A chance for you to speak openly
Counselling is confidential. What is said remains between you and your counsellor so you don’t have to hold back, though there are some exceptions that may be required by counselling professional bodies. We will be talking about the exceptions in the ‘Get to Know’ session.
Talking to a counsellor rather than family
It can sometimes be easier to talk to a ‘stranger’ than to family or friends. As a counsellor, I focus on what you say and your need to be heard.
Helping you to live with your condition
There may be a variety of feelings coming up for you after your diagnosis. In counselling we look at processing your initial feelings working at the speed that is comfortable for you. We will look at how you can live with the condition and your plans for the future.
Exploring the reasons for how you feel
We will look at the different and possibly new feelings that develop when you look after someone with a life limiting illness, which can be extremely hard. You may not be able to prevent some negative feelings that you haven’t felt before from coming up. There are many reasons why this occurs.
Coping with negative feelings and stress
As a carer, you may feel guilty about how you sometimes feel and behave towards the person with the life limiting illness, particularly if you notice a build up of resentment towards the person. This can be distressing to experience. I will be listening to you in a non-judgemental way as you talk about your feelings, and look for practical ways going forward.
Learning to "manage" your feelings and behaviour
It may happen that you struggle with unusual or challenging behaviour of the person you are looking after. We look at how this impacts you and what you can do about it.
Helping to reduce anxiety
Anxiety can be mild or severe, and often originates from worry or fear. Getting a diagnosis can trigger anxiety which is perfectly normal, as uncertain times lie ahead. We will help you articulate your worries and fears about the future as a starting point to coping better.
Helping you adjust to your condition
After getting a diagnosis you may struggle to take in what you heard and receiving additional information can be difficult to digest. During counselling we take all the time you need to look into the different aspects that are affecting you which may help you in dealing more easily with the possible changes in your life.