Newark and Sherwood: Psychotherapist Kevin Guthrie uses Facebook to help those struggling through lockdown

A psychotherapist is using Facebook to help those currently struggling during lockdown, writes Elliot Ball.

Kevin Guthrie has 20 years of experience in psychotherapy and currently operates privately in Fernwood.

His role is to help people overcome stress, emotional and relationship problems or troublesome habits, which can be conducted with individuals, groups, couples and families.

When the last lockdown was announced, Kevin saw how many people were struggling due to being locked in — and realised he could provide a bank of free resources to help.

“I have a huge passion to see people more peaceful," said Kevin.

"I want everyone to value their mental health enough to invest in it.”

Kevin has started three different projects all aimed at helping people achieve better mental health.

The first, Lockdown Live, is held on Facebook Live every Tuesday to Saturday at 8.15am. Around eight minutes long, they aim to discuss topics of anxiety, anger, working from home and homeschooling.

He said: “I offer brief insights into how we might better manage or mental health. They started the day after Boris announced the last lockdown and I was aware people needed that encouragement of ‘come on, we can do this, come on’.

“I think my concern over the past year is that adults have basically gone into survival mode and into this place of ‘we have to get on with it’. So, I thought it was important to discuss the importance of not dragging our children with us and, instead, try to do something with them.

“Some people are just surviving this time period and not really growing through it so I hope my resources will help people do that.”

As well as Lockdown Live, Kevin hosts a weekly interactive Facebook discussion called Wellness Wednesdays — supported by Newark and Sherwood District Council.

The latest initiative launched by Kevin is a podcast titled Invincible You, the second season of which was released on February 1.

He said: “We’re releasing episodes every Monday and, with the second season, I wanted to give it a real direction — so this one is all about personal growth.

“Last Monday I managed to get Janette Manrara, a dancer from Strictly Come Dancing who has a real interest in mental health and positive psychology.

“My aim is to normalise the subject and help people not be as frightened of it because, hopefully, we can all be a little bit happier.

“All the resources are free to access and are created with my love and desire to see people more peaceful.”

If you are interested in joining Kevin for Lockdown Live, Wellness Wednesdays or listening to Invincible You, visit the following links.

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoF1GNclJeSbd26XjzljTYA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guthrietherapy

Podcasts can be also be found on Kevin’s Facebook page or at www.homeradio.co.uk/podcasts/invincible-you