Health Worries
Our health and well-being and the health and well-being of those we love and care for can be something we take for granted until concerns about it begin to arise.
Anxieties that arise from changing health needs can begin to dominate our day-to-day lives. If you are worried about changes in your own health or in the health of someone you care for, you may find it helpful to have someone outside your family or social group to talk to.
I have worked in a Cancer support centre serving the Northwest of England, providing counselling to people whose lives have been affected by cancer. I have experience of working with adults and young people who are living with a cancer diagnosis, caring for someone with cancer and with those who have lost friends and loved ones to cancer.
My clients have told me how valuable it has been to have someone, away from their everyday life, that they can confidentially share their emotions and experiences with.
I also have lived experience of supporting people living with a dementia diagnosis and of supporting those caring for someone with dementia.
Whatever stage of life a diagnosis is given, I understand the enormous changes and sense of loss dementia brings to the lives of both the person with the diagnosis and to their family members and friends.
Feedback from my clients:
"Thank you for providing a safe and supportive space for me to rant, cry, think and explore my fears and emotions. I do now feel equipped to face the challenges ahead of which I am sure there will be many."
"It's been good to have somewhere I can talk about my dad's illness without squashing the mood with my friends"
"I have really enjoyed these sessions. I feel like a blockage has been moved. I can talk about all of my loss now, I didn't want to before. I can say what I need to to others now."
"I never realised how much having someone to listen to me could help me. I never thought I needed counselling, but it's wonderful. I can talk to you about anything. It's a shame I didn't come 3 years ago. I am talking more freely now. Counselling has released something in me. I have never spoken to anyone about my own death before. Thinking about it kept me up at night. I don't worry in the same way now. I am sleeping better. I have contacted people I've not spoken to for years and they're so glad to hear from me. It's slowed my thinking down. I no longer run at problems. I stop and think. It's been great."