Latest articles on counselling and therapy

There are more than 11 million people currently living with a disability, impairment or limiting long-term illness in the UK, but what support is available?

Living with a disability can be an incredibly long journey, physically and mentally, both for the individual and the people who live with and/or care for them. But there is help and many resources available - you just need to know what to look for.

Seeking help

The first step is knowing when an extra hand may be needed. If you are...

Living with a disabled child or who has a life changing condition  For some people, the thought of having a disabled child is nothing more than ‘well it’s just one of those things’ But for a lot of people, it is the beginning of a life of never ending trauma, anxiety, depression, isolation, guilt, anger, frustration, sleep deprivation/sleep issues, unhealthy eating habits, denial, dread, grief, overwhelming hopelessness, helplessness and ongoing stress. These parents...

For some people, energy and stamina is taken for granted. It's something we have seemingly endless amounts of, and spend little time dwelling over. For those with disabilities like lupus, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome however, it is limited.

A growing number of people with conditions like this are using spoons to quantify how they feel on any given day. Energy levels can't be measured scientifically, so the spoon unit of measurement is a fun way to explain things.

So, why...

Stigma - what is it and how does it affect people who feel stigmatised?   The stigma around physical disability comes in many subtle ways; it’s not always obvious in-your-face stuff like someone saying ‘People like you aren’t welcome here’. Although that did happen to a woman I once met who, when told she and her wheelchair weren’t welcome in a shop, lowered herself to the floor and dragged herself around the aisles on her elbows, much to the...

Earlier this year a group of young people from around Britain travelled to the houses of Parliament to carry out a demonstration campaigning for education equality.

This paved the way for the A Right Not a Fight campaign, which calls for students with learning or physical disabilities to have the choices that all young people have when choosing a further education college that best meets their needs.

Unfortunately, many young people with learning or physical disabilities face a number of...

For parents whose children are diagnosed with a genetic disorder, it can seem like the end of the world.

The pressure on you to perform as a caregiver and provider for your child's needs may have intensified, but it is important to remember that there is still a life to be enjoyed and that you are not alone.

In fact, there are various charities, counsellors and support groups out there waiting for your call, with help and support on hand to get you through this difficult time.

In the...

When we fall ill, our instincts shift us into survival mode - making us more selfish (whether we like it or not). When you have a healthy partner who is keen to go out and do things, the situation can lead to resentment on both parts and increased tension within the relationship.

If you are living with a chronic illness or disability, take a look at the following advice to help keep your relationship strong and thriving:

Remember you are not the only one in pain

It can be easy to get...