THE WRITTEN COUNSEL
You have a question you can't quite resolve. Not a practical question — or not only that. Something about where you are, what you're doing, whether it still fits. You've turned it over. You know the shape of it. You can't seem to get outside it.
You record a voice note. You speak for around ten to fifteen minutes. You don't need to be articulate. You don't need to have it worked out. You just need to say it as honestly as you can.
I listen. I read what's underneath what you've said. I take the time your question needs — attending to it, turning it, noticing where the language goes careful and where it goes vague. Then I write.
What you receive is a single considered piece — around 1,200 to 1,800 words — that gives your situation language and structure you couldn't produce from inside it. Not advice. Not a list of observations. A made thing, written for you, about what is actually going on.
The pilot
I am opening a small number of places while I refine this work. The fee is £50. When you send your voice note you enter your card details, but nothing is taken. On the day your piece is ready, your card is charged and the piece opens. With your piece, I'll ask you three short questions about what you received.
To begin
Record your voice note on the next page. You can listen back and record again before you send it, or upload a recording you have made on your phone.
Questions
What should I talk about?
Whatever is on your mind. There's no format and nothing to prepare. Say it as it comes to you, not as a polished account.
What happens after I send it?
I listen to it, and I may send you up to three short questions by email. Your piece usually arrives within four weeks.
How do I pay?
When you send your voice note, you enter your card details through Stripe. Nothing is taken then. When your piece is ready, your card is charged £50 and I email you a private link to read it. If you change your mind before I send it, tell me and nothing is charged.
Is this therapy?
No. It isn't therapy, coaching or advice. If you are in crisis, please contact your GP, call NHS 111, or call Samaritans free on 116 123.
What happens to my recording?
It is stored privately, and I delete the recording within 30 days of delivering your piece. I keep a transcript as confidential notes, filed under a reference rather than your name, so that I can build on it if we work together again. You can ask me to delete it at any time.
What if the recording page doesn't work for me?
Email me at giles@gilescartwright.co.uk and I'll help.
Pieces are usually returned within four weeks. One exchange per engagement. If after reading you have a question, I'll answer it — briefly, in writing.