The recent BBC series ‘Change Your Mind’ shows the power of therapy but why were survivor voices missing? Clive Evans, our CEO, recently shared his thoughts with our local paper, the EDP.
In a column published in the Eastern Daily Press on 3 June, Clive, our CEO, shared his thoughts about the recent BBC show, ‘Change Your Mind, Change Your Life’. The series aired during Mental Health Awareness Week, and was fronted by Emma and Matt Willis.
In the article, Clive talks about why giving viewers a rare glimpse into the counselling room was an important and interesting watch. But questions – was it a true reflection of what really happens in the therapy room?
And why were survivor voices not included?
Clive says;
“I applaud the producers of the show and of course the brave people who took part. I have no doubt that it will deliver impact, raising lots of awareness about the transformative power of therapy, and therefore it really did break ground. The series helped to demystify counselling, and will encourage more people to ask for help. But; in the column I have written for the EDP today, I share my concerns that this was very much therapy shown through a TV lens.
“We know from our 40 years of experience, supporting survivors who have experienced sexual abuse and sexual violence, that therapy is a long, arduous and extremely difficult process. It is no quick fix.
“And, as too often happens, survivor voices were not represented, with the show failing to include any mention of sexual assault, rape, domestic violence or childhood sexual abuse.
Clive Evans, chief executive of Sue Lambert Trust
“I was also concerned it showed therapy to be a ‘magic fix’. That’s not the reality for the majority of people who embark on a programme of specialist therapy with us. Our incredible team of professional counsellors deliver transformational work with their clients every day, helping people to rebuild their lives. But it is a long, complicated and challenging process.
“Our clients embark on a complex journey of unpicking shame, guilt and trauma, often over a year of counselling sessions with us. They are incredibly brave, and the work they do together with our counsellors is hard. But it works. I am fortunate enough to lead this charity, and see the positive impact of our work every day.”
Our clients work with counsellors for 12 months of intensive, specialist counselling
Read Clive’s full column here:
Opinion: Did BBC’s Change Your Mind silence survivors? | Eastern Daily Press