What is counselling?
Counselling is an opportunity for you to talk privately and confidentially about your experiences and feelings in a way that is rarely possible with family and friends. It can be helpful to anyone - patients, relatives and carers, individuals, couples, or family groups.
The counsellor will listen to you and try to understand your feelings from your point of view. He or she will work with you to help you find your own ways of dealing with your problems.
Even in the most difficult times, you know more about your own experience than anyone else ever can, so your counsellor will not give you advice. Just support you in finding your own way.
Having counselling is not about being ill or inadequate. It is about making a positive choice to help yourself.
If you feel that you could benefit from seeing a counsellor, check whether counselling is available within your Renal Unit.
Alternatively, counselling is available through the British Association of for Counselling and Psychotherapy (01455 883300 or through [email protected]), who can provide you with a list of qualified private counsellors in your area.
Counselling specifically for relationship difficulties is available through Relate (0300 003 0396 or directly through www.relate.org.uk).