Talking Therapies : SilverCloud online therapy programmes
Overview
SilverCloud provides cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as an online programme, which you can access 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.
Our programmes can 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, such as:
- 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 living with a physical health problem such as diabetes or heart disease
SilverCloud is a great option for people with busy lifestyles as you can access course content and complete tasks at a time that suits you.
You can bookmark your favourite spaces to return to later and your therapist can add personalised activities to your plan such as relaxation and breathing exercises to practice at home. You can then track and share your progress in your SilverCloud journal.
Your therapist will review your progress every two weeks and guide your treatment. At the end of your treatment you will work with your therapist to plan the next steps, so you can keep this momentum.
Each programme takes between 6 and 12 weeks to complete and you will usually have up to 6 review sessions.
You can access SilverCloud for a further 9 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 adding 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.
Watch our video on how to set up for SilverCloud success to make sure you get the most out of the app and your treatment.
Progress reviews with your therapist
Your progress reviews will usually take place online first. Online reviews are more flexible as you do not need to travel for an appointment.
Your therapist will log in and review your progress and send you feedback, guidance notes, and prompts to support your recovery in your SilverCloud journal.
In some situations, your therapist may offer a short telephone review call. These calls are focused check‑ins and are usually last for around 15 minutes.
If your needs change during treatment, your therapist will discuss the most appropriate way to support you.
Frequently asked questions
Who will be providing 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, because you're away on holiday for example, then you can let your therapist know by leaving a message on your SilverCloud journal or emailing them directly.
Please give at least 48 hours notice.
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 instructions on how to 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.