Therapy Over The Festivities

As we move closer to Christmas, one of two things happens for therapists, we either:

🎄Get a lot of cancellations

🎄Become really busy, which includes a lot of new enquiries

As yet, it’s too early to call; however, most therapists will take leave over the festive period, and very few therapists offer appointments on Christmas Day. Depending on their individual personal circumstances, which could include the need to travel to see their loved ones, juggling childcare or potential centre closures will all factor in too, how much time they will be on leave and if they can offer any sessions.

For Current Clients

For me, I will be breaking up at 1 pm on Wednesday 17th December and returning to work on Monday 5th January. I always offer an emergency clinic between Christmas and New Year for my current clients, and this is always:

🎄To be confirmed closer to the time and usually between 8 am and 1 pm (due to room availability and each therapist in a similar predicament)

🎄In the format we are contracted, e.g. if you are a face-to-face client, then the appointment will be face-to-face

🎄A book in order format, e.g. I won’t leave large gaps

🎄Clients book themselves through an online portal

And

🎄I will require 48 hours’ notice for a cancellation, which allows others to book time, or I can free up the time for other therapists to use the room.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT TO START THERAPY BEFORE THE FESTIVITIES?

As we move closer to Christmas, each therapist will need to decide if they feel it is ethically ok to take on new clients when they could potentially be off on leave for a few weeks. Although Phoenix Counselling will continue to take referrals until their admin team’s leave, with many therapists taking time off, and with the many switches of appointments that happen for both therapists and clients, it can mean that it can take longer than normally anticipated to arrange an appointment.

The advice here would be to reach out to a few therapists and see who fits and what they have available, particularly as, unlike other personal services, therapy differs. Something I’ve attempted to cover within Myths about Counselling and Psychotherapy, we often know our diary weeks in advance, due to most of us operating a same-day and time scheduling. This means that squeezing extras can be impossible. And when leave is taken around Christmas, which is often difficult for some people, it means additional sessions, leaving us with fewer gaps.

There is no harm in reaching out and asking; however, it’s important to note:

🎄Assessment session may be the only session carried out before Christmas

🎄Limited number of appointments with centre closures and a therapist’s leave

We Know Christmas Can Be Difficult

We know that for many of our clients, Christmas can be difficult, which is why most will, if they can will work as close to Christmas Day as possible, offer an emergency clinic in between, or offer online if their centre is closed. If you haven’t managed to arrange an appointment with a therapist/your therapist over the festive period, here are a few useful telephone numbers:

The Samaritans -116 123

Black Country Mental Health -08000086516

Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health - 08009159292