I'm finding that I am increasingly limiting the amount of news and current affairs content that I allow into my life - I don't wish to be ignorant, but yet, I feel the constant stream of information can feel overwhelming, often leaving me feeling quite powerless.
Sometimes, little soundbites or headlines permeate through and I search for a bit more information to give me some context and greater understanding. Recent remarks, made by politicians around mental health have percolated through the filtering process and sent me on a quest (well, internet search and conversations with fellow therapists!) and made me think about counselling, and how those seeking support may be put off.
The intensive training and guidance that has steered me from a career in education into my therapeutic private practice, both of which are steeped in moral and ethical principles, does not reflect the reactionary statements made, which seek to undermine the valuable work being undertaken between a client and their therapist. But, it does highlight that in every profession there are good practitioners, and also those practicing without adequate qualifications or expertise, and this does create uncertainty for prospective clients to seek support. And, more importantly, potentially unsafe practice.
With many public sector services stretched, the role of private therapists is so important to support people waiting or unable to access what they need - so, having choice is paramount.
Choice, offered by registered and accredited therapists is something I welcome, enabling me to offer the clients, who choose to work with me, a collaborative, relational, therapeutic experience.
