Many of us love Christmas but those who work in the counselling and psychotherapy field know it can be a difficult time for even the most cheerful. Take yourself. There is all the pressure of celebration which begins with the school carol service ( notice it’s always the same night as a long standing professional commitment), proceeds seamlessly through Christmas get togethers and thank you’s with colleagues, the staff celebration and finally our own family and friends gatherings. That doesn’t take into account the task of Christmas shopping, which is fun but have you noticed that some people end up with multiple gifts while others seem impossible to buy for? No wonder we come to Christmas Day, ready for a break from all responsibility including our professions. we just want a holiday!

We know that we are the lucky ones for Christmas can be lonely and difficult time for many of our clients. Families who have been estranged all year will yearn for reconciliation and the fantasy Christmas celebration, only to be dissappointed when the reality is experienced. Others will be experiencing the pain of family separation and seeing children for only half their usual celebration. For some, Christmas will be spent alone at a time when EVERYONE else is with loving family. No wonder this is a time when life can become too painful to bear. So, at a time when we as helpers most need a rest, our clients need support.

It is this reality that has made us reconsider our services over the Christmas, New Year break. We have decided to remain open and to offer appointments to our own clients and also to others whose usual practitioner may be unavailble. For the latter we will meet their immediate request and then redirect them back to their previous practitioner when they are again available with the offer of liason to ensure continuity of care. We may not be able to fill everyone’s stocking but even a little may help.  

Bower Place is Opening Hours during the Holidays