Having to adapt to all the changes in a person’s life that organ failure brings can be very stressful. Perhaps family and work life are affected, or social and physical activities. Many things may become difficult that were once taken for granted. After the assessment procedure for the transplant patient the waiting period can be a very stressful time for both patients and families. Facing up to the need for a transplant does bring stress. Transplant patients may have new experiences to face. Such changes often bring many difficult feelings with them. This is normal. It is part of being human. Counselling exists, alongside all the other medical support systems at the Transplant Unit, as another important way for people to take care of themselves. It is there to be used like any of the other therapies so that the quality of life for people who are transplant patients can be enhanced in every possible way.

What is counselling?

Counselling means having the chance to talk to a trained person about anything that may be troubling you, in complete privacy, at a regular time and place, usually weekly. Everything that you discuss with a counsellor is regarded as completely confidential. Your counsellor is there to listen to you and to give you their undivided attention during each session that you spend together, usually lasting fifty minutes. The number of times a person comes varies. Counselling can be short-term or long-term. You will be able to discuss this with your counsellor.

What good can it do?

Some of the benefits of counselling are that as you and your counsellor get to know each other, you will feel able to share, explore and then understand some of the difficulties you may be experiencing. As a result, you may begin to feel less anxious, or worried, or stressed. You may begin to feel stronger, better about yourself, and able to enjoy life more.

Does it mean there is something wrong with me?

Many people think that asking for counselling means that ‘there is something wrong with them’, or that they ‘cannot cope’, or that they are 'different’ from other people. People also believe that they must deal with their difficulties on their own (keep a stiff upper lip) or that help is just not possible. This is understandable and true of most people, not just transplant patients. As a result of this, the decision to seek counselling can be difficult. However, taking such a decision can also be a very important first step. It can represent a person’s choice to get more out of life for themselves.

Will it be difficult?

If you decide to seek counselling, it may be helpful to remember that you will decide what to share with your counsellor, and that you will have their support at all times when working through difficulties together.

What sort of things can be discussed?

Transplantation may bring stresses that reach every facet of a persons life. There may be a family disturbance, a sense of isolation or of being a burden to others. There may be marital or sexual problems. There may be a sense of loss of independence and thus loss of control over one’s own life, which may lead to lowered self-esteem. Self-image may be altered, hopes and plans for the future may be affected. There may be anxiety, depression and other intense feelings that are too difficult or embarassing to share with the people close to you. Anything that is causing concern or interfering with your daily life and sense of well-being can be discussed, in complete confidence, with your counsellor.

Why do I need a counsellor when I have other people to talk to?

People are often helped through their difficulties by talking to family and friends. Often this is enough to allow them to make decisions and resolve problems. Sometimes though, experience has shown that there are times when it feels right, and works better, to seek help away from daily situations. The counselling service at the Transplant Unit provides a person - who is quite separate - to talk to.

Who can use the counselling service?

All patients waiting for or those who have had a transplant can use the service. The counselling service is also available for families of these patients, carers and Transplant Unit staff. The counselling is on an individual or couple basis, but also exists to offer advice about other forms of counselling when appropriate.

How can the counsellor be contacted?

Please leave a confidential message for Diane Rayner on her answerphone 01223 274544.