“cold and damp, that's how the southerners see the North. But without the cold, a man can't appreciate the fire in his hearth. Without the rain, a man can't appreciate the roof over his head”
Jon Snow – Game of Thrones
Ok, I know, the GOT quote is a bit cheesy but it serves an illustrative purpose. For those of us living in Scotland it can sometimes feel like we’re a bit forgotten. We seem to have a reputation for being a curmudgeonly and surly bunch. The truth of course is very different. We are warm and welcoming (honestly!) but we do sometimes feel a bit left out.
The subject of remoteness came up during a discussion with my colleagues on the BACP’s Private Practice Executive Committee. I was referring to the occasional feeling of being distanced from the debates and comings and goings at the BACP. “why don’t you write about it?” someone said.
It’s all too easy to become isolated when working in private practice. Even under normal circumstances it can be a lonely existence. During the pandemic when most consultations have been held by telephone or online, I’ve had a growing sense of ‘cabin fever’. I’m lucky to have my own offices separate from my home however during the pandemic, I have been the only person in the building. After nearly a year of this I’m growing weary and feeling… remote.
So, what to do? Well, supervision is as ever key. I would also love to establish a networking group in West Lothian. Connecting with other counsellors is so very important. Of course, I have the Private Practice Executive Committee, no shortage of lively conversation there!
So, how can I avoid feeling remote? Get busy, establish positive connections. Don’t wait for others to come to me.
As always in life the solutions lie with me.
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Views expressed in this article are the views of the writer and not necessarily the views of BACP. Publication does not imply endorsement of the writer’s views. Reasonable care has been taken to avoid errors but no liability will be accepted for any errors that may occur.