NHS Berkshire Talking Therapies

NHS Berkshire Talking Therapies Account monitored M-F 9am-5pm. Start feeling better with Free and confidential NHS treatment for low mood, worry, sleep problems and phobias

❓Did you know? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) isn’t just about sudden urges to clean - it involves distressing thou...
30/09/2025

❓Did you know? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) isn’t just about sudden urges to clean - it involves distressing thoughts called obsessions and repetitive behaviours called compulsions. Here’s how it works:

Understanding the OCD Cycle

1. Obsessions
Unwelcome thoughts, images, feelings, or urges - like fearing contamination or doubting if you locked the door - that don’t go away and cause distress.

2. Anxiety
These obsessions trigger intense anxiety, fear, guilt, doubt - making you feel unsafe or out of control.

3. Compulsions
To ease that anxiety, you might repeat actions or rituals - washing your hands, checking, repeating words, or seeking reassurance. It offers short-term relief.

4. Temporary relief
The compulsion calms your anxiety briefly, but the underlying obsession soon returns, and the cycle begins again.

Understanding this cycle is the first step toward breaking it. 👏

📸: Mind

Conditions like diabetes, COPD, or IBD don’t just affect your body - they can impact your mood, stress levels, and overa...
30/09/2025

Conditions like diabetes, COPD, or IBD don’t just affect your body - they can impact your mood, stress levels, and overall wellbeing too.

At NHS Talking Therapies, we understand that mental and physical health go hand in hand. Our free, confidential support can help you:

✅Manage anxiety and low mood
✅Build coping strategies
✅Improve your quality of life alongside your condition

You don’t have to face it alone - support is available.

🛏️Good sleep is important - not just for restoring your body, but also for lifting your mood, lowering stress, and suppo...
29/09/2025

🛏️Good sleep is important - not just for restoring your body, but also for lifting your mood, lowering stress, and supporting your mental health. Here are some simple, effective steps to help create better sleep habits:

1. Stick to a consistent routine
Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, including weekends - this helps regulate your body's internal clock.

2. Wind down before bed
Build in relaxing activities like reading, listening to calming music, or trying a sleep meditation. Avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime to reduce blue light exposure.

3. Create a sleep-friendly environment
Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Consider earplugs, blackout curtains, or ambient sounds like rainfall or soft music to help you drift off.

4. Don't force it - get up if needed
If you can’t fall asleep, try getting out of bed to do something calm, like reading quietly, until you feel sleepy again.

5. Support good sleep habits in your daily life
Limit caffeine, avoid large meals or alcohol before bed, and include gentle exercise earlier in the day to help your body and mind unwind.

A restful night can transform your day. If sleep or anxiety is impacting your wellbeing, NHS Talking Therapies is here to help - whether it’s guidance on mental health strategies or tailored sleep support.

Exercise isn’t just good for your body - it’s a boost for your mind too! Even a short walk, stretching, or a quick worko...
29/09/2025

Exercise isn’t just good for your body - it’s a boost for your mind too!

Even a short walk, stretching, or a quick workout can help reduce stress, lift your mood, and give you more energy for the week ahead.

So today, get moving - your mind (and body) will thank you!

What colour are you feeling today? 🖌️Pick a colour that best reflects how you’re feeling right now:Red – EnergeticOrange...
28/09/2025

What colour are you feeling today? 🖌️

Pick a colour that best reflects how you’re feeling right now:

Red – Energetic
Orange – Excited
Yellow – Happy
Green – Calm
Blue – Sad
Purple – Inspired
Pink – Loving
Brown – Tired
Grey – Uncertain
Black – Overwhelmed

Noticing your “colour” is a simple way to check in with your emotions and take care of your wellbeing."

When you set boundaries, you focus on your own needs (something alot of us don’t do enough). Boundaries create a framewo...
27/09/2025

When you set boundaries, you focus on your own needs (something alot of us don’t do enough). Boundaries create a framework for how you expect to be treated, and how you treat yourself.

First and foremost, they help you feel safe - which has a big impact on your overall mental health. Strong boundaries give you a sense of control, confidence, and the ability to handle whatever life throws your way. 💪

Boundaries can look like:
✔️ Saying no without guilt
✔️ Not agreeing to everything just to please others
✔️ Creating a clear routine to balance work and personal life
✔️ Making your expectations known to those around you
✔️ Taking time for hobbies and things you enjoy
✔️ Having personal space - and having it respected

Remember: respecting your own boundaries teaches others to respect them too. 💛

🎉 - Celebrating Mike!This week, we’re shining a light on Mike, one of our brilliant therapists, who received this hear...
26/09/2025

🎉 - Celebrating Mike!

This week, we’re shining a light on Mike, one of our brilliant therapists, who received this heartfelt feedback from a patient:

“Excellent support from Mike. He helped unpick and work through everything that was feeling like an overwhelming tangle in my head. He was patient and supportive throughout. I really felt listened to, which gave me the opportunity to unpick the most pressing issues I was experiencing whilst helping me use the SilverCloud tools to help myself regain some control.”

👏 Mike, your compassion, patience, and skill make a real difference. Thank you for helping people feel heard, supported, and empowered.

26/09/2025

Take a moment to bring along with us 🌬️

🍂As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to slow down and focus on looking after yourself...
25/09/2025

🍂As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to slow down and focus on looking after yourself. Here are some gentle self-care ideas for the Autumn:

🍂Take a mindful walk and enjoy the autumn colours
🍂Get cosy with a book, blanket and a warm drink
🍂Light a candle or use soft lighting to create a calming space
🍂Try cooking a comforting seasonal meal
🍂Journal about what you’re grateful for this season
🍂Make time to connect with friends or family

Remember: self-care doesn’t have to be big or expensive - it’s about small, intentional moments that support your wellbeing.

We’ve made it halfway through the week 🙌 - but how are you doing?What do you need to get you through the rest of this we...
24/09/2025

We’ve made it halfway through the week 🙌 - but how are you doing?

What do you need to get you through the rest of this week?

Maybe it’s:
☕ A coffee catch-up with a friend
📝 Writing a to-do list to clear your head
🌿 A little quiet time just for you
💤 An early night (or two!)

Whatever it is, meeting your needs is an act of self-care. 💖

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but simple strategies can make a difference. Here are three things you can try:1️⃣ Breath...
24/09/2025

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but simple strategies can make a difference. Here are three things you can try:

1️⃣ Breathing exercises - Focus on slow, deep breaths to calm your body and shift your mind away from anxious thoughts. 🌬️
2️⃣ Worry time - Give yourself a set time in the day to acknowledge worries, so they don’t take over the whole day. ⏰
3️⃣ Keep a diary - Writing down your feelings can help you spot patterns and understand what might be triggering your anxiety. 📖

Be gentle with yourself - finding what works for you takes time.

Life can throw challenges your way, but having the right tools makes all the difference.Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (C...
23/09/2025

Life can throw challenges your way, but having the right tools makes all the difference.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective ways to build coping strategies – not just for today, but for whatever the future brings. 💪

Curious about how it works?

Check out our blog, where our therapist Chloe breaks down the basics of CBT and how it can support your wellbeing.

👉 Read more here: https://ow.ly/61At50WXluf

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Bracknell

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+443003652000

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