Royals helping to break down mental health stigma, says therapist

WITH the stigma attached to mental illness slowly breaking down, counsellors like Lynn Coates say there is a real opportunity for more conversation around issues that will affect most people at some stage in their lives.

Lynn, who works for a Lymington counselling charity, spoke to the A&T about mental health generally and the approach she takes to helping her clients. She said simply by talking about these difficulties, which for some is an extremely daunting prospect, a person’s outlook and wellbeing can be totally transformed.

Many people suffering depression, stress or anxiety are worried about how they will be viewed by employers or even their families if they admit how they are feeling, although Lynn says there is more openness and a better understanding of mental health now than ever before.

She attributes this heightened awareness partly to young royals William, Kate and Harry, who have helped tackle perceived stigma and change the conversation.

Lynn said she has been impressed by the work they are doing, adding: “I have noticed that more young men are now seeking professional help – a growing recognition of the benefits of counselling.”

Lynn’s approach to counselling is holistic in style. She encourages self-exploration in a safe, non-judgemental, supportive and confidential environment.

"I help the person to explore thoughts, feelings and behaviours which may be negatively affecting their life. I also help the client to gain understanding of the influence of the past on present behaviour.

As a child, Lynn had a caring, maternal nature and says her job choice was a natural calling. She was working in education when she decided to put these natural qualities to good use and began training to become a counsellor.

Lynn started her training in 2010, and in 2013 she achieved a diploma in therapeutic counselling. Then, in 2018, she was awarded a first-class BA Honours degree in humanistic and integrative counselling, which works on the premise of seeing the whole person – mind, body and spirit.

It recognises that there are significant connections between all approaches to counselling and believes no one single approach is sufficient.

“It gives me the tools to treat the unique person in front of me – everyone is different,” said Lynn. “In fact, it is the quality of the therapeutic relationship that is the most important aspect of successful therapy, and this can bring about real, lasting change in every aspect of your life.”

Lynn says the number of sessions each client requires varies, with some wanting a set amount and others preferring an open-ended basis. Each session lasts for 50 minutes, and Lynn says it is beneficial to meet on a weekly basis.

She added: “However, I understand people have busy lives and will try to be flexible where possible; this can be discussed and together we can agree on what is best for each individual person.”

Lynn, who works with over-18s only, said it is never too late to access therapy. In fact, mental health and emotional wellbeing are as important in older age as at any other time of life. Older people are more likely to experience life-changing events such as bereavement, threat of redundancy, retirement, awareness of ageing, possibility of illness and dependency on others, and anxieties arising in marital relationships after children have left home. All these factors can result in isolation, loss of independence, loneliness and distress.

Lynn, who also works at the Coastal Practice in Bournemouth, said it is natural to feel apprehensive about counselling. “Making the decision to get help and address the issues you are facing is an important first step and should be commended,” she said.

“I offer a free confidential telephone consultation to discuss how we can work together before making an appointment.”

To make an appointment or for more information, call Lynn on 07951 0470378 or email lynncoatescounselling@gmail.com

Lynn is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and undertakes regular continuous professional development, keeping her skills and knowledge up to date ensuring client safety.