Social distancing has driven a wedge between counsellors and their clients. The personal nature of what we do often needs us to ‘share space’ as we help our clients to understand what is happening to them in their world.
The ability to hold personal consultations has gone, for now, but a client’s need for support and help has not. For the time being many of my clients have chosen to put our work ‘on-hold’. They all know I am available and how to get hold of me, and I ‘check-in’ with them from time to time. The length of the social distancing lock-down is presently unknown and it may be that consultations with some clients will be needed over the telephone. I have had training in how to do this effectively by Anxiety UK.
I want everyone who needs counselling in Basingstoke and North Hampshire to know that just because face-to-face consultations are not possible, that help is not available. I’m sure that I speak for all counsellors when I say we are aware our skills are needed even more now, at this difficult time. Relationships, money, employment, family all of the things that can trigger poor mental health are coming under strain at the moment.
To anybody who is feeling vulnerable there is help and support out there:
Guidance on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of Coronavirus
MIND – Coronavirus, we’re here for you
I would urge anybody who is struggling to heed one piece of advice, do not bottle up what you are feeling. You are not alone and you are not the only one feeling like you do at the moment. You can access the support advice above, but if you just feel the need to reach out, you can get hold of me on 07500 770463 or email debs.wallace@harmonybasingstoke.co.uk
Debs Wallace MBACP (Accred.)
Harmony Counselling
April 2020
