How does my physical health affect my mental wellbeing?

Living  with any long-term health condition can be challenging and people with respiratory conditions often report having to make significant changes in their day-to-day lives.

Things that once seemed easy might be harder to do, which can be frustrating, increase stress and impact on the ability to be able to manage. Anxiety, low mood, sleep issues and concerns for the future are common themes

What is counselling?

Counselling is a confidential space to explore any issues that are affecting your health and wellbeing.

You will work with your counsellor in alliance; This will be an individual experience at a pace that suits your needs.

Having time, in a neutral space, can help you to reflect on difficulties with a new perspective and is an opportunity to identify clear achievable goals, with support to make meaningful changes.

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Service's counselling service provides an integrated holistic approach focusing on bringing together physical and emotional health to improve quality of life.

Our counselling service is delivered by an experienced practitioner in the respiratory field who  is a registered and accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

What sort of issues can counselling help with?

Some common presenting issues are listed below:

• anxiety
• loss and change
• finances
• bereavement
• low mood
• confidence
• housing
• historic issues
• health
• work
• relationships
• palliative care.

Who can have counselling?

The counselling service is available to adults with a respiratory diagnosis or related condition, who are currently under the care of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Service . Patients who have previously accessed the service can also use the service. The service provides additional support to the healthcare you receive from your respiratory physiotherapist

How can I access the counselling service?

• Any clinician from the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Service can make the referral on your behalf.
• You can also self-refer by calling the admin team if you are having pulmonary rehab, or have been previously active with the service.

What happens next?

• Following your referral you will receive a letter asking you to register with the service.
• By registering, you are giving consent to be added to the waiting list and to be contacted by phone, text and email.
• You will receive a text confirming registration with the current waiting time.
• When you reach the top of the waiting list you will be called to book an initial assessment.
• The assessment is to establish suitability and focus for follow-up appointments.
• All appointments are via video – this will be discussed at the time of booking.
• Following the assessment you will offered follow-up appointments if necessary.

What do other people think?

Comments from our service users include:

“My experience was a good one; The counsellor I had was understanding, extremely professional and informative. She made me feel comfortable and I was lead to my own outcomes. She really facilitated the sessions well.”

“The counsellor was approachable, understanding, supportive and knowledgeable - she understood my sense of humour which is a big deal for me.”