EWG - online text chat counselling service
We know the importance of talking to people, even if we are shy, introverted or just a private person; it can really have a beneficial impact on our well-being. Bottling up our thoughts and our emotions can lead us to feeling overwhelmed. Talking to someone at the end of the day to express how we feel or talk about what has happened in our day can fulfil our need of being heard and valued.
Unfortunately “social distancing” – which was meant to promote physical distancing – did in fact have an impact on being social or sociable. When the first lockdown hit there was an air of suspicion when being around others; it may have felt like people were avoiding making eye contact just in case they caught something! I think we have learnt to behave differently over the last year and realised that being friendly and helpful, even if at a distance, is ok and necessary. And our experiences this year have hopefully emphasised the need to connect and communicate with others.
So as we come out of lockdown are there things that we need to talk about – to express how the last year has impacted us? Do we need to mark the experience, to acknowledge the losses and gains. Even though we have been in a global pandemic, each individual will have a different experience to relate as well as shared concerns. Perhaps coming out of lockdown is increasing your feelings of anxiety. Or maybe your social circle is limited so feelings of loneliness will remain.
Counselling is an opportunity to talk without being judged on all manner of subjects. Individuals can bring whatever they want to talk about to a counselling session. If you have family and friends that you can talk to and confide in that is a real blessing. However, Counsellors are trained to be empathic, listen to you without adding their own opinion or their own story. They have your well- being at the centre of their focus. It is their role to help you find solutions to your problems not to impose their own view or values.
There are many opportunities available to access face to face counselling but there has been an increase in online and remote Counselling services during this last year in order to accommodate people during the restrictions of the pandemic.
The Emotional Wellbeing Group’s (EWG) online text chat service allows you access to emotional support from where you are, at a time that suits you and offers anonymity. For many, not being seen, can be freeing. It takes away the inhibitions of thinking about what to wear and allows you to choose your surroundings. One off sessions of remote counselling also means that you do not have to think about a long term commitment; if you want to return for extra support that is your choice in the future. Writing you thoughts and feelings down as text chat can also add an extra dimension to the counselling process, as you may find yourself thinking more carefully about the words you want to use – to describe in more detail what is going on for you. This alone can help clarify your thinking.
EWG provides a service at different days and times during the week. It is a free service, particularly targeted to individuals living within the North West of England. The charity has become available as a result of the realisation that the pandemic has caused unique challenges for people. The service is available for anyone over the age of 18 years. Sessions are generally up to 30 minutes. EWG has a team of qualified counsellors. If you connect with a counsellor and you want to continue your chat with that person you can always ask when they will be available to continue your conversation at a later date. We hope you connect with us.
Diane, EWG Counsellor