Counselling and Psychotherapy are 'talking therapies' - a space where you can explore your personal feelings, beliefs and thoughts - in a safe and supportive way, with someone who is trained to do it sensitively.

Counselling helps us to cope better emotionally, especially at difficult times, when the upset can feel overwhelming.

What can counselling help with?

Counselling has helped many people deal with emotional and mental distress, be it feelings of anxiety or panic, stress and hopelessness, depression, sadness, grief and loneliness, mood swings, changes in relationships, feelings around loss, lowered self-esteem and self-worth, fears around illness and mortality.

What do counsellors do?

Your counsellor will offer the opportunity to think and talk about yourself and your concerns in a way that you often can't do with family and friends. A place and time that is just for you to talk about those things that bother you:

• Listen to the way you feel and how this affects you and others.
• Accept the way you are without judging you.
• Help you to make the changes that you would like to happen.
• Work hard to create a good therapeutic relationship with you so that you can work well together.
• Understand that it is not always easy to talk about problems and to express feelings.
• Work with you towards improving your wellbeing and coping strategies.

Counselling sessions

Counselling can be just a few sessions or it can last over several weeks and months.
We can offer:

• One to one counselling
• Couples therapy
• Family therapy
• Help with practical and financial problems that can arise when someone is ill

Confidentiality

What you talk about in your counselling sessions is confidential. However, there are certain circumstances when the counsellor may need to talk to another professional, if there appears to be a serious risk of harm to you or to others. This is usually done with your agreement and these circumstances are explained at the beginning of the counselling.

Our Counselling Team is available to speak with you when you feel the time is right for you. Simply get in touch to talk informally about your options or to book an appointment.

Psychological Support is available to all patients referred to the Hospice, their carers, friends and family members.

Contact our Clinical Enquiries Team

Patient & Carers information