The #TherapistsConnect Podcast
The #TherapistsConnect Podcast
Helen Clarke
In this episode Dr Peter Blundell (Twitter: @drpeterblundell) interviews therapist Helen Clarke (Twitter : @SussexCounsell1) about her life and work.
Helen is a Humanistic Integrative therapist working in West Sussex, her website is www.safespacesussex.co.uk.
#TherapistsConnect is a platform for connecting therapists.
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Origins of #TherapistsConnect
Welcome to the Therapists Connect podcast, Dr. Peter Blundell, interviews, therapists about their work experiences in the therapists community.
Peter Blundell:Hello, and welcome to this episode of the Therapists Connect podcast. My name is Dr. Peter Blundell, and in this episode for series two, I interview therapist Helen Clarke, who works in private practice. We recorded this in the height of lockdown, and apologies for some issues with the quality of the sound in this episode. So I was just wondering how you came to be a therapist, what had drawn you to the profession? How did that happen
Helen Clarke:Yeah, I was, I was a self employed TA. And, and without really meaning to, the clients that seemed to be drawn to me, really didn't need very much help with their businesses. And I found that what they actually needed was somebody to sit and chat to. And, and very often, because they were mainly sole traders who were a lot of time working on their own, they felt isolated. And, and they wanted to talk through their own issues. But generally speaking, not related to the business. And once they'd cleared that air, and they were able to be more productive in their businesses. And one of those clients is a psychologist who suggested that I trained as a counsellor. And for three years, I rejected that suggestion. And, and then I went on holiday to America and met an FBI agent, who was also on holiday. And she said, 'Have you ever considered training as a counsellor'? And I thought, okay, so the universe is trying to tell me something, and I came home from that holiday, picked up the phone to my local college, asked them if they have a training course. And they said, that's great - you start on Monday.
Peter Blundell:Okay, fantastic. So have... when was that because I think when we chatted online, you're relatively newly qualified. Is that right? Or last last year? Was it?
Helen Clarke:Yes, I qualified in 2019.
Peter Blundell:Okay. Okay. So you did your training. So what kind of approach did you, did you train in then?
Helen Clarke:So I'm a humanistic integrative. My modalities are person-centred, Gestalt and Transactional Analysis.
Peter Blundell:Right. And so what's that been like, then since you've qualified? Are you kind of working or practising as a therapist right now?
Helen Clarke:Yes, so I had two placements; one was in a hospice. And, and I knew immediately that that's the work I wanted to do, life experience. And, it must be two years ago, I started a community interest group that provides low cost counselling, on an open ended basis. And in January, I took the plunge. As you know, training is very expensive. And, and I needed to start earning some money.
Peter Blundell:Yeah, yeah. And so that that's nearly three months then that you kind of been in private practice. How was that? How was that transition then from working in an agency to moving over to private practice?
Helen Clarke:The transition was... well, actually, I found it not as complicated as I expected. I had an awful lot of support, people that had already made that move, into private p actice. So some great practical advice. And, and I went through a period of, I'm like, well, y u know, should I really be doing this now? Am I too new? But act ally, now I'm glad th
Peter Blundell:Brilliant. And you, how are you with your private practice and have you managed to build a regular clientele...
Helen Clarke:I've got regular clients now and obviously the move over to online work came very early on, but I was supported through that because I received some training from the Community Interest Group, who I worked with, which was a big help. I've got, well, I've got 8 pro bono clients, because I'm also involved in a charity. And I offered to do primarily one, and we'll see how it goes. And if that works well, and I can and am getting enough paying clients, then I'll add to the pro bono work... so the two, hopefully, will end up supporting each other...
Peter Blundell:Great. Sounds like you've got quite a lot of work on then
Helen Clarke:one day that I, that I'm solidly giving to counselling and then Wednesday is my, my rest day. And day that I give over to office work as well, so that I can make sure that I'm doing all that practical stuff. So making sure but that I'm getting those things done.
Peter Blundell:Yeah, fantastic. You sound very organised with it, I must say. So because this might be an interesting question for you, because you're, I mean, not newly qualified, but you know, qualified within the last 12 months, say or just over. If someone was thinking about training to be a therapist, or a counsellor, have you got any advice that you would give them before entering onto that journey.
Helen Clarke:The advice that I wish I had received, was to sit my other half down and explain that this training was going to have a huge impact on both of us. I think that without the support of all the people that are around you, especially your family, I've been very lucky. And my husband has supported me 100%. And has wanted to understand the terminology that I'm using, and has also been prepared to accept that as I'm changing, that, that he is learning to come along with me and make some changes himself.
Peter Blundell:So that's a really important point, isn't it? Because you know, we want students or we try to about how big an impact it can have on you personally. But then as you just say, no, it wasn't just you actually it was your partner, as well, as you're changing, then obviously, your relationship and the dynamic changes and everything like that. So it's great that you've got a supportive partner, who was willing to go on that journey, really.
Helen Clarke:And not only my, my partner, but friends as well. And that's something else that I will say to anybody... is that the dynamic in all your interpersonal relationships with friends and family will change? And, for me, that's been a very positive experience. I can imagine that for some, it's very difficult.
Peter Blundell:Yeah. And hard to predict as well. How things will change. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. Just yeah, it's different from our intentions and what we would like to happen. We don't know how it's actually going to work out in practice.
Helen Clarke:That's right. Yeah. Because, ultimately, you don't know what you're going to learn about yourself.
Peter Blundell:Yeah. Sound advice, I think for anyone entering entered into into the profession, I think. What kind of rewards and challenges have you had since you've been qualified then,
Helen Clarke:From, from my perspective, the biggest rewards has been relationships that I've had. I can think of no greater privilege than being with somebody who is in need, and is perhaps in distress. And to, to be with them at that time, and really connect. And I think clients very often think that we see them in isolation, and that we don't think about them afterwards. But actually, clients that I've had from, you know, two three years ago, still pop into my mind and I wonder what is going on for them and then of course, those are the questions that you have to hold without ever knowing the answer...
Peter Blundell:Those people who can stay with you long after that relationship is finished and and and yeah, yeah. I think that's really interesting. And, and that idea of what we have to hold and what we have to try and manage as as, as therapists. And there's maybe a lot that, obviously clients don't see, you know, in terms of, of what we need to talk about in supervision and how we manage all of that. Really.
Helen Clarke:Yes. And that's why I think that having right supervisor is absolutely vital. And obviously in a placement, that's not a choice we have - we are allocated a supervisor. I've always been very, very lucky, with great supervisors that I've bonded with really well. Equally, if the dynamic isn't right, mode of communication doesn't quite match, then it isn't quite as supportive a relationship,
Peter Blundell:I think that's a really important idea for students particularly, you know, it's key; a rich, supportive relationship can really shape who you are, as a practitioner, or support you to develop as a practitioner might be a better phrase. And if that relationship isn't isn't a constructive one, then actually, it can have a really negative impact on your development, as you're training.
Helen Clarke:I believe that's, that's absolutely true. And there, there is an idea that when we are allocated a supervisor by placement, that's it, you've got to stick with it. And actually, that is advice I would give trainees, is, if something doesn't quite fit for you, be open to discussing that, because that is a co-created relationship. And, and they will be feeling a tension too. And, and, and it's important to be able to address that. And that in itself is great training, because that's something you will also have to hold with certain clients; it's not as if with every single client you have you will be able to create that therapeutic relationship which is most beneficial, because we're all unique. If we talk about clients being unique, but actually as therapists, we are unique too.
Peter Blundell:Absolutely. And I think working through some of those things is absolutely key really, and being aware of it is the, is the, is the, is the bit that's important, isn't it?
Helen Clarke:Yes. Yeah, being able to hold those uncomfortable discussions,
Peter Blundell:how have you found that developing relationship with your supervisor, then? Is it, is it something you've had to work at? Or is it kind of naturally formed?
Helen Clarke:It, it's like any relationship, it takes time. And I have a great supervisor now - he's very challenging, and
Peter Blundell:that's always good...
Helen Clarke:It is always good. And, and at first, that was something that I as a trainee, my first supervisor... was extremely supportive, validating, which was great. And that's what I needed then. And I have found that the relationships that I need, have come at a time when I'm ready for them.
Peter Blundell:Yeah. And that's interesting, is having different types of supervisor and different approaches from different people and seeing how that fits with you and your and your practice.
Helen Clarke:Yeah. As as much as anything it is about allowing that development to happen....
Peter Blundell:Yeah, and being open to it. Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. Couldn't agree more. What do you think that's the biggest challenge that the profession faces going forward?
Helen Clarke:Obviously, there's, there's a lot of talk now about SCoPEd. I, my personal belief is that there is a perception that counselling is this cosy little chat that we have with somebody, but it's a nonsense, and I'd like to overcome that perception,'public' perception of counselling. And for us to be seen as, as professionals. Part of the issue is, is funding - training is very expensive. And we're kind of in a situation where once you've finished your training your choices, much as my choice was, set up in private practice, carry on as a volunteer, for X number of years, and some of my colleagues have reflected that they felt forced to spend, at a time when they didn't really feel ready, but they had to earn an income, and nobody was going to employ them. Now, there isn't really any other profession, that I can think of, where that happens...
Peter Blundell:I think you're completely right. And I think when you look at all the other professions, there is there is hardly any where, once you've qualified, actually, the jobs are limited. And the expectancy is to volunteer for a bit longer before you feel experienced enough to practice.
Helen Clarke:I'd also like, them to be aware that when they sign up, and this is from my, my days as an EA and understanding employment law, is that when you're a volunteer, and your placement says to you, well, you have to sign up for 18 months. Actually, no, you don't. That's, that's a commitment that you make, that is honorary rather than contractual. Because if you were tied in for 18 months, two years, or however long it is, then effectively you'd be an employee, and you'd be given a wage. As a volunteer, you have control over how many hours you do. And that message doesn't really get put across. And I think very often, a lot of placements don't even realise that, that's what the law states..
Peter Blundell:Really interesting, because I didn't, I didn't know that myself, to be honest with you. And I know, I know that placements do ask that quite a lot of the time.
Helen Clarke:Yes, yeah. And of course, they want somebody to commit, and it makes their investment in them worthwhile. And I completely understand that. But it takes away that voluntary aspect as well.
Peter Blundell:It's interesting now, because I think there are some more stronger conversations happening out there. I think people have always had these conversations about counselling and therapy. But I think, as a profession, or as a group of people, we're becoming much more vocal about this as a as a particular issue to focus on. And I think that can only be a good thing. Really. We've only touched on COVID-19, very briefly, I think you mentioned it. How, how has that impacted on you as a therapist and probably, I imagine, on private practice as well, given that you'd kind of only been doing that for three months, and then you've had to go online for all your clients?
Helen Clarke:Yes, yeah. I, I was very resistant to moving over to telephone work and Zoom, and it just felt like such a huge leap. I didn't feel that my training had prepared me, for that kind of approach. So that was a real shock, just from face to face work, particularly with long term clients, when you are suddenly told. well, you can't see each other this week...Oh! So I think there's something very powerful that happens when you sit in a room with a client and you share their energy. So for me, I work very much with clients energies. And all of a sudden, all I'm seeing of them is their head and perhaps their shoulders, depending on where their device is located. So that's something that I've had to adjust to, and I'm learning to work differently with them. And now I'm asking my clients to notice their own bodies, and to feed that back to me, which of course is not as as reliable shall we say, so I can't tell when a client is tapping their foot, and asking them to consider what's going on for them..
Peter Blundell:So, it's a bit more of a, you're relying on their awareness around themselves, and maybe prompting and questioning so that they are acknowledging what is going on, but there may be some things that are missed because of that process.
Helen Clarke:Yes, yeah, absolutely. The flip side of that, is that working on zoom, I'm suddenly seeing clients in their own environment, and, and the picture that I have imagined, the imaginary parts of our relationship - I think I know what's going on, is maybe very, very different than what is happening in real life. And that's something that I've seen as positive, people, clients are behaving differently, because they're in their home environment... And that's all information.
Peter Blundell:And might change the way we relate to people potentially as as we actually, we see those different bits of information or how they are, where they are and who they're with.
Helen Clarke:Absolutely, yeah. And especially because we're all trapped in our homes. And perhaps, say, for example, if a client has a pet, and that comes in, or the child that comes in, and what I've now learned, is that the way that they interact with what's going on around them, feeds into our work together, which isn't something that I would've been able to experience before.
Peter Blundell:Yeah. So I've noticed on your website, you've got that "In a nutshell series", and you're looking at kind of different bits of the key theories, I suppose that you're using as a therapist, so transactional analysis, Gestalt and person-centred counselling. So I was just wondering about how important do you think it is for clients to understand kind of different aspects of the theories that we're using, and what kind of made you come up with it, this idea of the blog?
Helen Clarke:I don't think it's essential for clients to understand some of these, unless they particularly want to, it may well be that people who have previous experience of counselling may be very clear about what they're after. I created the blog, as an alternative to putting content into the main body of my website. I think, very often, we as counsellors talk a lot of theory on our websites, that isn't particularly helpful. And, and doing it as a blog meant that that was something that clients could look at, if they felt that they wanted to. I recall, in the old days, we would have opened Yellow Pages, which gave virtually no information at all, and, and have this amazing opportunity now through the internet, where we can be better informed. And I do think that it should be optional, rather than prescriptive
Peter Blundell:yeah, it's, it's, I find it fascinating because I was speaking to somebody about this the other day. I remember when I was training, I read a book about setting up in private practice, and it wasn't that old. And it was saying, under no circumstances, put a photograph on your website, do not let the client see what you look like before, before they actually meet you in person. And I just, I always remember it because it struck me at the time. And now I mean, I mean, it's kind of like, actually, there's so much more information the clients gonna know about you before they even, before that, they'll see you, they'll know about you, your practice and everything. There's so much information there now, I think.
Helen Clarke:Yes, and especially because clients will, without fail, check you up on Google, and, and check on Facebook to see what information they can glean. And so my website was really what I would have wanted to know, all those years ago when I first started counselling. When I walked into a room to meet my, my first counsellor, what would I have liked to not know? I've had some some, shall we say, less than productive, time and, one one in particular was with psychoanalyst because I didn't know the difference was between a psychoanalyst or a humanistic counsellor. And that's where the theory is useful, to know what sort of approach, what sort of relationship I might expect from my experience with this person.
Peter Blundell:It's like a little snapshot, isn't it, you know, for clients to be able to kind of stay and read and think, Oh, yeah, that kind of, even if they don't fully understand that the theory that's there. It's kind of an idea if this sounds like something that I would, I would want to be or that's the type of person that I'd want to speak to
Helen Clarke:Yes, I think it's interesting that the book that you were reading said 'no photograph', because of course, if the client looks at the BACP register, then there's your photograph. And yeah, we all we all do, as human beings we do make judgments, but equally that photograph and that and the way that we choose who we're going to work with feeds into how successful that relationship is.
Peter Blundell:Absolutely. And you know, I think you said before, all of that information gets put together and feeds into the relationship, you know, whatever it is, whether it's accurate or inaccurate. Yeah, brilliant. Well, I think that's most of my questions really. Well, it was actually lovely chatting to you and getting to know you a little bit better. And I'm sure we'll have more Twitter discussions as we go forward.
Opening:Thank you for listening to the Therapists Connect podcast. Go to www.therapists-connect.com for more discussions and debates.
