If you are trying to come to terms with a progressive neurological condition such as Motor Neurone Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease etc. then the Post Diagnosis Support Service can help you.
Areas covered: Burtwood, Burton, Lichfield, Tamworth and Uttoxeter.
Counselling can help you to make some sort of sense of what is happening to you as well as supporting you through difficult times in your life. Confidential counselling is available with our Post Diagnosis Support Worker (and a fully trained counsellor)
If you are not sure what counselling is all about, here is some information that may help to answer some of your questions.
What does a counsellor do?
- works within the guidelines set out by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
- provides a safe and supportive environment where you will be listened to
- we will not judge you or tell you what to do but will explore with you your thoughts and feelings as you try to make sense of what is happening and begin to move forward.
What happens at the first session?
The first session is called ‘the assessment’. This gives us the opportunity to see if we want to work together. You will be able to ask questions and raise any worries you may have about counselling. You will be told more about what is involved in the counselling process. You will have the opportunity to talk and together we will begin to focus on the issues that are concerning you.
How many sessions will I need?
If, at our first meeting, we decide that counselling may be of help to you, we can arrange to meet on a regular basis.
You will be offered up to 6 sessions initially, however this will be reviewed as the counselling progresses. If for some reason you are unable to keep the counselling appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can make alternative arrangements.
When you have had your last counselling session
We will ask you to complete a brief questionnaire; this will provide valuable feedback on your experience of counselling.
Is counselling confidential?
All information given by you to CASS staff is confidential and is discussed only as necessary with the Adult Team Manager or Chief Officer in order to support you or the person you care for. Any disclosures of confidential information to any other person may only be undertaken at your request and with your permission, except when considered necessary for the protection of a child or vulnerable adult. In these cases the CASS staff member must first discuss the information with the Adult Team Manager, Young Carers Team Manager or Chief Officer and action may possibly be taken.
Contact:
Victoria Leeming
Post Diagnosis Support Worker (and a fully qualified counsellor)
Tel: 01543 301140 (office) 07740 418640 (mobile)
Email: victoria.leeming@carersinformation.org.uk
Click to read leaflets:
Concerns or complaints about the counselling service
Please feel able to talk this through with the counsellor. If you feel this is not appropriate, please contact:
Mrs G Wyatt,
Chief Officer,
Carers Association Southern Staffordshire,
The Carers Centre,
Austin Friars, Stafford ST17 4AP
Who will discuss the matter with you.
Serious complaints may be discussed with The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy,
1 Regent Place, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 2PJ.
