On World Teachers’ Day I want to add my voice to those recognising the immense value that teachers bring to our society. Thank you for your commitment to nurturing the minds of our young people.

Passion

Last week I attended a school sixth form open evening and I was blown away by the passion shown by the teachers there. They put a huge amount of energy into making learning engaging for students. I saw real connection between teachers and students and glimpsed a touching moment after a teacher had discreetly checked in with a young person who was feeling a little stressed.

Burnout

The NASUWT- The Teachers’ Union reported in April 2022 that 91% of teachers say their workload has increased in the last year. 84% believe the job has adversely affected their mental health in the same period.

Unicef published tips for teachers during the grip of the pandemic including “Be kind to yourself”. Like the teacher I saw checking in to help a young person feel calmer and more confident in himself in the moment, teachers also need space to take time to check in on themselves.

Another of Unicef’s tips for teachers is “seek mental health support if needed”. Many schools have a dedicated counsellor for pupils now, but the provision for teachers is less accessible. Many people with a vocation for teaching leave the profession when the stress becomes too much.

Support

I want to do something to help teachers feel able to cope and to continue doing the work they love. I can’t do anything about workload and constant government interference, but I can offer free introductory counselling sessions for the month of October for teachers. In addition, I can offer reduced fees for teachers who start counselling with me in October. Most importantly I offer empathy, unconditional positive regard and sincerity. These attitudes combine to create a therapeutic environment so they can begin to thrive again.

Take a step on your self-care journey and contact me to arrange a free introductory session.

Thank you Teachers

Related links:

NASUWT | Teachers burnout due to excessive workload

Ten mental health and well-being tips for teachers | UNICEF Europe and Central Asia

The summer is coming to an end and for many people everyday life begins to return to a familiar rhythm. That’s great if the rhythm feels good, but if you feel off-beat it can be disconcerting.

Perhaps this is why more people look into starting counselling around this time of year. But this can bring new concerns, which is a little ironic isn’t it? To get the help you want, you need to make decisions and talking to someone new about sensitive things can feel risky so it can feel like it’s adding to the pressure or worries you already have.

For those who feel daunted to make a phone call to see if a counsellor is right for them, there is another option. For the month of September 2022 I have set aside some introductory sessions for only £10 on Monday afternoons at the Humber Therapy Centre in Beeston. You can request a 3.15 or 4.15 time simply by emailing using the contact page. I’ll reply quickly and let you know which £10 slot is available. After the session there’s no obligation to book another if you don’t want to.

Now you have less to lose, why not make that booking?

Cancellations can be made for no charge if 48 hours notice is given. See FAQs for more information on this.