Doncaster’s Talking Therapies mental health service has helped a needle-phobic NHS worker to overcome her fear and prepare for open-heart surgery.
Facing another major operation, 33-year-old Jess Needham, from Bawtry, knew she had to overcome her anxiety so she could cope better in hospital, and so she would be able to administer her own medication after the procedure.
The admin officer, who works for Doncaster Royal Infirmary, turned to Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust’s (RDaSH) Doncaster Talking Therapies for support to help tackle her phobia, and trauma which stemmed from being in and out of hospital as a child.
Jess accessed the specialist Doncaster Talking Therapies Long-term Conditions team, which supports people who are struggling with their mental health due to a physical health condition.
Since finishing her course of treatment, Jess has been able to inject her warfarin medication herself, before therapy, she couldn’t look at a picture of a needle or go near one.
Jess said: “It’s such a big achievement. Before, I would have had to book an appointment at the doctors, take a family member with me and have my medication and checks done there. Instead, I can now count to three, work through what I did in therapy and inject myself.
“Therapy has changed life for the better. I’m not having to book several appointments; I can do warfarin checks at home. I can prick my finger myself, and even that would scare me before. I no longer need as much support from my mum or dad, who used to have to hold my hand every time.”
Jess received her treatment from one of the service’s trainee cognitive behavioural therapists, Ayse Demir, trainees spend a year completing a post graduate course while working in clinical practice, making her one of Ayse’s first ever patients. Jess said: “She was absolutely incredible. I couldn’t have asked for a better therapist. It was great being one of her first therapy patients, I learned so much.”
“I would say, if you think you need some support, reach out. There are all sorts of different therapies. They will tailor it to you and your needs.”
Rachel Sharp, Doncaster Talking Therapies for Long-term Conditions Team Manager, said: “If you’re struggling with symptoms like low mood, worry or a phobia as a result of a physical health condition you have, please get in touch with us for some support.
“Our team can help you to learn to live well with your condition. That can include things like looking at pain management, learning to pace yourself and challenging some of your worries and beliefs.
“Doncaster Talking Therapies also offers support for those struggling with their mental health in general, whether you have a health condition or not. We understand asking for help can feel tough or overwhelming, so we have made it as easy as possible to self-refer either online or over the phone.”
Watch Jess Needham talking about her experience (opens in new window).
Talking Therapies offers a range of effective treatments, which are completely free and confidential.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with symptoms of common mental health conditions such as stress, depression, anxiety or a phobia, self-refer to Doncaster Talking Therapies or Doncaster Talking Therapies for Long-term Conditions via:
Published: March 31, 2025
Problem with this page?
Please tell us about any problems you have found with this web page.
Report a problem