Fitting in counselling/MH support

[Dontknowowt]

For those of you that work ft/near ft with other commitments e.g. young children and have been recommended the above, when do you fit it in?
I work 8.30-4pm and my hours can't be changed/are not flexible.

Many counsellors will work flexibly - evenings/weekends when required, although their rate may increase slightly.

Contact local counsellors in your area and see if any would be willing to see you outside of those times

I go in late one day a week but I know my therapist does work until 7pm for some clients who can't do days. He charges slightly more for it but again he is flexible. His advertised rate is £50 to £80, the £80 being for slots after 6pm but he charges me £40 because my income dropped drastically with covid. A lot of counsellors do sliding scales and evening sessions if you ask. They won't always advertise this as they get people taking the piss but a lot offer it.

Thank you. I've found a great counsellor but she doesn't work weekends frustratingly. Also I can't afford to pay extra for the privilege as I work pretty much minimum wage

Therapy over the phone could be an option too, depending on the nature of the treatment required. This saves no end of time.

As above a lot to counsellors can do evenings and not charge extra. Check out the Counselling Directory for counsellors in your area.

Or have a look if there are any local counselling charities near by.

I work in the NHS full time and I have counselling once a week from 8-9am. I have agreed this with work and I'll have half an hour lunch break instead of an hour and will work a bit later that day to make up the time.
You are entitled to look after your mental health needs.
I speak to the consultant psychiatrist online at work in my lunch break once a month too in a quiet room I book beforehand.
If work didn't give me this I'd be off sick all the time so it's for everyones benefit in the end.

My sessions are NHS so I don't pay.

@Dontknowowt

For those of you that work ft/near ft with other commitments e.g. young children and have been recommended the above, when do you fit it in? I work 8.30-4pm and my hours can't be changed/are not flexible.

I also work 8-4 and can't change my hours (I work in a school). I have had counselling on the NHS previously but that was when I was at sixth form so could be seen during the working day, so I'm not sure whether the NHS counsel for service could be flexible or not, but it's worth asking.

I have a private counsellor now and she is very flexible. I have weekly sessions at 5:30pm so have time to get home from work and shower

@Shehasadiamondinthesky Ah that's good of your employers.
Taking any time out is very difficult in education and there is an inflexibility in working hours. I kind of understand why as we only work term-time, but it does make life tricky.
I only get half hour for lunch as is and no option of starting later or finishing earlier as of course work revolves around the school day.
I'm currently trying to fit it in on my day off, but it's putting pressure on everything else so tbh I'm not sure whether to keep going or not?

Why would you not have treatment if it is needed. That is no good for anyone in your household.

What are the other things it's putting pressure on? Is this something you could discuss at your counselling, the pressure you feel?

Could they do it by zoom or similar?

@accentdusoleil I'm sure she could but I don't have childcare for my baby on my day off (she is with my mum four days a week).
I can't ask my mum to have her for a fifth day as I already feel she's doing more than she should, bless her!

Ah yes. Fair enough. What about early evening like 430 or 5pm if you back home in time ?

Or a lunch time session ?

Not very likely but you never know.

@accentdusoleil The thing is I'll have the baby then (hubby doesn't finish until 6pm) and I only have 30 mins lunch (if nothing has kicked off ha ha!!)

If on zoom, could the baby not sit in bouncy chair / playpen etc where you can see him/ her?

@accentdusoleil She's one and walking.

If your mum and s already doing 4 days a week... couldn’t you ask her to keep baby for an extra hr on one of those particular days to allow time for your counselling. Do your phone call from your car if you must then collect after. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind one extra hour to if it is for the benefit of your mental health.

@Ridingalong Thank you, I'll see if my counsellor can do a time after work. I just hate putting on my mum though - I try to get home as soon as possible after I've finished so I can pick up my daughter!
I'm barely eating again though which is a sign I'm starting to struggle so I know it's important to try to get seen.

[quote Dontknowowt]@Shehasadiamondinthesky Ah that's good of your employers.
Taking any time out is very difficult in education and there is an inflexibility in working hours. I kind of understand why as we only work term-time, but it does make life tricky.
I only get half hour for lunch as is and no option of starting later or finishing earlier as of course work revolves around the school day.
I'm currently trying to fit it in on my day off, but it's putting pressure on everything else so tbh I'm not sure whether to keep going or not?[/quote]
Yes you should carry on even if other things have to make way for it. Your mental health is more important.
If I'm feeling rough I look after myself and the housework, admin, family, hobbies have to take a back seat.