Long Term Health Conditions (LTHCs)
Long Term Conditions (LTCs) are chronic physical & medical health conditions that affect our body & brain. Common conditions include chronic pain, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, IBS, diabetes, heart disease, respiratory conditions (e.g. COPD, asthma), neurological conditions (e.g. FND, MS, Parkinsons, MND, stroke, brain injury), tinnitus, hyperacusis & long covid. There is often no cure for LTCs, therefore treatment focuses on limiting the symptoms & improving quality of life through medication & the development of self-management strategies. Psychological therapy & counselling is often a key part of the treatment approach- providing both emotional support to lessen the emotional impact of living with the condition, as well as practical support to aid with developing helpful coping strategies for symptoms.
Living with a LTC can be challenging. The condition can significantly impact day to day living, making it difficult to function at home, work and in relationships. Because there is often no cure for the symptoms or the condition, the focus of treatment is learning to live well with the condition. This means ensuring that people with a LTC live a life that is fulfilling, meaningful & enjoyable, without the LTC getting in the way. Treatment aims to enhance quality of life by reducing the impact of symptoms on daily activity, which may be achieved by medication management or through the implementation of self-management strategies.
Psychological therapy & counselling provides:
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An Emotional Processing Space - to process the emotional impact of living with a LTC & to aid with the adjustment & adaptation to, & acceptance of living with a health condition
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A Practical, Skills Building Space - to develop effective self-management skills for common symptoms such as breathlessness, palpitations, pain, fatigue & blood glucose fluctuations
Typical issues we work with:
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Fatigue & energy management
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Pain management
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Needly & medical procedure phobias
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Concentration, attention & memory issues
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Blood glucose issues (e.g. fear of hypos, elevated blood glucose levels)
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Managing breathlessness
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Heath anxiety
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Health-related stress
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Health-related family & relational issues
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Acceptance & grief work
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Identity issues
We offer low to moderate intensity level support with counsellors & CBT therapists & high intensity support with psychologists for a range of LTCs. Our counsellors & psychologists provide non-judgmental, highly specialist support within a warm, safe & empathic space. The team is supported by the service lead, Dr Lucy Kozlowski, who is a clinical psychologist with over 15 years experience designing pathways, interventions & services, as well as delivering specialist interventions for people with LTCs in both the NHS & private practice. Dr Kozlowski has extensive clinical & research experience with many LTCs including fibromyalgia, MS, stroke, pain, fatigue, tinnitus, hyperacusis, diabetes, IBS & obesity.
To book a session or to discuss your individual needs please contact us here
