When do you think counsellors will be back open?

[Nottherealslimshady]

I know they're doing video and phone calls but that really doesn't work for me and I really need to get in. Dont want to ask the councellor because it seems pushy and I imagine, like us, he'll just say he doesn't know and it'll be when the government says it's safe to do so and all that. But I haven't seen it on the governments plan to reopen and I'm worried it'll be lumped in with like beauty and hairdressers?
Just want a general consensus.
And I know it's not an aibu, sorry, just want more answers.

[AmNot]

Won't be any time soon. And I anticipate a future move towards more MH services offering remote input anyway and face to face only for high risk service users of community MH services.

[YouokHun]

I’m not a counsellor, I’m a CBT therapist but the instructions are pretty much the same. My professional body is advising us to stay working online (in private practice) for a while and I’m assuming that I’ll be working online and reviewing it at the end of July, but it’s likely to be September before I see anyone face to face. In the NHS I’m working online only for the foreseeable.

Your counsellor should have a professional body who will be advising him in a similar way if he’s in private practice. It might be dependent on his working space too; my therapy room is small and it would be impossible to Social distance so that’s definitely going to delay my return to face to face. If he’s got a palatial practice room it might be easier.
I appreciate what you’re saying about online counselling OP but would it be better than no contact at all?

[Nottherealslimshady]

Aw I hope not, I really dont like video calling, I just cant relax and it's not guaranteed to be private. I don't want my husband overhearing what I'm talking to my councellor about :/

[YouokHun]

Yes tricky OP. Privacy is an issue and it’s something we therapists are having to think through, the problem of the home set up and online privacy depending on the system used, Skype, FaceTime, Zoom etc.

Some of my clients have an iPad so they can find a private corner and we work via FaceTime but it is tricky if you’re trying to communicate on the fixed family computer. Can you video call via a mobile phone; small screen but easier to hide away. I don’t know your set up but does your DH understand that you’ve a right to privacy or is it that you’re all in lockdown and on top of one another?

[Nottherealslimshady]

@youokhun my husband's pretty good about it but we are obviously in close confines at the moment and I think I'd be anxious about listening for him walking about or trying to say things that he would "approve of" or not saying things about him if you know what I mean?
I'm new to it, did try it years ago but I just couldn't talk to the woman I was assigned through NHS so didn't go back. I've had a few issues lately and I've been very suicidal so I contacted a private councellor so its not even like I know him and feel comfortable with him already. Just worried by the time it comes around I'll be too scared again

[TeenPlusTwenties]

Our counsellor is offering socially distanced but face to face for those who prefer it. She says it is allowed as medical need.

[CHIRIBAYA]

My supervisor has started work with clients face-to-face in line with recommendations from the BACP. If you are thinking of E-therapy make sure your therapist is suitably trained and that the contract adequately reflects this line of work.

[YouokHun]

@Nottherealslimshady totally understand your concerns and you do need to speak freely In your counselling.

If you have active plans or intentions to harm yourself and by that I mean active formulated plans (methods, timing) then you really must get immediate support; call your GP and be brutally honest with them or present yourself at A&E for assessment as there is help. There is some useful advice on the Samaritans website and also on MIND’s website About dealing with suicidal thoughts. Also if there is any physical reason for psychological difficulties or a need for diagnosis then it is best to see your GP anyway (you may have done all this already but I mention it because a counsellor is not qualified in that area and might not be quite the right sort of help or may miss other reasons for your problems - again, I don’t know your circumstances).

If you have a mobile phone it might be worth speaking to a support service who will listen to your problems like the Samaritans and allow you to do some unburdening at least while you wait for face to face counselling.

With any therapy or counselling the relationship between the therapist and client is a significant factor in how therapy goes, though it is possible to have very effective help without “liking” the therapist, though trust is important. Any therapist should understand if you feel you want to change because you don’t feel comfortable so find another person if you want to. If you’re looking for a private counsellor try and find one that is accredited by the BACP as it will indicate that they’ve had lots of supervised hours of practice which is a good starting point. We therapists recognise that it takes a lot to come and speak about things that even those closest don’t know about or to talk about innermost worries or hopelessness and we develop a non judgemental regard for anyone we see; in fact it’s an honour and a privilege to do this work so try not to feel frightened about having help. I think it might be worth getting some free telephone support for now, to keep you going and hopefully using a phone you can go somewhere private.

Feel free to pm me and I can give you some suitable services in your area which are free.

[Nottherealslimshady]

@youokhun thank you , that's very kind. I've been to gp before but they just want to medicate and I cant bring myself to it.

Fortunately, no matter how I feel, I'm not really getting any alone time atm (is anyone)!

I really appreciate the help and information.

[joan12]

I have my sessions on the phone in my parked car. Several times a week psychoanalysis. Not what I would like, but better than nothing at present.

[joan12]

Should mention the reason that is different is that we are never face to face. I am always on the couch. For my own patients, some of whom are face to face, those I've seen for a long time have coped better with the hopefully temporary move to phone or video. And I work very hard to support the newer patients to engage because I understand what you are saying op 💐