MS-UK Telephone Counselling Service MS-UK Counselling was established following consultation with people who had multiple sclerosis (MS), who said that a counselling service would be their choice as a new service.
Conversations with clients have already shown that they do not want to feel a burden to their friends or families by talking to them about their MS. They value speaking not only with counsellors but also with counsellors who have specialised MS training.
Since launching our service in October 2017, we have seen a great deal of interest, and clients are already starting to tell us of the benefit that counselling is having on their lives. There is no fixed fee to access the service. However, any contributions towards sessions will help sustain the service in the long term. MS-UK Counselling is open to people aged 18 or over who have a diagnosis of MS. It is the only service of its kind available in the UK. Sessions are delivered over the telephone, making the service accessible to all. Counsellors do not give advice but help people to explore their experiences so that they can find their own way forward.
Our counselling service is focussed on helping people understand themselves in light of their MS and explore its emotional impact on their lives. MS-UK counsellors are BACP registered or accredited with knowledge of MS and its impact on mental wellbeing. There is an initial 45 minute assessment session, followed by weekly sessions which last 50 minutes. Each client is guaranteed six sessions but could receive further sessions if circumstances allow. People living with MS can register for the service individually or they can ask a health professional to make a referral. Further information is available on our website at www.ms-uk.org/counselling where referral forms can be downloaded or completed online.
If you have any questions or would like leaflets to be sent to your centre, please email us at counselling@ms-uk.org.