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We are excited to offer this new service, creating a new standard within the sport of the channel and ultra marathon swimming.
The seed of this new development comes from Pádraig’s own channel swims many years ago and watching my friends and family after their huge challenging swims. It also comes from the channel swimmers who have put their trust in infinity Channel Swimming for their various cross channel and ultra marathon swims over the last 10 years.
We always knew there was a need for this service yet never really knew how this should be provided. We have been in chats with Dr Patricia McParland on many different occasions over the years and we contemplated funding a research project and publication of a paper to help channel swimmers understand and deal with as some in the sport call ‘the downer’ that is experienced by a channel swimmer being unsuccessful or even successful. The research didn’t really gain traction as we appreciated that a published paper is probably not the most useful to the majority when in these situations and because we felt it wouldn’t be effective enough.
Whilst in a Doctors waiting room for a general check-up I was sifting through the countless leaflets available. I read that there were FREE counselling services available in certain situations. In the thick of North Channel season 2023 it got me thinking again, this is something we should be focusing on to have a more direct effect on and support our swimmers. The penny dropped like most of my brain waves after a good nights sleep and I sent Dr Patricia an excited voice note at 5am. She was as excited, and responded quickly, keen also to get something in place.
Pádraig
For the run of the mill person seeing a channel swim first hand sometimes just doesn’t make sense but we are not dealing with run of the mill type of people in this sport. Dr Patricia has been part of open water swimming since early 2000’s. She has met every type and age of swimmer, giving her amazing access to this crazy sport and the crazy people who take part in it.
Over the last few months we have been working towards the launch of this Sports Counselling service. It will be 100% confidential and external of infinity Channel Swimming offering 2 free counselling sessions to channel swimmers who book a channel swim with us.
We are extremely proud to be working with Dr Patricia McParland and look forward to offering this service to channel and ultra marathon swimming for 2024 season and beyond.
Dr Patricia Mc Parland is an independent consultant working in the field of mental health. She has been delivering professional counselling and life coaching services for over 20 years. Patricia applies a person-centred ethos to all of her work, believing that each person with whom she works has all they need to create and support the life they desire. Her job, as she sees it, is to create the space where you can connect with that inner strength and access your own wisdom.
She has been involved with water-based events in a health and safety capacity for many years, is a qualified swim teacher and has worked with infinity on channel crossings. This experience means Patricia is in a unique position to offer this type of support for marathon swimmers and their Crew.
infinity Channel Swimming recognise that there is growing attention being given to the mental health journey associated with long distance swimming and I am fully committed to supporting this in whatever way I can. Having worked with a considerable number of long distance channel swimmers has shown me that there are many challenges in a long distance swim. There are highs and lows both in training, during the swim itself and when it is all over. For those of you who take on the challenge, we know there can be a cost to this on many levels and that even after huge success there can be lows in the anti-climax that may follow. For those of you who, for a range of reasons don’t make it across or perhaps don’t even get the opportunity to make the crossing, the emotional challenges can be even greater. I offer support or space to explore what’s coming up for you. You can choose to avail of sessions before your crossing, afterwards or both. Two independent sessions with me are offered as part of your North Channel package and these can be used at any point in the 3 months prior and post swim. Prior to these sessions, we will have a short introductory call (up to 30mins) where we get to know each other and work out how you would like to use your sessions. My commitment to you during all of these sessions is to be fully present with you where ever or how ever you want to use the session, working from a place of non-judgement, respect and trust.
Patricia
We would encourage you to take advantage of this service. We believe in the value of counselling and the opportunity it offers to improve your wellbeing and support your personal growth.
It is important to note that while infinity will cover the cost of the two sessions, in every other way the service being offered is entirely independent. If you wish to consider further sessions, Patricia will discuss the options available.
We know there is more than the solo swimmer in the team. Dr Patricia McParland is available to offer this service to relay swimmers, swimmer's crew and other channel swimmers at their own cost.
There is no need to inform any of the infinity Crew if you decide to avail of the service.
Please contact Patricia directly to arrange your introductory call.
Email at patricia.mcparland@gmail.com or by telephone at 00447912063448 Sessions are available in person or online via zoom.
