her trauma, felt safe again in daily life, and learned to view her emotions with compassion rather than shame.
Jaime said: “I’ve learned to look at things from a new perspective, realised I’m stronger than I think, and that it’s okay to feel sad sometimes. It’s been life‑changing.
"Nothing can harm you more than trying to deal with it alone. Get it off your chest. I owe Noreen my life. I couldn’t even imagine being where I am today – it’s fantastic.”
Read more of Jaime's story here.
Ali's story - EMDR therapy
Talking therapies helped Ali rediscover hope, independence and a sense of self after decades of living with anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Ali was offered eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, and also worked with her therapist to develop the right coping skills.
Ali said: “I was given so many helpful tools to navigate my emotions and ultimately overcome them. What I had believed was anger was in fact a deep sadness that was presenting itself in another way. For the first time in my life, I truly know who I am and have taken back control.”
Aaron's story - cognitive behaviour therapy
Dad-of-three Aaron was filled with doubt and insecurity, experiencing increased levels of anxiety, anger and paranoia and with thoughts about his relationship spiralling out of control.
His therapist, Noreen, helped him to unpack deeper issues behind his anger and anxiety with weekly cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) sessions over the phone and by video call.
Aaron explained: “She challenged me each week by asking me to do something differently. I delayed things like my weekly haircut, which meant a lot to me as it made me feel that I looked a certain way that I was happy with. In the end I managed to push it back for three weeks — something that really pushed me out of my comfort zone. But I did it, and I could see the difference. It became clear to me that I could take control of my situation and feelings.”
Joana's story - employment support
Joana experienced a difficult period in her life including domestic violence, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Through cognitive behavioural therapy and guidance from her therapist, Joana began to rebuild her confidence and improve her outlook on life. Employment advisor Adam also helped her to recognise her potential and make steps torwards a career in teaching.
Joanna said: "Adam opened my eyes to skills I didn’t know I had. I learned so much about myself and feel I can do so much more. I’m a completely different person. It's truly changed my life, and I cannot thank them enough.”
Sarah's story - overcoming phobia
Sarah has praised talking therapies for helping her to overcome a severe needle, which prevented her from attending vital blood test appointments and receiving urgent medical care.
Living with a rare form of haemophilia meant Sarah needed regular blood tests and treatments, which led to her developing a needle phobia. As well as putting her health at risk, the phobia also influenced choices about having children or travelling to countries where vaccines are needed.
After 11 sessions with cognitive behavioural therapist Joanne, Sarah has been able to overcome her phobia.
She said: “For the first time in my life I can think about needles and not feel anxious or afraid. I feel like I’ve got control over my body again and can live a much healthier and fulfilled life. I am so grateful.”