“We’re hurt in relationship, and we heal in relationship — but not all relationships are equipped for the weight of our pain. That’s why counselling matters.”
— Dr. Gabor Maté, physician and author of The Myth of Normal
Without Wings’ counselling initiative welcomes Sarah from Kind Counselling!
About our counselling initiative
Please apply via our application form. This service is fully funded by Without Wings.
Why?
If you are affected by an autoimmune diagnosis, you’ll know that sometimes you need a little support. This could be when you’re going through diagnosis or a bad flare.
Most of the time, this support can be found in a hug or a cup of tea with a friend. However, there are times when this just isn’t enough.
This is especially true if you have existing mental health issues or are facing other life challenges. However, it’s entirely normal to find yourself distressed by just your diagnosis.
If this sounds like you, you aren’t alone.
Firstly, it is well-known that chronic illness can cause emotional problems. Secondly, it is also known that when autoimmune conditions and depression present together, overall health outcomes can be worse.
‘After my diagnosis I was really low. I wasn’t sure if counselling could help but Without Wings recommended giving it a go. My counselling experience was incredible. Thank you so much to them and to Without Wings for making it possible.’
Tom M.
Without Wings was set up because we believe a healthy society understands that chronic illness affects the whole person.
NICE guidelines reflect this. To this end, the Department of Health have acknowledged a ‘service gap’ when it comes to psychological support.
Without Wings was established to fill that gap.
How?
Without Wings’ counselling initiative is delighted to announce that we have teamed up with Sarah from Kind Counselling!
Sarah agreed to become our independent but affiliate counselling service provider in January 2023 as part of our #BeKind2023 initiative*.
All you need to do is fill out our application form. We then put you in contact with Sarah, she takes it from there and we foot the bill.
Our counselling service is available for you to use via Without Wings if you live in the Isle of Man and have, or are going through, any autoimmune diagnosis.
However, it is also available for any loved ones in your home affected by your condition.
This is in recognition of how autoimmune diagnoses can affect the whole family.
Be Kind to Yourself
Where?
Based in Summerhill Road in Onchan, Without Wings’ counselling service provider is Kind Counselling.
Who?
Sarah Whitehead, is a level 5 Psychotherapeutic Counsellor accredited by The National Counselling Society. Sarah is also a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Sarah can help you:
- Come to terms with your diagnosis
- Define and reach wellness goals
- Overcome fears and insecurities
- Cope with stress and trauma
- Separate your true personality from the mood swings caused by illness
- Identify triggers that may worsen your symptoms
- Improve relationships with family and friends
- Develop a plan for coping with crises
Without Wings’ role
Without Wings acts as a signposting and referral organisation, using a small team of affiliate counsellors to streamline the service to ensure easy access. Any counselling or therapeutic service is provided independently by the practitioner, and any agreement entered into is strictly between the service user and the practitioner.
As part of our governance and safeguarding responsibilities, we carry out proportionate due diligence checks on counsellors listed with us. This includes confirming practitioners hold appropriate professional qualifications, current insurance and relevant DBS clearance where applicable.
These checks do not constitute endorsement, supervision or clinical oversight, and Without Wings does not accept responsibility for the delivery, conduct or outcomes of any counselling service provided. Service users are encouraged to satisfy themselves that a practitioner is suitable for their individual needs before entering into any therapeutic arrangement.