Talking Therapies and UHP’s Occupational Health, Counselling and Mental Health Team

The Occupational Health, Counselling and Mental Health Team (CMHT) consist of 6 Counsellors/Therapists and 1 Mental Health Advisor, based in Derriford Centre for Health and Wellbeing (DCHW).

Pictured (left to right): Claire Pethick, James Isserlis, John Hilsdon, Naheed Holmes, Nichola Woodward, Theresa Hartigan

We are a well-established and close-knit team, working together to provide a safe, compassionate, confidential and accessible range of counselling and therapeutic services, available to all Trust colleagues.

Like you, we have been busy this past twelve months with our Mental Health Advisor providing 381 appointments, whilst across the Counselling services we have provided 2128 therapeutic sessions in all.

Amongst the hustle and bustle of this time of year we recognise that some will feel sad and lonely, others may feel overwhelmed and exhausted… this is a time to look out for and support those who may be struggling; and to also think about our own needs, setting some time aside to look after ourselves.

The following link provides some useful advice for navigating the festivities.

Top tips for looking after your mental health at Christmas | Mental Health Foundation

As part of our role is to support good self-care, we try to practise what we preach, so our team will all be taking some time out over the festive period to reset and recharge. However, we will still be able to respond to your requests and self-referrals over the holiday season.

If you would like to contact us to either self-refer or have a question, please email us on

 plh-tr.OccHealth-StaffCounsellingTeam@nhs.net

Wishing you all a very peaceful Christmas.

OH, Counselling and Mental Health Team