Emotional Support Through Counselling
Living with Kidney Disease — at any stage — can bring up a wide range of emotions. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure about the future.
As your Renal Counsellor, my role is to provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly about how you’re feeling. Because I’m not directly involved in your medical care, I can offer a neutral perspective and a space to share thoughts or worries you might not feel comfortable discussing elsewhere.
What is Counselling?
Counselling is a space just for you — where there’s no pressure, no agenda, and no judgement.
You can talk about whatever is on your mind, whether it’s related to your health, personal life, or something else entirely. Each session is guided by what you need and want to talk about.
Who Can Access Counselling?
Counselling is available to:
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Anyone diagnosed with Kidney Disease
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Family members or carers of someone living with Kidney Disease
How Can Counselling Help?
Talking through your thoughts and emotions can make a real difference. Counselling can help you:
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Offload difficult or confusing feelings
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Make sense of what you’re going through
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Find ways to cope, adjust, and move forward
Counselling may support you with:
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Coming to terms with a new diagnosis
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Starting or living with dialysis
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Making treatment decisions
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Dealing with anxiety, depression, or low mood
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Navigating work or family challenges
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Adjusting to changes in body image or self-identity
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Relationship and intimacy issues
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Grief, loss, or bereavement
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Feeling isolated or lonely
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Dealing with life’s bigger questions about meaning, purpose, or mortality
How Do Sessions Work?
You can refer yourself directly, or ask a member of your care team — such as your Nurse, Consultant, or Dietitian — to refer you using a simple referral form (see button below). Once the referral is received, I’ll get in touch with you to arrange your first appointment.
Sessions can take place:
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In a private counselling room
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While you’re receiving dialysis
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In your own home, if more suitable
You’ll usually be offered up to six sessions, each lasting around an hour, held weekly or fortnightly depending on what works best for you. Extensions can be arranged if needed.
Need Support? You’re Not Alone.
If you're finding things difficult or just need someone to talk to — please reach out.
Counselling is here to support you.
