Counselling and emotional support in a one-to-one setting.

Private counselling for medical trauma

What is medical trauma? As a  technical definition, "medical trauma is a trauma that occurs from  direct contact with the medical setting, and develops through a complex interaction between the patient, medical staff, medical environment, and the diagnostic and/or procedural experience, which can have powerful psychological impacts due to the patient’s unique interpretation of the event." (Flaum Hall, Hall, 2017). It can be experienced directly or vicariously and is different from other types of trauma, partly because we question our safety in a place where we should feel safe (e.g: a hospital), and also because over our lifetime we are inevitably re- exposed to a medical environment, either for ourselves or a loved one. Even more complex are the seven secondary crises that often result from medical trauma which are changes in one or more life domains after either a chronic life changing illness, a life threatening diagnosis,  a routine operation that has impacted in a negative way or a routine examination that hasn’t gone according to plan. Any of these experiences can result in challenges unique to the individual and their families that impact on our quality of life and how we see the world. These challenges can be exacerbated further if a diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has also been made.

Medical trauma psychotherapy focuses on understanding and validating the nature and effects of a trauma that has a connection to the medical environment. Anything medically related that causes an unwelcome change in circumstances and quality of life can make us feel depressed, anxious,  isolated and frightened, as we struggle to adjust. Psychotherapy can help re-process the event so that the world starts to feel a less frightening place to be, and whilst it cannot change the fact that trauma has occurred, access to a service offering emotional support at a time when we are at our most vulnerable can offer enormous relief, validating our experience and helping us to cope with the present and future in a more manageable way.

“If anyone is feeling as though they are struggling and are afraid to ask for help consider reaching out to Colette. It was the best decision I could have made and I am finally getting back to being myself thanks to her……”

Heart 2 Hart Counselling provides specialist one-to-one personal therapy, tailor-made to suit you and your circumstances, offering emotional support for medical trauma, including medical trauma related anxiety, living with a cancer diagnosis, living with a  chronic health condition or any other health related adverse experience.  As Colette now works with clients across the UK and abroad, sessions are mainly held via zoom and are up to 75 minutes in length. Psycho-educational support with any necessary tools and/or further information is also included via email where necessary.

For face-to-face sessions in a discreet and confidential setting, The Cyncoed Consulting Rooms (CCR) on the outskirts of Cardiff  can be accessed  if necessary by prior arrangement. CCR has been designed by healthcare professionals, offering the very best in private medical care, provides a range of consulting and clinical services and is registered with the Healthcare Inspectorate Wales.  Walk & talk outdoor sessions may also be offered.

Fees:
Initial telephone consultation up to 30 mins: FREE          

Therapy sessions: £100 (75 mins) zoom      £110 outdoors     £120 Consulting Rooms   

Legal/insurance/medical supporting progress reports: From £250

Appointments are booked directly with Colette and payment is by direct transfer prior to your session.

The number of sessions required depends entirely on your individual needs, and your initial assessment session. Regular mutual feedback means you can budget accordingly and it is suggested that sessions are weekly or fortnightly. 

We kindly request our Cancellation Policy be adhered to otherwise a charge will need to be made.

I look forward to meeting you and sharing your experience.....

The part can never be well unless the whole is well.......... Plato

 Ref: Flaum Hall, M., Hall, S.E. (2017) Managing the Psychological Impact of Medical Trauma; A Guide for Mental Health and Health Care Professionals. NY Springer Publishing Company.

Counselling  | Cake & Counsel   | Healthcare