“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.
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?
The group will be over 10 weeks on Thursdays – 5th March to 14th May at 6-7:30pm, via Zoom. There won’t be a session on 30th April.
*** The deadline for signing up for this group is Thursday 19th February ***
I can’t make those dates!
I’ll be running the group again, if you want updates on future groups please sign up to my group mailing list.
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 much is it?
The fee per session is pay-what-you-can between £25 and £45 – 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.
The overall amount is the same even if you can’t attend some sessions as it pays for your space in the group.
This can be paid in one single payment of £250-£450 or by installments as follows:
20% to save your space in the group (e.g. £50 if you are paying £25 per session, £90 if you’re paying £45 per session).
Then 20% by each of the following dates: 2nd March, 16th March, 30th March and 13th April.
How big will the group be?
There will be a maximum of 6 people in the 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:
- Self-care strategies
- Boundaries around precautions
- Stress related to decisions around risk
- Relationships with friends and family
- Building community
- Processing grief, loss and anger
- Finding purpose and meaning
You’ll receive an editable PDF workbook with prompts for each topic and space to record reflections from each session.
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.