Who are we?

Written by EWG counsellors
Written By Anna Palin-Swift

I wanted to use this first post to let you know who we are and why we have decided to embark on this project.

Stephanie Palin MA BSc MBACP DipPST EMDR Sex and Relationship Therapist

Has over 35 years experience in relationship counselling, training counsellors in a variety of counselling approaches and supervising counsellors in their practice. Stephanie has been involved in the set up, supervision and provision of similar online projects and work.

Anna Palin-Swift MSc BSc PGDip DSA MBACP Relationship Therapist

Is an experienced intergrative therapist specialising in relationship support, shehas experience training other counsellors to work online and with individuals and couples for relationship support. Anna has over 5 years experience in the provision of online live chat and email services.

We have increasingly been aware of the need for a low cost or free service to be made available to the general public. Many of the relationship services available right now are through the private sector and can be costly over time and may invlve waiting lists.

Studies show that there are numerous reasons why people may not be able to access paid for face to face services that may be available in the private sector:

  • Financial constraints

  • lack of childcare

  • speech or hearing difficulties

  • disabilities

  • mobility issues

  • sensory issues

  • anxiety

  • fear of the unknown

  • shame

  • no relevant services in the area

A free and instant access service provided online is something that can help many people combat the issues above, and also gives many people the option of talking through their problems before needing to commit to ongoing support, or when they might not be sure what type of support would be helpful for them.

We hope over time to expand our service to be able to offer more hours for instant chat and to make as many counsellors available as possible.

It is also important to us that highly experienced and trained counsellors do not need to volunteer if they want to be able support a service like ours and we are therefore dedicted to offering a fair wage for our members of staff.

Anna Palin-Swift
Previous

Pandemic Fatigue