Local Counsellor keeps pace with rising demand during lockdown

On 22 March 2020, our whole world changed. We learnt new words quickly…furlough, PPE, social distancing, zoom…. and for many, Zoom became a lifeline – a way to connect with friends, family and colleagues. And for therapists it became our only way of working.
I am one half of Scott’s Wood Therapy & Counselling. My partner Stuart Lambley (who also works at UCLan) and I set up the therapy practice about five years ago. We’ve been interested to see the increase in demand during Lockdown – for individual – and for couple counselling. People are desperate to be able to cope with all the new challenges.
“I found online therapy the same as a
face-to-face session as it allowed me to
engage with the therapist thanks to being able to see & hear her clearly.
It was from the comfort of my home.”
‘I started out by not liking Zoom at all,’ says Janet, a 53-year-old from Lytham. ’I wasn’t comfortable with technology. But I’m well into it now. Imagine Lockdown without computers!’
Couples counselling on Zoom (rather than in-person) was something new for me but once I saw the statistics on how Lockdown was affecting relationships I was determined to do it. On a personal note, two couples I know decided to divorce in April and I hated the idea this virus was not only killing thousands, but also destroying families and relationships.
I realised individual counselling on Zoom worked well. In fact, some clients preferred it. ‘It was a little weird to start online – however it was so convenient during lockdown. I was able to book sessions more freely as I didn’t have to factor in travelling and I was surprised how quickly I felt rapport with Charlotte,’ says Josh, a student from Ashton.
‘I found online therapy the same as a face-to-face session as it allowed me to engage with the therapist thanks to being able to see and hear her clearly. It was from the comfort of my home. The only concern I had was wi-fi affecting the flow but we didn’t have any issues. Counselling with Charlotte helped me feel a lot happier,’ says Chloe, 26.
‘I liked the way you challenged me and always had faith there would be a way through,’ says Peter, 54.
‘Although my partner did not want to come for counselling, coming on my own has given me the opportunity to talk about our difficulties, and to see what is in my control, and what I cannot change. It has helped me understand boundaries of acceptable behaviour from my partner, and start to work out how to rebuild things,’ says John, who works for the NHS.
A free sample session of 20 minutes is offered for individual counselling, and we do the same for couples – it gives you the opportunity to find out more. We also have discounted fees for those on lower incomes.
And what does the future hold? Will we need a second Lockdown? It seems likely, according to many experts. All I know is that Zoom will now be a permanent part of our counselling practice. And that’s a valuable thing – as it gives clients more choice, and means we will be able to help more people.
*PLEASE NOTE ALL CLIENTS NAMES HAVE BEEN CHANGED. ALL QUOTES USED WITH PERMISSION
Charlotte Hubback of Scott’s Wood Therapy & Counselling is a Registered Member of the BACP. Contact Charlotte on
01772 787847 / info@swtherapycounselling.uk
Day, evening and Saturday sessions available Zoom or a limited amount of face-to-face appointments, all according to the latest government / BACP guidelines.