|
Norfolk |
|
Coping with it all.
Facing up to needing dialysis can be difficult and frightening for patients and their loved ones. There is a lot to get used to.
If you are approaching the need for dialysis, or have started, and you feel the need of some emotional help, you can contact our renal counsellor:
Sarah Brooksby on 07831 232429 between 9 till 5, Mon to Fri. See Below.
It is normal to find it hard to cope with dialysis. Follow this link for more information.
Mark Holdsworth 2009
Counselling for
Renal Patients in Norfolk.
Counsellor Sarah Brooksby.
ALTERING YOUR LIFE STYLE, HOW COUNSELLING MIGHT HELP YOU.
At times we all seek help with difficulties by talking through them
with others, often friends and family. But sometimes it seems right to
seek help elsewhere. Within this renal unit in Norwich there is a
counselling service available to patients, their families and renal
staff.
WHAT IS COUNSELLING?
Counselling is a co-operative process whereby two people, counsellor
and client, work together to develop an understanding of something that
is troubling you. You the client, bring your experience, your knowledge
of yourself and a willingness to work. The counsellor brings training,
and a readiness to focus on your needs and what your particular
experience and difficulty means to you. Through this process, the
difficult experience can change and seemingly “stuck”
situations can develop new possibilities. You might well develop
greater self-understanding, and discover new strengths within yourself.
Through counselling people often come to feel more in control of their
own lives.
WHAT KIND OF PROBLEMS CAN COUNSELLING HELP YOU WITH?
Basically anything that worries you. We, as a team, are aware that
there are both physical and emotional adjustments to be made when
dialysis is being discussed. Having to adjust to all the changes in
one’s life that a kidney condition can bring can be very
stressful. And the service exists to support, share, explore and
understand the difficulties.
COUNSELLING SESSIONS
This is a flexible arrangement. I can arrange to see you following a
dialysis session in the unit, or at anytime by prior arrangement. It is
not ideal to see you during a dialysis session as this does not afford
us the space or privacy that this process needs. If necessary,
arrangements can be made to visit you at home. I am happy to see you on
you own, with relative or with appropriate carers. I can be contacted
through any member of staff, or, you can telephone me on my mobile
during Mondays to Fridays 09.00 to 17.00 hrs.
Sarah Brooksby –
mobile: 07831 232429
Sarah Brooksby April 2006
Coping with Renal Disease. Social Worker Helen Alton
We also have a dedicated Renal Social Worker. Helen Alton can help you with advice on matter of employment and benefits and generally coping at home with kidney problems. If you have kidney problems you can ring her up if you need help with these things.
Helen Alton can be contacted on 01603 288934
Help for Carers - Carers UK - the Voice of Carers (click here)
Mark Holdsworth 2009
Emotional healing is an important part of therapy. Happiness and relief of stress benefit all aspects of health.
3 Links regarding emotional support for patients and their families.
- Kidney Patient Guide - Emotional support
- 10 points on sexuality from NephroOnline (this link will take you to NephroOnline homepage, then click 'patients and carers')
Links to What patients say....
The content is not offered for advice but as an insight into others' perceptions of their experiences with renal failure.
Mark Holdsworth 2009
