This is no doubt that we are in the most troubling times and we are certainly living through history that was not envisaged even a few weeks ago. Many of us will cope due to our resources, robustness and support network. Others will struggle because of the trauma they have previously encountered leading to maladjusted coping mechanisms which can often be described as addictions.
In counselling, I encounter many people whose lives are troubled whether through addiction or other forms of self-harm and their emotional pain is clear to see. Approaches such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) empower individuals to rationalise and seek evidence regarding their current situation rather then deal with irrational beliefs driven perhaps driven by emotional turmoil they currently perceive surrounds them.
Dealing with thoughts, behaviours, emotions and physical feelings CBT can provide a clearer picture and a route forward. A short number of sessions with goals agreed by the you and myself focusing on an immediate problem can be a very successful way of dealing with issues of anxiety or low self-esteem. CBT is recommended by NICE (National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence) for a number of conditions which include addiction, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder chronic fatigue, behavioural difficulties and anxiety disorders in children, chronic pain, sleep difficulties and anger management
With CBT in particular, I believe that there is a great opportunity to reframe to a more positive experience where the client and counsellor engage towards agreed solutions and timeframes. The latest statistics show that only around 20% of men seek counselling, the common reason often given as “do not have the time”. In this frantic changed world where a completely changed world may have been been one of the key issues, Skype, Face Time or Zoom can be the solution providing counselling when and where you are available. BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) list the advantages as convenience, cost-effectiveness and particularly for now face to face sessions are not possible. The BACP do recommend that the therapist should be trained, supervised and accountable with qualifications that can be checked against a list held by a mainstream organisation such as the BACP.
If you are interested, or even just thinking about how counselling or performance coaching may help you, do not hesitate to contact me – I offer a free online consultation to discuss your issues and how you want to move forward.