Logo

 

Banner Image:   Baptist-Times-banner-2000x370-
Template Mode:   Baptist Times
Icon
    Post     Tweet

Reconnect with
Reconnect with the world at your own pace 

Interview with Sandra Boden, counsellor at the Oak Tree Counselling Service.

The Oak Tree Counselling Service (OTCS) was established in 2002, by Andy Nott and Sandra Boden, with the aim of offering affordable counselling for adults.  The service, inspired by the pastoral counselling ministry of former pastor John Bedford, is an independent charity connected to King’s Community Church in Oldbury. It operates in accordance with the Association of Christian Counsellors guidelines and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Ethical Framework for The Counselling Profession.  

Over the years trained volunteer counsellors (including Sandy Nott, wife of Andy Nott) have worked with a steady stream of clients. These have consisted of a combination of referrals, recommendations and people who have independently accessed the service. Sandra has been a senior psychotherapist/counsellor and supervisor from the start.  

“We established ourselves fairly quickly,” explains Sandra. “At that time there weren’t many places that offered affordable counselling. 

“We provide support for people with a wide range of difficulties including stress, anger, bereavement, abuse, amongst other spiritual/psychological issues. We work with couples, families and groups as well as individuals.  The aim is to make counselling available to anyone, but we do ask all our clients for a financial contribution – no matter how small – as this encourages personal investment in the counselling process”. 

One way the service differs from others is that it offers open-ended counselling. Other services generally offer between 6 and 20 sessions.  For some people, this may suffice; for others, particularly those with more complex difficulties, an open-ended contract is required. 

Counselling often makes a difference. “I find it humbling when clients trust me enough to share details of their lives and experiences that they have never spoken about.  To witness their transformation as they let go of outdated beliefs which have been self-limiting is rewarding.  Some difficulties may not be resolved but encouraging clients to use coping strategies can enable them to live in a healthier way. Generally, the people who work with us finish with a renewed sense of understanding, hope and purpose”. 

Sandra says that over the last year there has been a concentration of cases regarding bereavement. Social restrictions have made coping with the loss of a loved one even more difficult.  Stress, depression and loneliness are recurring issues; as is anxiety, and fear of catching the virus.   

“Living with the Covid-19 pandemic is disorientating,” Sandra explains. “For some it has intensified pre-existing issues as well as bringing fresh challenges in its own right.” 

She is expecting an increase in calls as the restrictions of the pandemic lift.  “Kay Baker (OTCS counsellor) and I agree that there may be an increase in people wanting counselling as they adjust to life without loved ones; or the loss of jobs and the purpose and self-esteem that went with them; or changes in relationships that have occurred over the past year.” 

With the end of lockdown in mind Sandra advises people to take things slowly – and be mindful that life will not go back to how it was.   

“I would suggest reconnecting with the world at your own pace. Do what you feel comfortable with in terms of joining social groups, engaging with activities and connecting with friends and loved ones; and do it in your own time.  

“Remember the world is forever changed, it won’t be how it was. Feel your way back into it. You don’t need to impose the way you do this on anyone or have others’ ideas imposed on you.” 
 

Click here to download a pdf version of this article.
 
This article was originally published in the Summer 2021 edition of Baptists Together magazine.
    Post     Tweet
HEBA Home Mission Stories
Examples of how Home Mission funds are being used in the Heart of England Baptist Association
SubArticleD2019
‘I went home feeling refreshed and hopeful for our church’s future’
The latest Small Church Connexion hub was planted at an event wonderfully hosted by Perry Beeches Baptist Church, North Birmingham
'Making the word of God and the Christian message available to its local community'
A Birmingham Baptist church is bringing people together in its busy high street coffee shop, thanks to a grant from Baptist Insurance
Spreading the message of peace in Rugby 
Since 2004 the garden at Rugby Baptist Church has been a haven of peace in Rugby town centre. Now it is home to the first ‘Peace Pole’ in the town – a pole inscribed with the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth'' in several languages
From silver to gold 
How Fernhill Heath Baptist Church continued its Eco Church journey and became the second Baptist church to achieve the gold award
Baptist minister's Park Run challenge for the BSL Bible Translation Project 
Baptist minister the Revd Susan Myatt aims to raise £1500 for the BSL Bible Translation Project, which will provide 'an invaluable, long-awaited resource' to the Deaf Community and the wider church
‘The new church and community centre is all about people and God’s care for them’  
After years of planning, praying, and perseverance, ground was broken on Evesham Baptist Church’s new site in late November
     Regional News 
    Posted: 01/03/2023
    Posted: 12/11/2021
    Posted: 06/10/2021
    Posted: 27/08/2021
    Posted: 12/01/2021
    Posted: 02/12/2020
    Posted: 12/07/2019
    Posted: 15/01/2019
    Posted: 22/10/2018
    Posted: 19/09/2018