Family support and counselling during illness

Family Support and Counselling during illness

Grosvenor House, Queensway, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 1BH Registered Charity No. 515595

T 01606 551246 E fsc@slhospice.co.uk www.slhospice.co.uk

What is counselling?

Counselling is a talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with difficult emotions.

People choose to come for counselling for a variety of reasons.

Sometimes it may be something they are struggling to cope with, or it may be something they want to change about themselves or their lifestyle.

Counselling is a confidential talking service that will be explained fully at your first meeting.

It is important to understand that counselling is not the same as going to a doctor or another professional who will tell you what is wrong with you; it is not a magic pill.

We believe in the ability of everyone to achieve change if they really want it.

Counselling can provide an opportunity to: •

Take time for yourself

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Talk to someone outside of your family and friends

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Express yourself

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Explore what is troubling you

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Be accepted and not judged

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Work towards a goal

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Learn new ways to cope

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Value yourself

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Heal and grow

“It was very reassuring to be able to visit my counsellor regularly and off-load all of my feelings.”

For patients and their relatives, counselling can be helpful in dealing with: •

The shock of a diagnosis

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Coming to terms with progressive illness

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Temporary or permanent body changes

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Feelings of isolation and uncertainty after treatment

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Your and other people’s expectations about ‘getting back to normal’

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The losses which illness brings

Support for adults We offer counselling in a variety of ways including one-to-one support, to couples and to family units.

“I realised that my feelings were OK to have and I was helped to find my own answers to any problems or concerns that I had. My counsellor did not force any solutions on me but confirmed that I had my own ways to cope with the situation.”

Support for children and parents Sessions are also offered to children, with or without their parents, when a family member is ill. These sessions provide an opportunity to explore together any questions and concerns raised by the illness, and to offer ongoing support if required.

How to access this service?

The Counselling Service is restricted to families who are already accessing other hospice services.

A referral form needs to be completed by either a healthcare professional or individuals can contact St Luke’s Family Support and Counselling Team directly on 01606 551246.

Do I have to pay?

There is no cost to attend counselling sessions, but donations are gratefully received.

Thank you.