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Long Term Health Conditions
Often, seemingly out of nowhere, we find ourselves with a long-term health condition. It could be anything that caused it: a virus; a genetic disorder; an accident; old age; trauma; cancer, and even as a result of our “lifestyle choices”. Whatever the cause, it changes who we are as people, and we are forced to adjust. Many people will experience a wide range of emotions that go alongside a lot of changes to one’s life. Whether it’s the shrinking of your social circle, the drifting away of friends you thought were close, the feeling of being trapped at home due to your condition, the endless medical appointments, the physical challenges of daily living, or managing pain, these are all aspects of living with a chronic illness that can be hard to come to terms with. Many experience a type of grief, a sense of loss of your “self,” and the life you used to have.
Most counsellors will be able to support a person as they deal with these emotions, and some will have experienced it themselves firsthand, either for themselves or a loved one. Where my experience differs is that not only do I have long-term health conditions myself, I have spent the last 15 years working directly with people who are facing the same challenges. I have supported people with Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, immunodeficient conditions, cancer, dementia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, long-COVID, M.E., amuptations, PCP, and more besides. Sadly, too many to count or list. My understanding of these conditions does not come just from research and reading; it comes from the people experiencing it for themselves. While there are many common factors to living with a long-term health condition, each person experiences things very differently and reacts very differently.
How I work with a person with a long-term health condition (LTHC) is a little different to the usual counselling relationship. The primary work is much the same, but often I look at introducing techniques that can help one deal with some of the more complex issues that crop up with managing Long Term Health Conditions. Cognitive Behavior Therapy is something that is often used to help patients with LTHCs, but often it can be misunderstood by the institution providing it. CBT has been used to “push” people into doing things that really they shouldn’t and even to achieve things that CBT can’t really help with (i.e. it doesn’t make pain go away).
I use CBT differently to some practitioners. I focus not only on real and achievable goals, but also intentions. Setting intentions over goals in some circumstances will allow for the “shifting sands” nature of the condition you’re experiencing to give you a sense of sure footing. Using techniques established in sessions with clients, they are able to understand their limitations, advantages, and assets over time and can apply these things to daily living to help manage things better, including our expectations of ourselves.
Then there is the coaching aspect of the work we do together. One of the most challenging parts of dealing with an LTHC is managing all the health appointments, carers, transport, finances, and more besides. When you’re unwell and fighting the system, it is very hard to find the energy reserves to deal with all the tasks thrown at you, some of which are for your benefit, but all of which seem a heavy burden at times. Part of the work we do focuses on meeting those commitments and challenges and giving you the confidence of when to kick the can down the road, working out priorities, and learning to say no when it matters. Together we work out an ongoing and flexible plan that fits you and your lifestyle that you are able to use when you need it, and set to one side when you need to rest.
Certification Name
This is the space to showcase your professional credentials and show your expertise and industry standing. Display relevant certifications that demonstrate your commitment to excellence and continued learning.
Certification Name
This is the space to showcase your professional credentials and show your expertise and industry standing. Display relevant certifications that demonstrate your commitment to excellence and continued learning.
Certification Name
This is the space to showcase your professional credentials and show your expertise and industry standing. Display relevant certifications that demonstrate your commitment to excellence and continued learning.