Talking Therapies : SilverCloud online therapy programmes
Overview
SilverCloud provides cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in the form of an online programme, accessed through an app or website, and one-to-one support from a therapist.
CBT will help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours with the goal of making changes that will improve your wellbeing.
These programmes are designed to help you understand your situation, recognise signs and symptoms of common difficulties, and learn practical ways to improve your mood and wellbeing.
We have programmes to treat a wide range of common difficulties, including:
- feeling low or lacking motivation
- trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep
- worry, overwhelm, or panic attacks
- avoiding everyday situations that are upsetting or worrying
- low mood or worries related to the challenges of living with a physical health problem such as diabetes or heart disease
SilverCloud is a great option for people with busy lifestyles as you will be able to access the course content and complete tasks and activities at a time that suits you. You can bookmark your favourite spaces to return to later and your therapist can add personalised and interactive elements to your programme such as relaxation and breathing exercises to practice at home. You can then note your progress in your SilverCloud journal or use other tools to track progress.
Your therapist will review your progress every two weeks to check how you’re doing and guide your treatment. At the end of your treatment you will work with your therapist to plan the next steps to maintain the gains you have made.
Each programme takes between 6-12 weeks to complete and you will usually have up to six review sessions.
You can access SilverCloud for a further nine months to recap on the tools and techniques you have learned.
Accessing this treatment
To access this therapy you need to complete a wellbeing assessment with NHS Berkshire Talking Therapies, and be offered this treatment by one of our therapists. You may be offered a different treatment if we find another therapy or service is better suited to your needs.
You can refer yourself to NHS Berkshire Talking Therapies for a wellbeing assessment by completing our online form.
Download the app
To use SilverCloud, you will need a reliable internet connection and access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer that can play videos with sound. We recommend you download the SilverCloud app to your smartphone or tablet for the best experience.
You will only be able to use the app once we have set you up on our system.
Progress reviews with your therapist
You can choose whether you want your regular progress reviews to take place online or via a phone or video call.
Online reviews are more flexible as you do not need to be available for an appointment. Your therapist will log in and review your progress on the programme and send you feedback, guidance notes, and prompts to support your recovery in your SilverCloud journal.
If you prefer to have direct contact with your therapist, your review sessions can be held by phone or video call. These sessions are usually 30 minutes long, but this can be changed if needed.
Ask your therapist if at any time during treatment you feel you would prefer to switch to online, phone, or video.
If you have chosen to have reviews by phone or video call, you will need to have a quiet, private space where you can join the call without interruptions or distractions, such as driving or care giving.
Frequently asked questions
Who will be delivering my SilverCloud reviews?
You will be working with Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) who is a therapist registered with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) or the British Psychological Society (BPS).
This includes qualified therapists and trainees working towards their postgraduate certificate.
Will I be asked about my childhood or past experiences?
This treatment is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which focuses on the challenges you are currently facing and the patterns in your thoughts, beliefs and behaviours that may be reinforcing them.
Unlike other types of therapy or counselling, that focus on the childhood or past causes of your current beliefs, SilverCloud online programmes offer practical techniques and approaches to help you manage current symptoms.
What should I do if I need more time before my next online review?
If you need longer between two reviews, e.g. if you are going on holiday, you can let your therapist know by leaving a message on your SilverCloud journal or by emailing them directly, giving as much notice as possible and at least 48 hours. You can also inform our admin team, who will pass on a message to your therapist.
I’m already registered, how do I get access?
Once you have registered with us and set up your SilverCloud account, you can access your account by downloading the SilverCloud Health app and entering your login details.
You can also access your account on the SilverCloud platform.
What should I do when my account is coming to an end?
You will get an email to remind you that your access is about to come to an end, with guidance on how you download your materials.
What happens if I don't like my programme?
If there is anything about your treatment and support that you feel isn’t quite right for you, speak to your therapist or leave a message for them in your SilverCloud journal to let them know, and they can work with you to explore your treatment options.
More about Talking Therapies
If your question isn’t answered here, you can find additional FAQs about Talking Therapies on our service page.
Resources
SilverCloud digital mental health and wellbeing platform
Support to stay well after your treatment
At the end of your treatment, you can join our online platform called SHaRON (Support Hope and Recovery Resources Online Network).
This is a secure online space for you to connect with others who are on a similar treatment journey and help you maintain the gains made during therapy and stay well.
When you log in, you’ll be able to find support resources such as forums, videos and blogs.
During office hours, you can also use The Wall to talk to peers and to our moderating team, which includes experienced clinicians, former patients, and volunteers, who can provide real-time commentary and support.
It can also be used by relatives and carers who are supporting a friend or relative with their needs.
Ask your therapist to help you get started.