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Is therapy/counselling an essential meeting?

18 replies

BuckingFrolics · 19/03/2020 09:27

Are people still seeing their counsellors? Would you, if you did see one, still go?

I'm not sure about going to mine, partly as I can't see how he can get his headspace clear to work, partly sitting opposite each other in a small room isn't sensible, partly because I have nothing to say other than "arrrgh!

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LangClegsInSpace · 19/03/2020 09:28

DD's getting her sessions through skype, is that a possibility?

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GreenBottleTops · 19/03/2020 09:29

I’ve had some Skype sessions, bit odd, but better than nothing maybe. I wouldn’t be making a trip to see anyone in person you don’t have too though

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keentohelp · 19/03/2020 09:31

My therapist is now holding all sessions over the phone- it's the only responsible thing to do I think.

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MajesticWol · 19/03/2020 09:31

For a lot of people, yes counselling is essential. I’m a counsellor working face to face for now (I’m lucky to have a big room) but am transitioning clients that want to across to telephone and online working. I’ve had to do extra training to take this temporary measure so it’s taken a bit of time. I still expect to see son of my clients face to face for a few days, but after that who knows?

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MajesticWol · 19/03/2020 09:31

*some, not son

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Orangecake123 · 19/03/2020 09:33

I've always seen my therapist on skype.

I won't be travelling anywhere I don't have to and he sent an email to all his clients telling them that this was also available.

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MajesticWol · 19/03/2020 11:10

But if you do decide not to attend your sessions, PLEASE contact your counsellor to say so. Your choice will be respected. It’s very upsetting and can be costly to be sitting in a room waiting for someone who never shows.

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viccat · 19/03/2020 11:15

The counselling and psychotherapy professional bodies (BACP, UKCP etc.) have issued guidelines about this, I think many have changed over to phone/online sessions now.

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Valkadin · 19/03/2020 11:16

My nhs psychotherapist did a telephone consultation for me a few days ago.

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LaneBoy · 19/03/2020 11:20

I did go to one on Monday, I see her roughly once a month. I did see it as absolutely essential - I have been in MH crisis for months and I was very aware that this would be my last chance for a long time. However I am not booking any for a while now - having to then cancel, and being anxious about it for weeks, would be worse for me than not having one in the first place. She was very understanding of that and although she prefers face to face, as do I, is happy to consider phone or Skype sessions.

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LaneBoy · 19/03/2020 11:23

I’m going to try and arrange my psychiatrist appt to be by phone though, I can’t not have it because I won’t get another prescription otherwise (I’m titrating dose still so it’s not on repeat or managed by my GP yet)

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inwood · 19/03/2020 11:27

Should be phone / online. Hopefully you still get the support you need.

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Etinox · 19/03/2020 11:31

Phone online works well. It’s different but not worse.

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Duckingell · 19/03/2020 11:36

DS sees a counsellor fortnightly. He's been forewarned that the next session will probably be over the telephone.

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caulkheaded · 19/03/2020 11:37

Ask your therapist about it. If they are UKCP/BACP they have had guidance. If they aren’t with a professional body it’s worth questioning with them why!

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ifonly4 · 19/03/2020 11:39

Phone and discuss it with him. My DH works and does voluntary counselling. He'd be happy to do a telephone session.

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BuckingFrolics · 19/03/2020 19:51

Thanks - yes we did it by phone and it was different. Not bad, just different I love my counsellor

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Etinox · 20/03/2020 13:15

That’s brilliant @BuckingFrolics

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