Disability counselling addresses the broader impact of disability on a person’s life, including:

Social and environmental barriers encompass everything from inaccessible buildings and transportation to discriminatory attitudes and a lack of inclusive opportunities.

Disability counselling helps individuals navigate these barriers, develop coping strategies, and advocate for change.

Internalised ableism: Society often perpetuates negative stereotypes and misconceptions about disability.

These messages can be internalised, leading to self-doubt, low self-esteem, and a sense of shame.

Disability counselling provides a space to challenge these internalised messages and build a positive disability identity.

Interpersonal relationships: Disability can impact relationships with family, friends, and partners. Disability counselling can help individuals navigate these complexities, communicate their needs effectively, and build healthy relationships.

Personal growth and empowerment: Disability counselling focuses on strengths and resilience. It empowers individuals to embrace their unique abilities, pursue their goals, and live fulfilling lives on their terms.

While there might be some overlap with general counselling, disability counselling offers a nuanced and specialised approach that recognises the specific needs and experiences of people with disabilities.

It’s about understanding how disability intersects with all aspects of life—physical, emotional, social, and environmental.

Our therapists have been there. They’ve walked in your shoes and understand the impact these challenges can have on your mental well-being. They can offer you:

A safe and non-judgemental space to talk about your experiences.

Practical coping strategies and tools to manage your challenges.

Support in developing greater self-acceptance and resilience.

Guidance in navigating resources and advocating for your needs.

At Disability Plus, you’re not just another client. You have a unique story, and we’re here to listen, understand, and support you on your journey to better mental health.

Paying for counselling privately offers several potential advantages over NHS-funded counselling:

Shorter waiting times: NHS counselling often involves waiting lists, sometimes for several months. Self-paid counselling typically offers appointments within seven working days.

Confidentiality: When self-paying, we are bound by strict ethical codes regarding privacy. Unlike NHS counselling, where your GP must be informed, private therapy ensures your sessions remain private unless legally required to disclose (e.g., risk of harm).

Session Frequency: NHS counselling often has a set number of sessions, whereas private therapy allows for more flexibility.

You can have as many sessions as you feel you need, and adjust the frequency as your needs change.

When you Self-Pay, you can typically start counselling within seven days

These reduced session fees are available for individuals with disabilities and their carers. This subsidised rate is offered directly to individuals to ensure affordability and is unavailable to organisations or companies.

Communication and relationships can help you improve your communication skills and build stronger relationships.

Advocacy and empowerment: They can empower you to advocate for your needs and access the resources you deserve.

With Disability Plus, you can be assured that you’re in the hands of caring and competent professionals dedicated to supporting your mental health journey.

Sensory-sensitive therapy: We create a calming and supportive therapeutic environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Our therapists are trained to recognise and respond to your sensory needs, ensuring comfort and safety throughout the therapeutic process.

Communication-accessible therapy: We offer various formats to accommodate different communication needs. This includes BSL for Deaf clients, visual aids for those with visual impairments, and alternative communication methods for those with communication difficulties.

Trauma-informed therapy for disability-related trauma: We recognise that many people with disabilities have experienced trauma, such as medical trauma, bullying, or discrimination. Our therapists are trained in trauma-informed approaches, prioritising safety, empowerment, and collaboration.

We also offer specialised therapies for specific conditions and disabilities, such as:

Chronic pain management: We offer therapies specifically designed to help you manage chronic pain, including mindfulness-based techniques, relaxation exercises, and cognitive restructuring.

Adjustment to disability: If you’re adjusting to a new or acquired disability, we can help you navigate the emotional, social, and practical challenges that may arise.

Neurodiversity-affirming therapy: We embrace neurodiversity and offer treatments tailored to the needs of individuals with autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

During your initial consultation, we’ll discuss your needs and preferences to help you choose the counselling approach that best suits your unique situation.

Convenience and Accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection, eliminating the need for travel and making therapy more accessible for those with mobility challenges or limited transportation options.

Increased Choice and Flexibility: You can choose from a broader range of therapists, including those who specialise in your specific disability, and schedule sessions at times that suit your lifestyle.

Comfort and Privacy: Therapy can be more relaxing and open in a familiar and comfortable environment.

Reduced Stigma: For some, online counselling can feel less intimidating than traditional face-to-face therapy, reducing potential feelings of stigma or self-consciousness.

Cost-Effective: Online counselling can often be more affordable than in-person therapy, as it eliminates travel costs and allows for greater flexibility in scheduling.

Our Commitment to Specialist Counsellors:

We believe that lived experience matters, so we insist that all our counsellors be disabled themselves.

This ensures you receive support from someone who understands your challenges and can offer genuine empathy and insights. While this may mean that we don’t have many counsellors available in every location, we believe that the benefits of connecting with a therapist who shares your lived experience far outweigh the limitations.

Online counselling allows you to access the specialised support you need, regardless of where you live.

Contact us today to learn more about our online counselling services and start your journey towards better mental health.

Our approach to therapy is grounded in evidence-based practices. We utilise proven therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), among others, to help you develop coping skills, manage your emotions effectively, and build resilience. We’ll explore the root causes of any challenges you’re experiencing, whether it’s depression, anxiety, PTSD, body image concerns, grief, relationship difficulties, or social isolation.

We’ll also focus on practical strategies for improving your daily life. This might involve learning pain management techniques, exploring ways to maximise the use of your assistive devices, developing skills to advocate for your accessibility needs, improving your communication and social skills, or supporting you in pursuing vocational or educational goals. Our therapists can share practical tips and strategies drawn from their own lived experiences, offering valuable insights and support.

One of the most powerful aspects of our service is the peer support we offer. Working with therapists who has the same or similar disability can make a profound difference. They understand the nuances of living with a disability in a way that others may not. This shared understanding can be incredibly validating and can reduce feelings of isolation. Our therapists are role models, demonstrating that a fulfilling life is possible despite the challenges.

Our support doesn’t end after a few sessions. We’re here for the long haul. Ongoing therapy sessions provide continued support, allow us to adjust your treatment plan as needed, and help you reinforce your coping skills. We’ll also help you develop strategies for managing potential setbacks and connect you with other resources within the SCI community, such as support groups and peer mentors.

Our goal is to empower you to live your best life. We want to help you build confidence, develop self-advocacy skills, and navigate life more resiliently. We believe in your strength and potential and are here to support you every step of the way.