EMPLOYMENT

Work challenges

Work occupies a huge space in many people’s lives, shaping identity, representing success or status (or otherwise) in the world, enabling or constricting life and relationships. Things don’t always go well at work, particularly in this stretched economic climate, and if you feel unhappy with work, or suddenly unable to work at all, this can cast a long shadow over the rest of your life. As you have turned to this page, you may be feeling that work is the major driver of your current discomfort, but it may be that you are less drawn towards more general or open-ended therapy. If any of text below resonates with you, and you would like to explore if some shorter-term work might help you through an immediate difficulty, you are welcome to get in touch to arrange an initial meeting.

Ongoing difficulties with work 

If the balance between your work and life feels wrong, when work is unsatisfactory, stressful, or continuity of employment feels insecure, it will undermine a sense of well-being. You may feel trapped in a cycle of reacting to events, rather than making choices, with a never-ending list of things to do. It may be hard to remember when you last felt happy or relaxed, and your relationships may be suffering both in and out of work. You may be wondering if change is possible, or criticise yourself for reaching this point. 

Ending work

Alternatively, you may be facing a break at work that has not been your choice. Maybe your job has been terminated, paused, or you are ill. Sometimes the stoppage has been sudden, without an opportunity to say goodbye or talk freely to colleagues and friends. The manner of a termination or suspension may have been bewildering, unfair or unkind. And even if you had notice that it would happen, or agreed to leave, the decision may have felt forced, when the best option on offer appeared to be accepting early retirement or redundancy when you were not ready to leave. You may be left with a mixture of feelings or concerns, with more inactive time than you are used to, and are struggling to make sense of what life will be like without this job in it. 

Shorter sessions over 12 weeks

Where I think that short-term work might be helpful to you, I will offer a block of weekly sessions over 12 weeks. In these 50 minute sessions we focus on the difficulty you are bringing. We will have space to explore what feels difficult or overwhelming, and look together at what sustains and supports you, including accessing your own resources and choices to help you find a way through. We will also look at whether an opportunity exists within this difficult for approaching some aspects of your life differently. With all short-term work there will be an opportunity to review before the end, and discuss whether more sessions might be helpful.

Fees for work-related short-term work

Please enquire for rates. I charge £100-130 for 50 minute initial meeting and ongoing sessions, depending on the time of day and funding. 

 Contact

I can be contacted by email michellestrangecounselling@gmail.com