Counselling

Being a family carer can be very rewarding, but can also be very demanding. It is not unusual to feel overwhelmed at times. We know that many family carers struggle with stress, anxiety and depression. Family Carers Ireland is here to help. We believe that no one should have to care alone. Our free counselling service is available to all family carers in Ireland. Counselling can be a way to reset, to find ways to cope with the stress and make the challenges you are facing seem more manageable. To access the service, please contact your local Support Manager to find out more.

What is Counselling?

Counselling offers a safe, non-judgemental space for you to talk about and work through any problems or difficult feelings you are experiencing with a qualified professional. A counsellor can help you to begin to address your problems in a positive way, exploring options, and supporting you to develop strategies and gain insight to address some of the issues you are facing. You may want to seek counselling for support with issues such as stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, burnout, depression, bereavement, illness, personal relationships, bullying and more.

How Can Counselling Help?

Counselling can help you:

• deal with overwhelming and confusing feelings
• make sense of your experiences as a carer
• work out your own needs and solve problems
• manage conflict, stress and other emotional factors that make caring more difficult
• build resilience and cope with change
• improve your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.

What is Phone and Online Counselling?

The majority of counselling in our service is delivered either online, where you meet with your counsellor through a secure video link, or by phone. Feedback from family carers who have engaged in this type of counselling tells us that while it is a little different from meeting with your therapist face-to-face, it is a positive and beneficial way of engaging in therapy.

How Can I Access the Counselling Service?

If you would like to avail of this service or support with any other aspect of your caring role, please contact your local Family Carers Ireland Support Manager.