Counselling

Health and Social Services offer a free, private and confidential counselling service.

When?
Sometimes we may experience feelings which cause distress or which we are unable to control, like loss or anger. Some people find that they are unable to cope with these emotions and cannot move on. Counselling is there to enable you to make progress. When a sudden crisis is experienced, don't bottle up your feelings. Counselling can help you strengthen your coping skills.

Why?
There are those times when the assistance of a qualified counsellor/therapist can be very supportive in listening to your problems/concerns. Counselling can help you make some sense of what is happening to you, and to give you support at these difficult periods in your life.

If you have any of the signs below then consider contacting Anne:

• Loneliness
• Depression and sadness
• Feelings of failure, stress, anxiety
• Problems with anger, being out of control
• Panic or anxiety
• Problems with alcohol or drugs
• Feelings of loss or grief
• Problems following an accident
• Problems relating to work
• Issues following bereavement

How can I see Anne Lane?
The Hospital Counsellor - Anne Lane has been in post for several years. She is a member of the UK Register of Counsellors, and abides by the British Association of Counselling Code of ethics and confidentiality. She is Counsellor for staff, patients and relatives.

If you would like to talk to Anne please ask the nurse caring for you to contact her to make an appointment. You will be able to talk privately. Anne is also available for relatives if they have any anxieties they wish to share, again in privacy and in confidence.

Anne sees patients in the wards, and also in her rooms when people are discharged if this is required by the patient.

What Anne cannot do for you.
Anne is not a social worker, and cannot, for example advise on housing benefits.
Anne is not a Psychiatrist.
Anne will not tell you what to do.

What Anne can do for you
She is here to listen to your concerns and to help you understand your feelings. Counselling can give back to people a feeling of being able to make their own choices in the future. In a situation which cannot be changed then the change exits in adjusting to new circumstances.

Sharing experiences with a Counsellor can be a tremendous relief. Couselling can help you to make sense of what is happening in your life.

Contact Anne on 00 44 (0) 1534 622116 or phone the switchboard on 00 44 (0) 1534 622000 and ask them to page 382.