In the summertime...

Due to the pandemic, the idea of a long summer break may not have the same appeal as last year.

If you've been shielding, working from home, studying at home, home-educating your children, you may be longing to get away for a change of scene and a breath of fresh air. If this is not possible, a stay-at-home summer may feel daunting.

Some of us are finding it hard to re-energise.

In the current pandemic many of us are finding it hard to re-energise. So what can we do to take care of our mental health this summer?

Perhaps, instead of taking the view that our world has become a smaller place due to Lockdown, we can take a closer look at what is within our reach and discover a world previously overlooked.

If this feels difficult and you're feeling overwhelmed, talking things through with a counsellor can help.

Take care to take care of your mental health.

The following links may be helpful:

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus/coming-out-of-lockdown

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/jul/12/the-summer-of-stress-how-to-cope-with-fear-and-uncertainty-in-a-pandemic

e-counselling: the new face-2-face?

Like so many other services most talking therapies have gone online during Lockdown. The word is that this could be the new norm for some time to come.

But online counselling isn't something new. Sometimes referred to as e-counselling, it has been readily available since the nineties. It is thanks to the wonders of modern technology that counselling support is available to us virtually around the clock.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with e-counselling, it refers to all counselling services delivered via the internet, such as video calling, email, chat/messaging. Of course, voice calls can be made online, too, although a distinction is sometimes made between telephone and e-counselling.

Video counselling is being offered as an alternative to face-2-face sessions.

Due to Lockdown many therapy rooms remain closed and counsellors have focused on expanding their e-counselling services to meet the current need. Video counselling is being offered as an alternative to face-2-face sessions.

While it is generally agreed that face-2-face counselling is beneficial, some of us, who have switched from face-2-face to e-counselling during Lockdown and are new to video or telephone counselling are appreciating the convenience as well as the effectiveness of e-counselling.

Some of us are appreciating the convenience as well as the effectiveness of e-counselling.

Points in its favour may include:

• accessing counselling is fairly easy, wherever you're located, as no travel is involved.

• the time saved by not needing to travel could make all the difference as to whether or not you can fit counselling into your schedule.

• you don't have to limit yourself to choosing from counsellors in your area.

• scheduling appointments is often easier when the counsellor does not have to access a therapy room.

• sessions may be more cost-effective as there are no travel costs involved and some counsellors offer a lower fee for e-counselling.

• you can be in your own setting.

• you may feel less inhibited than when meeting face-2-face

(this is sometimes referred to as disinhibition).

It is important to note that the last two points are not always favourable. It may be wise to consider:

• if you are not in a comfortable or safe setting and have little privacy, e-counselling may be difficult to manage.

• whether your counsellor expresses an awareness of disinhibition.

For telephone counselling, your counsellor needs to be skilled in working without observing body language and facial expression. Of course, e-mail counselling works outside of all the usual communications we expect from face-2-face.

In certain circumstances online counselling may not be appropriate, so it's important to explore if it suits your needs.

The following links may be helpful:

https://www.counsellingconnection.com/index.php/2010/01/21/3-advantages-of-online-counselling/

https://www.verywellmind.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-online-therapy-2795225

https://www.mentalhealthtoday.co.uk/heres-why-young-people-are-drawn-to-online-counselling

https://eac.eu.com/publications/online-counselling-2/

Lockdown: don't suffer in silence

As Lockdown continues to morph through its various stages, many of us are confused by the government's changing guidelines. Some of us find ourselves struggling to adapt to the rate of change. Media discussion around what is law and what is rumour is raising anxiety during what is already a tumultuous time.

The temptation to shield ourselves from the media onslaught is understandable. Indeed, it is perhaps advisable to be mindful of our media intake, to avoid being overwhelmed. At the same time, it is seems vital that we remain aware of the steps we must take to reduce the risk of contracting and/or transmitting Covid-19.

We have all had to adapt our daily routines.

Whilst we all have to deal with Lockdown, it's important to realise that we each have our own responses to it and our own ways of coping with the feelings that it evokes. We have all had to adapt our daily routines in order to work, exercise and socialise safely and, after many weeks, some of us are struggling to get through our days.

Counselling may help to address anxiety so that you are more able to navigate your way through this.

If you are finding Lockdown a challenge and you feel in need of support, it's okay to seek help. If you feel that you would benefit from professional support, there is help available during Lockdown. Many private practitioners and well-being services have expanded the offer of online counselling support whilst face-to-face services remain reduced or suspended.

The following links may be helpful:

https://www.bacp.co.uk/news/news-from-bacp/2020/13-may-speaking-to-a-counsellor-online-has-been-a-lifeline-during-lockdown/

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/useful-contacts/