Starting as we mean to go on...

I have been somewhat torn about writing a blog. I like the idea of it; giving insight into Open Minds, counselling and the joys and challenges of what we do and who we are). I do worry though about not representing Open Minds well enough; being too professional and possibly alientating to people who would like to access counselling, or too personable (because I am a warm, geeky person!) and therefore alientating to professionals wanting to learn about Open Minds, or possibly fund us!

I'm also inclined to babble, which is the danger zone, and because I'm always busy I have guilt about anything which distracts me from the million other things I have to do.

With all this in mind I think there will be 3 types of blogs that I create here:

'just me' which will be more inclined to my personal reflections of being and running Open Minds, what I get out of it, and also my personal experiences as a counsellor, Manager and the joys and challenges of balancing my two 'babies' - Open Minds which I created, and my 4 year old son Sam. Naturally I can't say that my opinions in no way reflect Open Minds' policies etc. because I created the organisation, wrote its policies and it operate according to systems I developed with other members of our wonderful team. However, taking this into acccount it is important to recognise that Open Minds is called Open Minds for a reason; I am, and as an organisation we are, open-minded and work to be all inclusive so regardless of my own beliefs or values about specific things, the core value of Open Minds is that we are open to all.

'making a difference' which will be about Open Minds and our experiences - the joys and challenges of therapy, of being a small charity but a big service, and similar!

'hopefully helpful' which will be links to articles and websites which can be helpful, discussions and useful interventions or activities to help people with feelings and thoughts which are distressing to them.

I will value feedback and comments as this blog evolves so please don't hesitate to contribute.

HOWEVER any 'Ists' or 'Isms' (racism, sexism etc.) or trolling will be deleted.

thanks and all the best to you all from Helen