Counselling

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I've been having some counselling but I will be honest I think it's actually making me feel worse- the actual sessions are good but the person is very erratic with appointments and both times they have cancelled they have said they had ill health and would be back in touch- both times this took several weeks- the first I followed up and basically got a message back saying if you want an appointment ask and the second I decided I was not doing that again as if they do not inform me they are cancelling at all, I wait 30 minutes before saying do we have a session today and then get told oh no sorry I can't but I will be straight back to you I do not then get expect to basically get told off when I say a few weeks later hello do I still have sessions with you. So I left it then I got a message a few days ago saying Happy Christmas and New Year etc and did I want a session- I did not reply immediately then got a message saying they were concerned about my welfare- now this is not true if they were they would have been in touch in the 3 weeks since they cancelled- so then making out they are concerned feels a little trying- they are just now ready to be back after a lovely few weeks off and probably want the fee- I meanwhile worked all of Christmas except the bank holidays and have had 2 chemo sessions in  the meantime and some stress around financial matters- all of which some other completely lovely people at Macmillan helped with. However my feelings is this person is not really helping me- I just feel worse being cancelled on, then being patronised about how to book when both times they have expressly said I will be back in touch asap when I am well. It feels unkind from someone who is meant to be helping and another person to manage- and as I said when I actually could have done with help last week which was a normal working week after the 1st or 2nd in Scotland they were clearly still on holiday which is lovely and I'm very happy for them but I had a really awful few days and frankly being asked had I had any counselling made it worse as I said well I have one but basically they have out of 3 sessions in total cancelled twice. I really truly fully appreciate people have other things going on and it may well be that because so far I have been okay they think I am not a priority- but how do people feel it would be to say I don't think this is working or just say actually this causes me more stress- I never know if we'll have the session, I arrange work so I can, and I am very polite when cancelled on but feel once I was spoken to quite rudely and the second time I was very upset by the implication they had any care for my wellbeing- if I was in crisis I do not think not being in touch for 3 weeks would be suitable and that is concerning. Would be grateful for any advice! and as I said I am okay now, and the Macmillan advice line were super kind! 

  • I can see why you are concerned with that . It’s supposed to help not add an additional layer of stress .

    Can I ask if it was through Macmillan it was arranged ?

    Court 

    Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

  • Hi KimLondon

    Im sorry that you are going through this. 


    My daughter is a weigh over qualified councillor and is still adding to her knowledge of person centered treatment for the individual.

    It really does help to have a qualified ear to talk to that keeps own council however I have not found my previous experience very helpful with my coming to terms with what I was processing at the time 

    it could be I didn’t get the right person for me 

    My first encounter was a councillor that sat me in the middle of the room with a box of tissues and void between us. I felt more integated than comfortable 

    The second one had a slow moanful voice that depressed me to listen to 

    Back years ago I had CBT through the doctor now that councillor was amazing. She had a knack of getting me to open up and that’s not an easy task. Sadly she only gave six sessions now I would pay her privately if I could find her 

    Good luck with your search for the right fit 

    Ann
     ‍Art

  • Hello! Via them yes but through Bupa, I think I need to think about it. I think for myself I’d be better to just walk away but their behavior overall concerns me in terms of people who might be really really depending on this help/ contact. I may just have the booked session (if it happens) and ask them directly what they advise. Thanks 

  • Oh thank you so much. That’s okay these things happen i am more concerned if i don’t say something and others who are not at all okay are going to have the same issues. I will think about it. Thank you for your help and wishes.

  • I will raise it with Macmillan if you like as it needs some feedback .

    Court 

    Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

  • Hi Court, we had a really good chat today and I think it was probably all just unfortunate timing and I raised that so I think moving forward I'm happy but I really appreciate the support and advice. 

  • Hi,     I didn't have a problem with the Macmillan arranged one, but did with the hospital cancer one, until the oncologist stepped in. Hope you are sorted now.