Face-to-face child counselling support is the best and most effective form of therapy. Meeting a client in person allows the counsellor to monitor the client’s body language, facial expressions, physical reactions, and gain deeper insight into unspoken thoughts and feelings. The counsellor can get closer to, and more connected with, the person they are there to support. It’s an holistic counselling approach that facilitates communication on a higher, personal level.
Our school counselling team has been surprised at how well telephone counselling sessions have worked during lockdown. Connecting by phone has expanded our service and enabled us to reach many more individuals that need our help, especially young people. With no travelling between appointments, we’ve supported more people than ever before, and reduced waiting lists as a result.
Whilst telephone counselling can be effective, there is no substitute for traditional one-to-one counselling support. As we’ve already mentioned, there are many unspoken human reactions that cannot be noted from a phone call. This is why our counselling team is so delighted to be back working in Wigan Borough schools again.
Extra precautions minimise risk to young people
Our goal was always to get back into schools as soon as possible. It was clear from the outset that adapting to the new circumstances would not be an easy task. With Covid rules and regulations in place, we’ve had to work closely with our schools and colleges to do thorough risk assessments and ensure we meet all their safety requirements.
How school counselling sessions have changed
On entering the school, Family Welfare counsellors go straight to their allocated room and stay there throughout the day. All our counsellors are equipped with hand sanitiser, and anti bacterial spray for their toys and equipment. We’re operating a paperless policy to avoid surface contact, making notes digitally instead.
To minimise our movements in school, we no longer collect pupils from class. A staff member does this for us and brings them to our counselling room. We maintain social distancing throughout the appointment, and in all schools and colleges, counsellors wear a protective face visor.
Toys and resources used in all settings are sanitised between appointments.
We hope the additional steps we’re taking put parents, teachers and children’s minds at ease and provide reassurance that your child is in safe hands with us.
Team challenges and response
The new restrictions mean our counsellors are having to be more imaginative. It’s a creative challenge they’re all enjoying! With books and play doh no longer permitted, our storytelling skills are coming into their own. We’re keen to keep the sessions as interactive and engaging as possible. Our counsellors are sharing ideas, resources and strategies that work within Covid regulations and deliver results for vulnerable young people.
The team are all key workers and they’ve responded to the situation with complete selflessness. They’ve shown professionalism and an eagerness to return to schools, despite the obvious personal risks they are taking. We’re so proud of their versatility, flexibility and desire to put other people first.
Early positive signs
It’s only been a few weeks since returning to the school/college environment, yet the early signs are very promising. It’s wonderful to meet some of the young people we’ve worked with during lockdown and see how, with Wigan Welfare’s support, they are starting to live their life with a positive attitude and a smile on their face. Our aim is to build on this progress by continuing with face-to-face sessions.
September is always a busy time for new referrals and this year is no different. What has changed is we have a mix of in-person, telephone and video counselling available, meaning some individuals have a choice of how to speak to us. Accessibility of counselling services is so important when people are seeking help.
After months of working remotely, it feels good for our team to be back together (at a safe distance!) and to rekindle the camaraderie and team spirit that’s served us so well. With a move to new premises on the horizon, the next few months look bright.
For more information about you or your child counselling support services, please contact us via our enquiry page.