Signups for this group are now closed. If you’re interested in future Covid-Conscious groups, you can sign up to my group mailing list here
“The Covid Conscious Group was exactly what I needed as someone taking pandemic precautions without a support system. Madeleine created a wonderful space to share both grief and hope, ensuring everyone’s access needs were met, and I’ve come away with a reinvigorated sense of purpose. I cannot recommend it enough.” – testimonial from previous group participant
Who is this group for?
This group is for people (18+) based in the UK who are taking precautions against Covid in their everyday life.
Christmas and other winter celebrations can be incredibly stressful for Covid-conscious people – navigating tricky family relationships, making extra decisions around risk, reinforcing your boundaries and maybe deciding to spend the holiday season away from people you care about, due to their lack of precautions.
This group will give you space to explore these issues while being heard and supported by others who really understand what you’re going through. There is one session before the festive season to allow you to work through concerns and make decisions, and another in the New Year to get support around any difficult events, to share what helped you and move forward with hope and purpose.
If you’re not in the UK but are interested in joining, please email me at info@blackcatcounselling.co.uk – it depends on my insurance and your country’s regulations around therapy as to whether you’d be able to participate in the group.
“You are never alone. There are others – sometimes in other countries or even on other continents – who understand what you are going through. Once you no longer feel alone, things become easier. I have met wonderful people, felt heard and seen, have received and given support, and I am deeply grateful for the experiences I’ve had and the insights I’ve gained from the sessions.” – testimonial from previous group participant
When is it?
There are two groups running via Zoom:
Thursdays 11am – 1pm, 27th November and 8th January
Fridays 6pm – 8pm, 28th November and 9th January
Participants can join either the Thursday or Friday group, but not both. The two sessions must be with the same group.
*** The deadline for signing up for this group (including payment and a quick call to discuss the group) is Friday 21st November ***
I can’t make those dates!
I run longer Covid-conscious groups throughout the year, if you want updates on these please sign up to my group mailing list.
The fee for the Christmas group covers both sessions, so please ensure you’re able to make both dates for your chosen group before signing up.
How much is it?
The total fee for both sessions is pay-what-you-can between £75 and £100 – paying a higher rate if you can afford it allows those with lower incomes to join. You choose the fee – I don’t require any evidence or explanation.
I’ve had counselling sessions with you before, can I still join?
Yes! Previous individual counselling clients are welcome to join as long as there’s been a gap of at least a month since we finished working together. If you’ve attended one of my groups before, you’re welcome to join this one with no gap.
How big will the group be?
There will be 4 to 6 people in each group (plus me as the facilitator). The small group size allows everyone to be heard and supported.
What topics will we talk about?
Some potential topics are:
- Creating and maintaining boundaries around precautions
- Decisions around how to spend the festive period
- Relationships with friends and family
- Self-care strategies
- Processing grief and anger
- Coping with isolation
- Moving forward with hope and purpose
I’m chronically ill and worried about having enough energy for the group.
I realise that a lot of Covid-conscious people have chronic illnesses, and I try to make the group as accessible as possible. It’s fine to attend the group from bed (as long as you’re dressed, pyjamas etc are fine), you can keep your camera off if you don’t have the energy to have it on that day, and you can interact via the group chat if that’s easier for you – there’s no pressure to speak if you don’t feel up to it. If you’re not feeling well enough to attend a session or need to leave one partway through, that’s OK. If you need any other accommodations, just let me know.
What’s your experience in running groups?
I’m an accredited counsellor and I’ve undertaken extra training in facilitating therapeutic support groups. As well as running groups in my private practice, I’ve also run support groups in previous jobs.
I’m interested, what are the next steps?
Please fill in this form, I will then contact you to arrange a call to discuss the group. You can also email me at info@blackcatcounselling.co.uk if you’ve got any questions.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Are you Covid-conscious and interested in 1-2-1 counselling? Find out more here.