After care- Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Emergency Services: For urgent mental health support in Croydon, specifically for aftercare following therapy.
If you need urgent help but it's not an emergency:
Call the 24-hour mental health crisis line at 0800 731 2864 and choose option 1.
For urgent help outside of office hours:
Contact South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust's Crisis Line at 0800 028 8000.
Therapy Aftercare: Reflecting & Integrating Between Sessions
Therapy doesn’t end when the session does. Much of the healing and insight continues to unfold in the
days that follow. Here are some gentle practices you can use to reflect, process, and care for yourself
between sessions:
1. 🖊 Journaling: Your Personal Space for Reflection
Record your thoughts and feelings: Write about what came up in the session—emotions, insights, or
moments that stood out.
Track your journey: Note any changes, challenges, or breakthroughs since your last appointment.
Prepare for future sessions: Revisiting your entries can help you identify themes or questions you’d like
to explore further.
2. 💡 Identifying Key Takeaways
What stood out? Reflect on the main themes or ideas discussed in the session.
What did you learn about yourself? Consider any new insights, emotional patterns, or realisations.
What strategies were mentioned? Think about how you can gently apply them to your everyday life.
3. 🔄 Integrating Insights into Daily Life
Set small, achievable goals: Identify one or two simple steps you can take based on the session.
Practice grounding techniques: Try breathing exercises, mindfulness, or quiet moments to stay present.
Use creative expression: Painting, journaling, or music can help you process emotions non-verbally.
4. 💖 Self-Care and Emotional Processing
Engage in calming activities: A warm bath, time in nature, or reading a comforting book can help you
reset.
Be gentle with yourself: Therapy can be emotionally deep. It’s okay to feel raw or unsettled at times.
Give yourself time: Allow space for thoughts and emotions to settle. There’s no need to rush.
5. 🤝 Seeking Support
Share with your therapist: Bring your reflections, notes, or questions into your next session.
Reach out if needed: If you're feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to talk to someone you trust or seek
additional support from peers or a group.
✨ Therapy is a journey, not a quick fix. Each step you take between sessions is part of your healing. Be
proud of the courage it takes to show up for yourself.
Drink plenty of still water over the next 24 hours following treatment. (This can assist your body to flush out toxins that are released from your body).
If you feel tired, rest as much as possible.
Avoid heat treatments (bath, sauna etc) for at least 24 hours.
Avoid sunbeds or the sun if certain oils have been used (phototoxicity).
Avoid strenuous activity or exercise for the rest of the day after treatment or for at least 24 hours.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot spicy food for at least 12 hours.
After Care Advice - Body Massage Treatments
FOLLOWING YOUR MASSAGE TREATMENT, YOU MAY EXPERIENCE OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS SOME OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS:
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Cold-like symptoms
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Hot and increased sweating
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Stuffy, blocked or runny nose
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Heightened emotions – high or low
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Sleepy & fatigued or deeply relaxed
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Irritable
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Energised
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Temporary worsening of symptoms
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Increased thirst
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Increased urination
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Sounder sleep
You may experience a headache and/or dizziness due to improved circulation but this will only be temporary.
Soreness and tenderness on areas worked on during your massage.
Be careful when walking or driving after massage ensuring you recover sufficiently.
N.B. In the unlikely event that you experience any severe pain or discomfort, please seek advice from your GP.
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