From the moment you reach out, we aim to create a safe and supportive space for you. We know sharing your experiences and vulnerabilities can be difficult, so our initial sessions focus on building trust and rapport.

Counselling can help you navigate the daily life triggers that can impact your well-being after a spinal cord injury (SCI). We understand that even with effective coping strategies, daily life can present challenges that stir up difficult emotions.

The psychological impact of an SCI is profoundly personal and varies significantly from individual to individual. Therefore, we prioritise a tailored approach, carefully assessing each client’s unique needs, experiences, and goals to develop a personalised treatment plan. 

Caring for someone with a spinal cord injury (SCI) is a profound act of love and dedication. Whether you’re a parent, partner, family member, or friend, taking on this role brings significant changes and challenges.

While both counsellors and psychologists can provide valuable mental health support, psychologists possess specific qualifications and training that can be particularly beneficial for individuals navigating the complexities of a spinal cord injury (SCI).

At DisabilityPlus, we exclusively work with psychologists due to their specialised expertise.

Psychologists (The DisabilityPlus Approach)

Extensive Training and Education: Psychologists in the UK hold a doctorate (PhD or DClinPsy) in psychology, representing several years of advanced study and supervised clinical experience. This rigorous training equips them to deeply understand SCI’s psychological, emotional, and behavioural aspects. This depth of knowledge is essential for effectively addressing the complex interplay of factors that can affect mental well-being after an SCI.

Assessment and Diagnosis: Psychologists are trained to conduct comprehensive assessments and provide diagnoses for mental health conditions that may arise following an SCI, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or adjustment disorders. This diagnostic ability is crucial for developing a targeted and effective treatment plan. At Disability Plus, accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective therapy.

Evidence-Based Therapies: Psychologists are skilled in utilising evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other specialised approaches, which have been scientifically proven effective in addressing the challenges associated with SCI. They can tailor these therapies to the individual’s specific needs and circumstances. Disability Plus prioritises evidence-based practice to ensure our clients receive the most effective care.

Let’s talk about how our specialised psychology service can support you on your journey with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Living with an SCI brings unique challenges, and we’re here to walk alongside you, offering professional expertise and the understanding that comes from lived experience.

From the moment you reach out, we aim to create a safe and supportive space for you. We know sharing your experiences and vulnerabilities can be difficult, so our initial sessions focus on building trust and rapport. Our psychologists have SCI themselves, so they truly understand what you’re going through. They’ve navigated similar physical, emotional, and social adjustments, and their journeys can offer hope and inspiration.

We’ll work together to understand your specific needs and goals. We’ll also take the time to learn about your background, medical history (specifically related to your SCI), current emotional well-being, and any challenges you’re facing. This comprehensive assessment will allow us to create a personalised treatment plan for you.

Let’s talk about how counselling can help you navigate the daily life triggers that can impact your well-being after a spinal cord injury (SCI). We understand that even with effective coping strategies, daily life can present challenges that stir up difficult emotions. We aim to help you develop the tools and resilience to manage these triggers and live a more fulfilling life.

We’ll work together to identify your specific triggers. Everyone’s experience with SCI is unique, so it’s essential to understand what specifically affects you. These triggers might be physical, like pain or fatigue; emotional, like memories of your injury or feelings of loss; or social, like interactions with others or navigating inaccessible environments. Some common examples include:

• Physical Triggers: Changes in physical abilities, pain flare-ups, difficulty with daily tasks (like dressing or showering), medical complications, and the ongoing management of your health. These can trigger feelings of frustration, dependence, or vulnerability.
• Emotional Triggers: Anniversaries of your injury, seeing others engage in activities you used to enjoy, thoughts about the future, feelings of being a burden, and changes in your relationships. These can bring up feelings of grief, loss, sadness, or anxiety.
• Social Triggers: Inaccessible environments, negative attitudes or comments from others about disability, difficulty accessing transportation, and feeling excluded from social events. These can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, or anger.

Living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) can bring about a range of emotional and mental health challenges. It’s important to know that these experiences are shared and that seeking support is a sign of strength. We’re here to help you navigate these challenges and build a life of well-being and resilience. Let’s talk about some of the mental health issues you might encounter and how counselling can help:

Grief and Loss: It’s natural to experience grief after an SCI. You might be grieving the loss of physical abilities, previous roles, or a future. Counselling provides a safe space to process these feelings, acknowledge your losses, and explore new possibilities. We can help you find ways to honour your past while adapting to your present and future.

Depression: Changes in your body, lifestyle, and independence can contribute to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in things you once enjoyed. Depression can affect your sleep, appetite, and energy levels. Counselling can help you identify the root causes of your depression, develop coping strategies, and rediscover sources of joy and meaning in your life.

Anxiety: You might experience anxiety about your health, finances, relationships, or your ability to navigate the world. Anxiety can manifest as worry, fear, panic attacks, or difficulty relaxing. Counselling can teach you relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and cognitive strategies to manage your anxiety and regain a sense of calm and control.

At Disability Plus, our psychologists understand there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to spinal cord injury counselling.

The psychological impact of an SCI is profoundly personal and varies significantly from individual to individual. Therefore, we prioritise a tailored approach, carefully assessing each client’s unique needs, experiences, and goals to develop a personalised treatment plan. We recognise that spinal cord injury counselling is not just about addressing the injury itself but about supporting the whole person as they navigate the complex journey of adjustment and healing.

Our psychologists utilise a range of evidence-based counselling methodologies, drawing upon their expertise to select and integrate the most appropriate approaches for each client.

This personalised approach is crucial because what works for one person may not work for another. 

Here are some of the key counselling methodologies we employ in spinal cord injury counselling, constantly adapting and tailoring them to the individual:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is highly effective in helping individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours. In spinal cord injury counselling, this might involve addressing anxieties related to mobility, managing pain through cognitive strategies, or reframing negative self-perceptions. The specific application of CBT is always tailored to the client’s unique challenges and goals.

The psychological impact of a spinal cord injury (SCI) is profound and multifaceted, demanding specialised support and understanding.

At Disability Plus, we recognise that each individual’s experience is unique, and our approach to spinal cord injury counselling reflects this.

We understand that the level and completeness of the injury significantly influence the challenges faced, and our psychologists are trained to provide tailored care that addresses these specific needs.

Consider two individuals navigating the aftermath of an SCI. One person may experience a complete lesion, resulting in a complete loss of motor and sensory function below the level of the injury. This can present significant challenges in areas such as mobility, bowel and bladder management, and sexual function.

The emotional impact can be substantial, with individuals often grappling with grief, loss, and changes in their sense of self. Spinal cord injury counselling provides a crucial space to process these complex emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and rebuild a sense of identity and purpose.

Another individual may experience an incomplete lesion, where some motor or sensory function remains below the level of the injury. While this may offer some retained abilities, it can also present unique challenges. Individuals may experience varying degrees of weakness, spasticity, pain, and sensory disturbances.

Disability Plus offers a truly specialist spinal cord injury (SCI) counselling service, distinct from general counselling services, due to several key factors:

Lived Experience at the Core: All our psychologists have lived experience with SCI. This peer-to-peer understanding is invaluable. It transcends textbook knowledge and allows for a level of empathy and shared understanding that therapists cannot replicate without lived experience.

We get it in a way others simply can’t. This lived experience informs every aspect of our approach, from understanding the nuances of physical challenges to navigating the complex emotional landscape accompanying SCI.

Deep Understanding of the SCI Journey: We don’t just understand the medical aspects of SCI; we understand the lived experience. We know the challenges of adjusting to a new reality, the emotional rollercoaster of rehabilitation, the impact on relationships, and the often unspoken anxieties about the future.

This deep understanding allows us to tailor our approach to each individual’s needs and circumstances, providing truly personalised care. A general counselling service may understand the concept of SCI, but we know the reality.

Caring for someone with a spinal cord injury (SCI) is a profound act of love and dedication. Whether you’re a parent, partner, family member, or friend, taking on this role brings significant changes and challenges.

Acknowledging that these challenges are real and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. At Disability Plus, we understand caregivers’ unique experiences and offer compassionate spinal cord injury counselling to support you on this journey. We want to be clear: your difficulties are not your fault. Your life has changed, often dramatically, and it’s okay to acknowledge the impact.

The Multifaceted Challenges of Caregiving:

Caregiving for someone with an SCI can encompass various responsibilities, from assisting with daily living activities (dressing, bathing, toileting), managing medical needs, coordinating appointments, and providing emotional support. The level of care required will vary depending on the individual’s needs and the level of their injury, but the emotional and practical demands of caregiving are often substantial.

How Caregiving Impacts Your Life:

• Emotional Well-being: Caregivers often experience complex emotions, including worry, stress, grief, guilt, resentment, and anger. It’s common to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and emotionally drained. These feelings are valid and understandable.
• Physical Health: The physical demands of caregiving can affect your health. Lifting, transferring, and providing personal care can lead to back pain, fatigue, and other physical ailments. Additionally, the stress of caregiving can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to illness.
• Relationships: Caregiving can strain relationships with family members, friends, and even the person you care for. Time for socialising and leisure activities may become limited, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Changes in the dynamic of your relationship with the person you are caring for can be challenging to navigate.
• Work and Career: Many caregivers are forced to reduce their work hours or even leave their jobs altogether to provide the necessary level of care. This can have significant financial implications and impact career progression.
• Personal Identity: Caregiving can become all-consuming, leaving little time for personal pursuits and hobbies. It’s easy to lose sight of your needs and sense of identity.

Understanding the Different Perspectives:  

Parents: Parents caring for a child with an SCI face the unique challenge of adjusting their expectations and dreams for their child’s future. They may experience a profound sense of loss and worry about their child’s long-term well-being.

Partners: Partners may experience changes in their relationship dynamics, including intimacy and sexual function. They may also struggle to balance their own needs with their partner’s.

Family Members: Family members may provide support in various ways, from respite care to emotional support. They may also experience stress and worry about the person with the SCI and its impact on the family.