Counselling
If you, or someone you are close to, has been diagnosed with a serious or terminal illness, we know it can be a worrying time.
You may be experiencing all kinds of emotions and it can be helpful to talk through your concerns with a counsellor.
What is counselling?
Counselling is a talking therapy which can help you to talk about the difficulties you are facing in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space. Your counsellor will help you to process and explore these difficulties, so that you can gain a better understanding of yourself and how you cope with the issues you face. A counsellor does not give advice or tell you what to do, but they can help you to develop your own way of coping and decision making.
Who can access the service and what does it cost?
This is a free service and anyone over the age of 18, living in the London Borough of Hillingdon (LBH) or is registered with a GP in the LBH, can access the adult counselling service. You can be referred by a healthcare professional or you can self-refer.
What happens next?
Once we have received your referral we will be in contact (usually within three working days) to talk through your referral and arrange an appointment with our counsellor. We can usually offer an appointment at one of our two sites, Michael Sobell House (Mount Vernon Hospital) or Lansdowne House (Harlington).
During your first appointment you and the counsellor will talk through your main concerns and arrange for future sessions. These will normally be on the same day and time each week and each session is for fifty minutes.
Initially you will be offered six sessions, however this can be reviewed and further sessions can be agreed if need be.
Our counsellor is qualified and registered with the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists and adheres to the BACP ethical framework. For more information see the BACP website.
Additional resources
Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service – provides a wide range of emotional and practical advice for people living with cancer, their families, friends and carers.
Contact thh.macmillaninfohillingdon@nhs.net
Carers Trust – offers support, help and guidance for carers.
Tel: 01895 811206
https://www.carerstrusthillingdon.org
Alzheimer’s Society – provides support and advice for anyone affected by Alzheimer’s or any other type of dementia.
Tel: 0333 150 3456
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/
Age UK – provides support, companionship and advice for older people.
Tel: 020 8756 3040
Cruse – offers bereavement support for anyone experiencing loss or grief.
Tel: 08088081677
Samaritans – provides a free, confidential 24 hour telephone service for people who need someone to talk to.
Free telephone helpline: 116 123
PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide)- is a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.
Hopelink line: 0800 068 4141
