Through our Meet the Tenant feature we hope you’re seeing the wide variety of businesses that partner with us here at the Millfields Trust. In previous blogs, we’ve introduced you to Established By Her Marketing Agency as well as The Hot Buns Bakery but today we’d like to introduce the Ben Selby Counselling.
What is your name, company, and how long have you been in business?
My name is Ben Selby of the imaginatively named Ben Selby Counselling. I have been an independent counsellor and psychotherapist since 2012. Before this I was working as a Senior Counsellor in a local drug and alcohol rehab.
Can you tell us a bit about your business?
Under the banner of Ben Selby Counselling, I counsel a variety of people with various different issues, ranging from anxiety and depression, anger management, gender and sexual diversity issues, bereavement, and increasingly, with relationship counselling, and working with couples. I work shorter and long term with clients and supervise other counsellors to explore their therapeutic interactions with their clients. I am also trained as a practitioner in hypnotherapy.
When and why did you get an office/ unit in the Millfields Trust?
I was looking for an office space in 2014 to expand aspects of the practice, and fell in love with the peacefulness that my current office enjoys at Creykes Court. The green space outside my window seems to bring a sense of calm. There was also the benefit of knowing that rather than line the pockets of a landlord, whilst paying rent, I was also giving back to the local community. I know at one time the council ward we are in was one of the poorest in the country. It is great to see the investment being used in the regeneration of the community.
What does an average day look like for your business? What happens?
I go in to the office every day with the intentions of helping people to find their own strengths to help through the various issues that they bring. There is a lot of admin, so the day is usually an hour with clients and 30 minutes off in between appointments.
What types of challenges has your business faced in the past, present and possibly in the future?
Cost of living is one of the biggest challenges at the moment. Most clients are self funding although there are a number of EAP clients (an EAP is generally where employers invest in outsourced services for the pastoral care of their clients, for which I subcontract). There is also a lot of admin, including website maintenance, accounting, and of course, client notes.
If you could have one thing right now for your business, what would it be?
A guarantee of future business is something that I am sure everybody, myself included, is in need of.
Plans for 2023?
My plans for 2023 are to keep my head above water! There are loose plans for some refurbishment of the office. It could do with new floor tiling and some redecoration, but finding the resources to do this are a struggle at the moment.
What’s the best business advice you have ever received? Or, what is your business mantra?
There is no such thing as competition. As long as one does what they say they are going to do, and treats their clients with respect and one is able to find a connection, I believe that in my industry at least, the client will always find the right therapist for them at the time they need that therapist. The therapist will always find the client they need is also very true.
What do you love about Stonehouse?
Stonehouse is a real community, that will undoubtedly benefit from the regeneration.
What do you love about being a business in Plymouth?
Plymouth has been a home since I came to university here in 1994. I love the diversity of the city! Although culture can sometimes seem limited, there is a uniqueness to the city.
Where can people find out more information about your business?
Website – www.benselbycounselling.co.uk
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/BenSelbyCounselling
Twitter – https://twitter.com/benselbycounsel
If you’re a business in need of office space, light industrial units, or possibly just a meeting room, head over to Our Premises today. If you already know exactly what you need then please don’t hesitate to contact the team.