At Kidney Care UK we understand the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The emotional impact affects not only patients but families, loved ones and carers. When those feelings become prolonged or affect daily life, professional support can make a difference.
What is counselling?
Counselling helps individuals, couples or small groups explore and address their personal issues, problems, and emotional challenges in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment. It involves talking through thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to gain self-awareness and develop coping strategies.
After my initial diagnosis I became quite depressed. I hid my feelings from friends and family, carrying on as if nothing had happened. Over time I felt worse and didn’t know where to turn until I found the Kidney Care UK website. Counselling has helped me turn a corner. Speaking openly and honestly, I feel renewed and refreshed. I have new strategies in place to support me and I am now ready to face whatever comes my way.
Who can benefit from counselling?
Our emotional support services are for anyone whose mental health or emotional wellbeing has been negatively affected by kidney disease. Some of the issues discussed in counselling may include but are not limited to:
- Shock after diagnosis
- Feeling overwhelmed, like it's all too much
- Coming to terms with having kidney disease
- Deciding which treatment options or medical procedures would be best for you
- Worries about a particular type of treatment
- Emotional or relationship difficulties brought about by illness or treatments
- The stress of adjusting to new treatments (a transplant, for example)
- Sexual difficulties
- Keeping to a treatment regime
- Kidney donation and its implications
- Feeling anxious or depressed
- Choosing conservative care
Our support is delivered over the phone or by video call and the service requires commitment to attending weekly sessions over a period of up to eight or more weeks.
It was an immediate relief to know I was speaking to someone who understood. The counsellor was very knowledgeable about CKD and its impact on families. I was asked open questions that helped me to recognise the overlapping concerns I had been carrying. Talking honestly gave me the confidence to look at myself and see that I had been making positive decisions for myself and my family before CKD and that would not change in the future. Saying 'thank you' does not express how grateful I feel.
Applying for Kidney Care UK counselling
Call our Support Line on 0808 801 0000, fill in our Support Line request form or email [email protected] with your telephone contact or email details so our team can get in touch.
The Support Line team will explain the process and make sure you know what to expect.
High demand means there is a significant waiting time for the service, but we will be in touch as soon as possible.
Please note: we can only accept direct referrals. This means you must register for our service yourself. It is not possible to apply on someone’s behalf.
Kidney Care UK Renal Counsellors
The counselling service is delivered by a team of qualified and experienced counsellors. Our counsellors are registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) with specialist training in knowledge of kidney disease and how it affects wellbeing.
From my very first session with my counsellor I felt so comfortable. It was very emotional for me, but she was just so kind, and calm and gave me a coping tip which I now use regularly. Once I started talking to her, I couldn't stop, and it was so useful to speak out loud to someone who listened. I'm so glad I finally admitted to myself I needed some help and guidance, and that Kidney Care UK were there when I needed them.
Accessing crisis support
Kidney Care UK can offer emotional support and provide space to talk about the impact of chronic kidney disease in a confidential setting.
This service cannot provide crisis support.
If you need help immediately, here are some useful contacts:
- Contact your GP, or ring NHS 111 by dialling 111
- Call the 24-hour Samaritans support line free on 116 123 (UK)
- Side by Side is mental health charity Mind's online peer support community, available to all 24/7
I have recently had several counselling sessions and I can truly say it changed my life. I am no longer frightened of the future, and I have a better understanding of chronic kidney disease. Before counselling I was frightened to ask questions as I was fearful of the answers – I felt I was better not knowing. My counsellor’s advice always made such sense, and it allowed me to take small steps and learn how to handle difficult times when I was struggling. I believe I benefited from all her guidance and never felt she was telling me what to do. I had several ‘lightbulb’ moments when she would ask a question and the answer often ended with me ‘totally getting the whole situation’. I will be forever grateful and feel I have managed to change my whole outlook.