Learning that a loved one has a complex or incurable condition can feel overwhelming. Our counselling service can help you to explore any concerns that you might have, and can help you to find ways of coping.

We have qualified and experienced counsellors who are here to offer confidential, emotional and psychological support, should you need it. 

What is counselling?

your counselling sessions provide a regular time and space for you to talk about the issues that you are facing, and to explore difficult feelings in a confidential, non-judgemental safe environment.

Counselling not about offering advice, but you might find that you gain insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and are able to consider if these are helping or hindering your ability to cope.

You may work with your counsellor to look at your concerns, resolve difficulties, and you will be supported in making sense of how you feel.

How can counselling help?

Upon learning that someone close to you has a complex or incurable condition, it is perfectly normal to experience a mixture of emotions. 

you might feel angry, upset or confused, or you might find that you feel nothing at all. 

Having someone outside fo your immediate circle to listen can help you make sense of your situation.

Different types of counselling

We offer one to one sessions with Compton Care counsellors, cognitive behavioural therapists, and art therapists, and can also offer sessions to couples and children. Our counselling sessions usually take place on a weekly or fortnightly basis, here in our on site confidential counselling rooms. 

Complex and incurable illness can impact on many aspects of your life, including areas that you wouldn't necessarily expect or think of yourself. 

Our social work team are here to partner with you to provide both emotional and practical support.

We're a team that works around your commitments and so can provide support at a time that is most convenient to you. 

Practical support

Our social work team are here to help with any practical issues or concerns that you might have surrounding employment, the care needs of your loved one, debt, housing, children and future care planning. 

they can help with the things that often seem a little daunting, like applying for special benefits, making referrals for social care, the sourcing of equipment and liaising with other care providers. 

We have a good knowledge of local authority systems, healthcare services and legal structures, and whilst we aim to support you in whichever way we can, we can signpost you to external services if we feel that this will be beneficial to you. 

Emotional support 

Our team are also here if you have any emotional concerns including fear, confusion or anxiety.

Supporting a loved one through complex or incurable illness can lead to you experiencing emotional strain and so we're here to provide you with a safe place to express your feelings.  

We can also provide support with the challenging conversations that often accompany complex or incurable illness. Our expert team can provide you and your loved one with advice for telling family and friends about their condition, or can be a part of these conversations should you need us to be. 

At a time when conversation isn't always easy, our art therapy sessions can help you to express and work through your thoughts, feelings and experiences in a creative way. 

What is art therapy?

A form of psychotherapy, art therapy offers both emotional and psychological support during a difficult time. 

Working with a qualified art therapist, you'll make use of different materials and discover the art of making as you explore your thoughts and feelings through the work that you create. 

Art therapy sessions are bespoke to you, and so you can use the time to talk through your thoughts and feelings or can have some quiet time to reflect. 

How can art therapy help?

Art therapy sessions should be enjoyable and relaxing, and should provide a creative outlet for you to express how you are feeling. 

It is known to help with:

• Coping with loss, change and uncertainty
• Reducing feelings of anxiety, stress and depression
• Relief from emotion and physical pain
• Prompting discussion 

We recognise the challenges that your loved ones change in circumstances can bring, and so our spiritual care service is there to support you too, as family, friends and loved ones.

The terminal diagnosis of a family member or close friend is often difficult to accept. Although we cannot answer the challenging questions that inevitably come with this life changing situation, we are on hand to provide support as you process these changes. 

Our spiritual care service is not dependant on religious belief, we are here to listen and support you as you find a creative way to express your thoughts and feelings.  

Cherished Memories 

Our frequent ‘Cherished Memories’ thanksgiving and remembrance services are led by members of the spiritual care team.

They offer an opportunity to take some time with your family and friends to remember the person who has died, to give thanks for their life, offer prayers and light a candle.