DisabilityPlus

We are an online counselling service for people with complex disabilities. We offer self-paid counselling for an immediate start and NHS funding applications for free funding.

We support people who are disabled with a therapist who has the same or similar disability as the person who wants counselling. 

Our specialist services where the therapist has the same disability as the person who wants counselling are:

• Limb Loss
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Cerebral Palsy
• Sight Loss
• Deaf (BSL/Oral)
• Rare Genetic Disorders
• Vestibular Disorders
• Tinnitus
• ASD
• ADHD 

We also specialise in Ataxia, Muscular Dystrophy, MS, Osteogenesis imperfecta, Spina Bifida and Epilepsy.

From the moment you reach out, we aim to create a safe and supportive space for you. We know sharing your experiences and vulnerabilities can be difficult, so our initial sessions focus on building trust and rapport. Our therapists have disabilities themselves, so they truly understand what you’re going through. They’ve navigated similar physical, emotional, and social adjustments, and their journeys can offer hope and inspiration.

We’ll work together to understand your specific needs and goals. We’ll also take the time to learn about your background, medical history (specifically related to your disability), current emotional well-being, and any challenges you face.

Our approach to therapy is grounded in evidence-based practices. We use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), among other techniques, to help you develop coping skills, manage your emotions effectively, and build resilience. We’ll explore the root causes of any challenges you’re experiencing, whether they’re depression, anxiety, PTSD, body image concerns, grief, relationship difficulties, or social isolation.

Beyond Standard Counselling

At DisabilityPlus, we go beyond general counselling approaches. We understand that your disability is an integral part of your identity and experience, and our therapies are tailored to reflect that.

Empowering Your Journey: ACT Therapy with a Shared Understanding

Welcome. We understand that navigating life with a disability presents unique challenges. That's why we offer Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) delivered by therapists who themselves live with disabilities. We believe this shared experience creates a powerful foundation for healing and growth.

Here's how we approach your journey:

Our Approach: Building Psychological Flexibility Together

Cultivating Psychological Flexibility: We guide you in developing psychological flexibility—the ability to be present, open to your experiences (both challenging and positive), and to act in alignment with your values. For those living with disabilities, this means learning to navigate limitations with resilience and purpose. We bring a unique understanding of your everyday realities, fostering a therapeutic alliance built on genuine empathy.

Embracing Acceptance: We encourage acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings rather than fighting against them. This is especially relevant when dealing with chronic pain, physical limitations, or the impact of societal stigma. We understand this journey intimately and offer a space where your experiences are validated.

Living Your Values: We help you identify your core values and take meaningful action in accordance with them. Even with limitations, a rich and fulfilling life is possible. We can help you explore how to live a life that aligns with what matters most to you, drawing from our own experiences.

Practicing Mindfulness: We integrate mindfulness techniques to help you stay present and reduce the impact of distressing thoughts and feelings. This is invaluable for managing chronic pain, anxiety, and other challenges. We share practical mindfulness strategies that we found helpful in our lives.

Building a Foundation of Shared Understanding: We believe in the power of shared experience. Our lived experience with disability enables us to connect with you on a deeper level, creating a therapeutic relationship built on empathy and validation. We "get it," and we're here to support you.

The Benefits of Our Approach:

• Stronger Rapport: We foster a sense of comfort and understanding, knowing that your experiences are genuinely understood.
• Challenging Stigma: We actively challenge societal stereotypes and promote a positive and empowering view of disability.
• Practical Coping Strategies: We share practical, real-world coping strategies developed through our lived experiences.
• Empowering Role Models: We demonstrate that a fulfilling and meaningful life is possible, regardless of disability.
• We believe that ACT, when delivered with a foundation of shared understanding, can create a transformative therapeutic experience. We are here to walk alongside you and support you in building a life of purpose, resilience, and acceptance.

Accessing Free Funding for Complex Disability Support

Self-Paying for Immediate Start:

First Session £50, Every 3 Sessions Thereafter £180 (3x£60) 

Free Funding

Living with a complex disability can often bring extra financial pressures. At DisabilityPlus, we understand this.

We support clients and GPs across England and Wales, aiming to provide access to free counselling and offer crucial support during challenging times.

We can apply for funding to support your counselling if you have a permanent disability that is unlikely to improve with medication or time. The disabilities we can apply for funding for include:

• Ataxia
• BSL Counselling in Wales
• Cerebral Palsy
• Limb Loss
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Some Rare Genetic Disorders
• Spina Bifida
• Sudden Sight Loss
• Spinal Cord Injury

Most NHS regions in England and Wales support us based on exceptional circumstances. When you refer to us, we will confirm whether your location is covered and fits the criteria set out.

If you are not eligible for funding because you live in an area that doesn’t support our program, or if your disability isn’t listed above, you may still be able to access our counselling services through self-payment.

We have a large team of Counsellors, Psychotherapists, and Psychologists. Each Therapist has different working hours; we match you, ensuring availability.

Talking Therapies Comparison to DisabilityPlus?
You might be familiar with general mental health counselling and wonder how disability counselling differs. It’s a valid question. While both aim to improve well-being, disability counselling does not simply apply the same techniques to people with disabilities.

It’s a distinct field with a specialised focus, recognising that living with a disability presents unique challenges and experiences that require a tailored approach.

It goes beyond simply addressing mental health symptoms, although mental health is often a crucial component.

Imagine two people: one experiencing general anxiety and another experiencing anxiety related to navigating a world that isn’t accessible to them.

While both might benefit from therapeutic techniques, the context of their anxiety is vastly different. Disability counselling acknowledges this crucial difference. It understands that the challenges faced by someone with a disability aren’t just internal struggles; they are often rooted in external barriers and societal attitudes.

Disability counselling addresses the broader impact of disability on a person’s life, including:

Social and environmental barriers encompass everything from inaccessible buildings and transportation to discriminatory attitudes and a lack of inclusive opportunities.

Disability counselling helps individuals navigate these barriers, develop coping strategies, and advocate for change.

Internalised ableism: Society often perpetuates negative stereotypes and misconceptions about disability.

These messages can be internalised, leading to self-doubt, low self-esteem, and a sense of shame.

Disability counselling provides a space to challenge these internalised messages and build a positive disability identity.

Interpersonal relationships: Disability can impact relationships with family, friends, and partners. Disability counselling can help individuals navigate these complexities, communicate their needs effectively, and build healthy relationships.

Personal growth and empowerment: Disability counselling focuses on strengths and resilience. It empowers individuals to embrace their unique abilities, pursue their goals, and live fulfilling lives on their terms.

While there might be some overlap with general counselling, disability counselling offers a nuanced and specialised approach that recognises the specific needs and experiences of people with disabilities.

It’s about understanding how disability intersects with all aspects of life—physical, emotional, social, and environmental.