Meet Circe: a bold new strategy for bettering U.K. women’s healthcare
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Author: Sreejita Patra
In a country ranked second to last in the world for its citizens’ mental well-being, millions of people are left waiting each day for therapy through the U.K.’s National Health Service. Oftentimes, it is women who are facing the brunt of the problem.
The Mental Health Gap for Women in the UK
Though roughly 1 in 4 women in England suffer from mental conditions and women’s self-harm rates are triple that of what they were 3 decades ago, the government has dropped its commitments to funding mental healthcare and expanding women’s health hubs.
Take maternal mental health as an example. With the majority of women in the UK choosing to become mothers by the end of their reproductive age, demand for maternal mental health services across the nation is skyrocketing.
Yet more than two-thirds of specialist maternal health services are slashing their mental health budgets as a result of NHS cuts - equaling about £3.6 million less overall toward U.K. mothers’ wellbeing.
Current challenges in women’s mental healthcare
Amidst this backdrop, women throughout the U.K. find that searching for treatment for poor mental health can often exacerbate their already deteriorating conditions.
Too many wait years to get off the NHS's therapy waitlist because they cannot afford up to £150 for one counseling session. Too many are misdiagnosed based on gendered stereotypes or suffer grueling side effects of drugs historically only tested on men.
Too many women are misunderstood.
Affordable therapy in London
Circe was born out of this crisis in U.K. women’s healthcare. Claudia Radu, the organization’s co-founder and CEO, created Circe to be the alternative therapy solution she wished had existed for her during the many years she battled anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Made by and for women, Circe dares to imagine a world where “mental health is accessible and equitable, breaking the vicious circle where poverty worsens mental health.” We offer women-focused therapy as an alternative to NHS therapy, but at a fraction of private counseling’s costs.
For £20-30 per session, Circe provides women therapy in groups of 6-12, matched based on factors such as specific mental health symptoms, life stages and life experiences. Our groups center around issues such as trauma, postnatal depression, reproductive health, workplace stress and more.
If you are a woman struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress or burnout, Circe wants to hear from you. To find which one of our groups best fits your needs, head on over to hello-circe.com and take our short two-minute quiz.
But why is women’s group therapy important?
Group therapy has been found to be as effective as individual therapy in treating a host of mental health conditions, and has been found to be even more effective for issues of shame, stigma or isolation.
Here at Circe, we know the power group therapy has in transforming lives. Our burdens are lightened when we share worries, discuss common challenges and receive encouragement from peers. Through group therapy, we alleviate the shame we may feel when mental health is internalized as an individual’s struggle.
As Claudia says, “women have always known that we’re not meant to go at it all alone.”
Here at Circe, we know women’s healthcare is non-negotiable. We plan to use what we learn from our launch to continue expanding and growing, in hopes of influencing research, policy and clinical practice so that the U.K.’s disastrous gender health gap can one day close for good.
We hope you’ll join us.
FAQS
Is group therapy actually effective?
Yes. Studies show that even very brief group cognitive-based therapy sessions are significantly effective in improving depression, anxiety, self-esteem and overall mental health. They also show that group and individual therapy have similar effectiveness in reducing suicidal ideation.
Why choose group therapy over private counselling?
Private counselling in the U.K. typically costs between £60-£200 a session and is thus unaffordable long-term for the average U.K. resident. Group therapy is also more effective than private therapy at reducing stigma and fostering solidarity in community.
Why shouldn’t I just use the NHS instead of group therapy?
NHS care can be unpredictable, with the waitlist for therapy ranging from 6 weeks to more than 18 months. Additionally, NHS therapy sessions are limited in number and less personalized for mild to moderate conditions.
Will I still get professional guidance in group therapy?
Yes. Circe’s sessions are led by licensed U.K therapists with significant experience in mental health services work.
What if I’m nervous about sharing in front of others?
That’s totally normal! Our experienced counsellor will be there to guide you from your initial unfamiliarity with the other group members to foster a cohesive, empathetic environment for you.
What if my problems feel “too personal” for a group?
Remember that your group sessions will be centered around at least one shared experience, meaning that your fellow members are likely having similar thoughts, feelings and problems to you. In sharing, you may find that the problem you thought was too personal is actually nothing new under the sun. However, if you still don't feel ready to share just yet, there is never any pressure to speak.
Is what I say confidential in therapy groups?
100%. Your counsellor and fellow group members will be under strict confidentiality agreements to ensure what you say during your session stays within the session. You will also be responsible for keeping your group members' testimonies confidential.
Is group therapy for women suitable if I’m working full-time or juggling family life?
Yes. Circe’s group therapy sessions are once a week online, meaning you will be able to join them from the convenience of your own home at a time that is suitable for you.
Do I need a diagnosis or referral to join Circe’s group therapy?
No. All you need to do is sign up for our services online, and you’re in! Circe believes you when you say you are depressed, anxious, struggling with ADHD, stressed or just in need of help.
How quickly can I start with group therapy at Circe?
There is no waiting list - once you sign up, you will be able to schedule your first scoping call at your convenience.
Curious to know what a typical group therapy session might look like? Read our step-by-step walkthrough on what you should expect when you attend your first session.
About the author: Sreejita Patra
Sreejita Patra is an American journalist and prospective masters student who joined Circe via the University of Westminster in London. She has long been interested in the intersections between mental health and public policy, and has won awards for her reporting on mental health in elderly communities. Patra spends her free time traveling, reading, writing or exploring restaurants and galleries. You can reach her at sreejitapatra11@gmail.com or on Linkedin with any questions, concerns or pitches for her future articles.