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Time to re-think how we meet?
Kevin Foster • July 6, 2020
What is the new normal?
The COVID-19 pandemic has made us all re-think what is or isn't the 'New Normal'. We have all been thrown a curve-ball, and had to quickly change to different ways of working, which previously perhaps we thought were not possible.
I have been mulling these changes over in the last weeks and months. The need to offer counselling and coaching remotely, was a a mere thought over the past couple of years. However, with very little choice, it is now up and running - and running successfully. We have all had to adapt very quickly and be adept and making it work - for all of us.
Remote appointments seem so much more flexible and with the right setting seem much more convenient for many (although not all). It allows more time in the day or evening. Perhaps, we have more free time at present. The easing down of restrictions, and time will tell.
Now this appears to be the 'new-normal'. Hopefully there will be no slip back into the old ways before COVID lockdown.
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From many conversations I have been involved in, there seems to be a drop of the 'cliff-face' of new referrals for clients to counselling and coaching since the start of the COVID-19 lockdown. What might this be saying? Are we all happier? Are we just managing to cope? Are there too many other things to worry about? Whatever the reasons, it clear to see that there is a huge decrease in referrals, particularly for counselling. Not being able to meet in a face-to-face setting may not be suitable for all. Yet, remote online conversations and meetings, such as via ZOOM, Skype, MS Teams, have increased exponentially in this time. Remote sessions are not the same, and yet they can work equally as well and in some instances can make it a lot easier - with not time travel, greater flexibility, and the like. There is a hesitancy to return to the previous face-to-face way of working. The health and safety of clients attending is a major concern. The practicality of a room setting. The complications of travelling, especially by public travel or in large urban areas, can render this too complex, or nigh on impossible. Many companies and organisations provide work placement health and well-being options, through EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) schemes. Perhaps employees are not signalling their worries or concerns at present? Perhaps through remote/home working environments, line managers are not sensing underlying issues they might have if they were meeting regularly with staff. No doubt there is many complicated questions and answers to be found.
Overview There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It is often a matter of when is it convenient for you. So what is counselling? Counselling falls under the umbrella term of ‘talking therapies’. It is a safe and confidential space to talk with a professional. The term can mean different things to different people. In general it is a process where you may want to change something in your life or simply explore your thoughts or feelings in more depth. It allows you the opportunity to discuss any problems, difficulties, or emotional feelings you may experiencing. Perhaps it is holding you back from moving forward in life, or simply you wish to understand yourself a little better, hoping to make life a little better. Your counsellor will encourage you to talk about what is bothering you. Working together, both you and your counsellor, will try to uncover any root causes and identify your specific ways of thinking. Hopefully helping to create a plan of action and find different ways of coping in the future. Counselling is generally offered in a number of formats, the key ones, being: Face-to-face: involves talking to your counsellor in person, either individually or in groups. Until now this has been one of the most popular therapy formats. However, this has been changing over the years and certainly most recently during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online: involves talking to your counsellor online (e.g. via ZOOM or Skype) instead of in person. Telephone: involves talking to your counsellor over the phone instead of in person. Online or Telephone: involves talking to your counsellor remotely online or by phone. It can offer more flexibility and be particularly useful for those unable to attend face-to-face sessions. It can be carried out in the comfort of your own home, although a confidential room or space is required. Types of Therapy There are many different types of therapy available. The key therapies broadly offered these days are: Person-centred, Humanistic; Gestalt; Jungian; Psychodynamic and Psychoanalytic. This is not an exhaustive list. It is more important for you to find someone you can connect with and feel a good relationship will work for you. Initial and On-going sessions/meetings Many counsellors offer initial discussions before any formal meetings. Some may offer this as FREE initial consultations, whereas some may charge a fee. The initial discussion is a way for you (as the client) and the counsellor (as the therapist) to identify the initial areas of concern, hopes or expectations from the work your are looking for. If suitable, agreed dates and times, fees charged, can be arranged for what are generally regular weekly sessions. The sessions can focus and work towards the goals you require. Many counsellors will do regular check-ins to gauge how progress is going and make any necessary adaptions if necessary.
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