Tell us a bit about you and your business.
I’m a qualified therapeutic counsellor that specialises in trauma work. I work with all age groups however I have a particular focus on trauma victims, emergency workers and frontline personnel such as firefighters, police officers and NHS workers.
How has COVID-19 affected your business?
I launched Ratcliffe Therapeutic Counselling in September 2020, just a few months before COVID-19 hit. Since then, I’ve orientated my business so that I’m able to help give back to the people who are giving up their time and freedom for the sake of others.
Whilst this has been challenging during COVID-19 given the nature of how counselling is delivered, I’ve been able to work in person, over the internet through video calls and telephone calls too. In a way, it has made it more accessible for people to access counselling in general, not just for those wanting to access my business.
What do you find rewarding about your work?
As I mentioned before, the fact that I’m able to give back to those that are sacrificing their welfare for us. My counselling services are specifically designed for these frontline workers and being able to be part of their journey is very rewarding.
That sounds inspiring! Thank you for your work! Are there any particular achievements you’re proud of?
An ongoing achievement is the personal impact I can make to better someone’s quality of life. That, as well as preventing people from self-harm and suicide.
Also, I recently created and managed a counselling project that was given an award of recognition by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall on behalf of the Queen for counselling services provided to the community during the pandemic.
I think it’s the impact on individuals that means the most to me.
Mental health has really been a hot topic over the past few years. What are your views?
Being in the mental health sector can be challenging, not just for me but for those wanting to seek help too. Counselling isn’t a funded area and so it’s a difficult partnership to have. That, along with the public perception of therapy. People still feel a certain stigma from accessing counselling or being open about it.
These challenges need to be addressed. Currently, I’m working in partnership with many other agencies to heighten awareness for people that counselling is acceptable. I’m also part of the BACP which is campaigning quite heavily in this area.
Would you be able to speak about your experience using Rocket Lawyer?
Sure!
Rocket Lawyer has helped me with a number of things. For example, it has helped with employment contracts, creating Terms and Conditions and all the other things that a small business can easily overlook but are super important.
I had a look at a few other services similar to Rocket Lawyer but what really made me choose Rocket Lawyer was the user experience. It’s brilliant, simple and easy to use! There are also far more contracts and documents than any other service I’ve come across which is fantastic!
Also, as a business operating in the healthcare sector, confidentiality and patient rights are extremely important. Legislation like GDPR and employment law show the complexities in this area. Whilst I have a good understanding of employment law, Rocket Lawyer’s legal guidance has been great in ensuring I really have ticked all the boxes to protect my team and client’s legal rights.
I’m glad we were able to help. Lastly, do you have any plans for the future?
I want to continue focusing on supporting trauma victims and our frontline forces/ staff, to the best of my ability.
I’ve launched a community interest company and I know that Rocket Lawyer will be super helpful in this journey.
