My counselling through COVID-19 has changed and in this blog I am going to explain how and the types of patients I have been working with.

Grief

Grief is not only the loss of a loved one, grief is the human reaction we all have to an unwelcome event. Recently, we have all been feeling grief. Whether we realise it or not. There is not a one size fits all approach to it. In the midst of COVID-19, we need to understand more about the process of grief. Understanding what you can expect during grieving can help you to work through it in a more pragmatic way. 

My work as a Counsellor…

Since the beginning of March 2020 I have had sudden increase in my work. I am a Bereavement Support Worker for a foundation alongside my private practice work at the Bodyfix Clinic.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, I have been working with more trauma issues than ever. My clients have had to endure the experience and feeling of helplessness as their loved ones have been taken into care. They have not been able to visit, and their loved ones have died alone, only saying goodbye via video call. For them,  their lives have changed forever. Others are dealing with feelings of isolation, loss of income, fear of contracting the virus and general anxiety about the future.

Counselling through COVID-19 has changed…

Loss and Grief is always a huge struggle and it’s important to be able to speak to supportive people about it. So I have changed my approach to work and I am hosting more online and telephone support for those that need it.

I have been able to provide them practical reminders to concentrate on their physical well-being during lockdown. We know that important link between physical and mental wellbeing. I have been helping to address their fears and anxieties by applying logic to the outcomes we can and cannot control.

For those working on the front line (Nurses, Registrars, Funeral directors) I have been teaching them ways to recognise and address stress allowing them switch off during their down-time. 

I think this time will go down as one of the most challenging chapters in recent history. But it has also brought out the best in people. It shows our human spirit is to survive and to help each other. We will reflect on the positive possibilities that this has brought to us. I have witnessed, first hand, peoples resilience. They have used this time to reflect on their priorities, being more open to different way of life, adjusting, questioning values, relationships and  their connection to others in a deeper and more meaningful way. 

If you would like to arrange an appointment with Justine, this can be done by calling BodyFix Clinic on 0208-394-0393. We can organise video consultations through our secure clinic software. Justine is a member of the National Counselling Society. For more information about her work click here