FAQs: Frequently asked questions about the Oxfordshire Complex Needs Service

Would I have to come off all my medication to come to the Complex Needs Service (CNS)?

No. Psychotropic medication (medicine that changes your mental state) such as antidepressants, antipsychotics and mood stabilisers are fine. Once you are in the intensive treatment part of the service (TC or spokes) we will look with you at which are continuing to be useful; many people do reduce or stop their medication during treatment but by no means all. Tranquillisers, such as Valium (diazepam) would need to be stopped while you are in the Options group; we can help you with this. There is a leaflet available entitled ‘Medication and alcohol/drugs policy in the Complex Needs Service’ which sets this out in more detail.

Would I have to attend every day?

What about people who work or with childcare responsibilities?

The Oxford service runs daily 9.30 to 3, which generally leaves enough time to drop off and pick up school age children. The Banbury, Wallingford and Witney services are part time and many people attending these will be working part time or have younger children.

Is it all group work?

Initially you will meet with an individual or with two staff; the Oxford Options and Spoke Options Groups are then an introduction to group work. Once you are comfortable in the groups, this is where therapy occurs. In general we have found that groupwork enables people to work on and shift more difficult issues that have often remained problematic after individual therapy. However if you want to speak to someone about individual therapy we can give you details of Psychological Services in Oxfordshire.

Will attending CNS put my benefits at risk?

For most people, no. If there is an issue with benefits then members of the Community will assist you in resolving any problems that arise, and the member of staff you meet when you first come can also put you in contact with someone who will be able to help. There are people in the programme on all types of benefits.

Would I have to talk about past abuse if I came to the service?

For some people this is important, for others less so. If you feel you have dealt with this you may be able to make progress without dealing with it further. The important thing is to be willing to think about where your remaining difficulties may be coming from.

Would I have to give up all my destructive behaviours? Self harm, excessive drinking, drugs and so on.

If you are doing things that put yourself at risk or make you feel bad about yourself we will help you think about these and their effect on you, as well as why you might be tempted to do them. This is an area to work on if you join the CNS. We would help you work towards changing them, rather than demand you stop them.

Is there any support after the 18 months in therapy?

There is an active ‘Next Steps’ programme as well as a social group for people who have finished therapy with the CNS.  Ex members also get involved in training professionals. Please see the leaflet entitled ‘Tier IV: the moving on group’ and ‘STARS’.

Would I lose my Community Mental Health Team/CPN/Social worker if I joined the CNS?

Care transfers from a Community Mental Health Team (if you have one) to the CNS three months after you join one of the intensive therapy parts of the service (Hub or Spokes). So while you are deciding if this is for you care should continue as normal.

I am addicted to alcohol or street drugs, could I still come?

You can join one of the preparatory (Oxford and Spoke Options) groups even before you start to tackle these kinds of problem, although you won’t be able to attend while under the influence, or bring alcohol or drugs onto the premises. We will help you get your use of alcohol under control, and stop drug use, in order to join the therapy groups. The member of staff you meet initially will also be able to point you in the direction of other services that can help if you feel you need it.

Can I have psychotherapy or psychological treatment elsewhere at the same time as attending the Complex Needs Service?

You can be a member of an Options group while you are having therapy elsewhere, but before you join the intensive therapy part of the service (the therapeutic community and spoke services) other therapy will need to come to an end.

Do I need to persuade my GP or psychiatrist to refer me?

You can refer yourself by calling, writing or emailing; contact details are on this website. We recommend that you discuss your thoughts about this with any professionals you are currently seeing.

Is the Complex Needs service only for people with personality disorder?

Some of the people we work with suffer from personality disorder. You do not have to suffer from personality disorder to come to the CNS. This is a controversial area – please pick up the leaflet entitled ‘What is personality disorder’ for more details.

GLOSSARY

Complex Needs: This is a term we use for people with complicated lives, who often have difficulties with relationships, and tend to suffer long term emotional and interpersonal problems.

CNS: Complex Needs Service.

Options groups: There are four of these, based in Banbury, Oxford, Wallingford and Witney. Each is linked to an intensive therapeutic programme (TC and Spoke services), and members of the Options group would normally move on to the intensive therapy part of the service in the same location.

Spoke services: these are situated in Banbury, Wallingford and Witney, and consist of two groups a week, each taking between one and a half and two and a half hours. There are occasional additional individual sessions, and members attend for 18 months. They run along therapeutic community lines.

Therapeutic community (TC): Also known as the Hub service, this is the five day programme, based at Manzil Way in Oxford. The programme consists of various groups, and runs 9.30 to 3pm Monday to Friday, finishing early on Wednesday at 12.30pm.