Being told that your child has a serious illness may have a devastating impact on the whole family.
Counselling can help explore feelings and express thoughts and emotions in a safe and confidential environment. A fully trained counsellor will offer support in addressing any issues which may be problematic and will work towards finding the solutions that are right for the family member.
People find counselling can help in many different ways, such as:
- Understanding and expressing difficult emotions like guilt, anger or grief
- Exploring ways of coping with physical reactions caused by stress
- Finding space to think clearly
- Adjusting to changed family roles or dynamics
Counselling sessions provided by The Joshua Tree are a time to discuss the issues that are important. Although counselling sessions are an opportunity to talk privately, friends or relatives are welcome to join in the sessions as it can help family members to understand each other’s feelings and reactions.
1:1 Counselling usually takes place weekly, in a safe comfortable environment, sessions lasting on average 45 minutes each.
The content of a session isconfidential between you and the counsellor, unless there is a safeguarding issue.
“It took a while for me to open up, but it really has helped me to be able to talk to someone openly about my real feelings and fears. I knew I couldn’t change what had happened, but it has really helped me understand my own feelings and given me skills to cope with my emotions without worrying about being judged or upsetting someone in my family.”