Counselling for illness and loss of independence
Illness and ageing can take away things you once took for granted. Each of those is a loss, and it is natural to grieve them.
A serious diagnosis, a long-term condition or an injury can change your energy, your mobility, your work, your ability to drive, and the plans you had made.
This kind of grief is often ongoing, not a single event. You may be grieving the person you were before, while also coping with appointments, treatment and the reactions of people around you. Having to rely on others can bring frustration, guilt, or a feeling of being a burden.
If you are caring for someone whose health is changing, you may recognise these feelings too, including grief for the relationship as it used to be.
Sessions are available online or by telephone as well as face to face, which can help if travelling is difficult.
How counselling can help
- Space to grieve the health, abilities or independence you have lost
- Making room for anger, fear, sadness and frustration
- Adjusting to changes in your role, relationships and identity
- Living with uncertainty about the future
- Finding what still matters to you, and ways to hold on to it
You do not need to be positive all the time. Here you can say how it really is.
Not all loss is bereavement, but all loss can bring grief.