Editor's letter
Therapy Today has always explored a broad spectrum of models and theories. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, and I know that you welcome new ideas to challenge and expand your thinking. One model explored in this issue is single-session counselling (SSC), in ‘The big interview’ with Windy Dryden. Having trained in SSC some years ago, it’s now an offer that sits alongside my longer-term work and appeals to clients who need to tackle a crucial issue quickly. It’s intense work, but often extremely rewarding.
Dryden has, of course, a long history of teaching and writing, but do you always need an academic background to come up with a new approach to working? I know that many practitioners have found that their own ‘model’ has naturally evolved out of extensive client work. ‘The Therapy Square’ is a good example – Anthony Prendergast’s simple, client-friendly solution to the challenge of explaining and working with the impact of inhibiting messages and emotions.
Rosjke Hasseldine, meanwhile, has developed a model for understanding mother-and-daughter conflict through the lens of societal and cultural expectations. She explores what happens to mothers and daughters when values clash in her case history-led article.
Therapy Today is also a platform for debate and opinion, and two articles this month are designed to challenge our perceptions about our profession. In ‘The big issue’, Millennial counsellor Ali Xavier hears from younger counsellors who have felt judged on their perceived lack of life experience during their training. It can be painful to acknowledge that even our profession, which is built on a foundation of self-reflection, non-judgment and a belief in equality, still has major barriers to entry that include race and class as well as age. We will be exploring race in relation to training in an upcoming issue.
I know many practitioners will disagree with Gillian Bridge’s opinion piece, ‘Why feelings are overrated’. But by being willing to truly listen and consider opinions that directly challenge our own, we remain responsive to growth. The ‘Reactions’ page is your platform for entering the debate.
Sally Brown, Editor
From the chair
I’m writing at a time of incredible social and emotional plight. It may seem that we have turned a corner in the pandemic, but the anger, pain and loss caused by inequality, injustice and hatred, which pervade humanity, are very much felt across the world.
Throughout this anguish and upheaval, the work of BACP has continued in supporting members to support the public. The Trustees of the Board of Governors have been resolute in delivering on the strategic focus of membership engagement. Their involvement in committees and Board meetings, and in representing the organisation in a variety of ways, centres on matters that are of prime importance, such as professional standards and promoting paid opportunities for our members.
We are at a unique moment in the Board’s cycle where a number of Trustees will step down at the next AGM. As with any loss, there is the opportunity for change and growth and, while this loss is significant, it also gives the chance for new Trustees to join.
My call for members to stand for election as Trustees is now more pertinent than ever; for you to influence the strategic direction of our Association at this turning point, and for you to use your vote to choose who you would want to represent your views on the Board.
Natalie Bailey, BACP Chair
Main features
Regulars
Turning point
‘My current work schedule is far healthier than the workaholic one I happily created, endured and inflicted on my family back in the 1980s’
Kevin Chandler draws wisdom from experience
It changed my life
‘Something incredible happens when you open up to another human who you click with and who is trained to listen and support’
Jo Love writes our client column
Talking point
Flexing our boundaries: Is it helpful for us to change the way we work in extraordinary times?
Dilemmas
Resilience and self-care: Our ethics team considers this month's dilemmas
Analyse me
Rakhi Chand speaks for herself