Westcare UK

Counselling and M.E/C.F.S

(Georgina Nye)

The aim of counselling

To help the client move from being a victim to playing an active role in managing symptoms and promoting recovery.

What it feels like to have M.E/C.F.S

• Onset: Sudden, gradual
• Confusion, bewilderment
• Denial, disbelief (Fuel the illness)
• Diagnosis: Relief
• Acceptance (Friends, family, doctor)
• Counsellors role

Emotional Needs

• Confront reality
• Face losses: bereavement, grieving
• Positive acceptance of all feelings - Acknowledge accept, express - Talk to a friend, counsellor or yourself, write, draw, cry
• Deep personal issues
• Loss of self: willingness to accept change
• Balance of: Searching for the answer outside and developing strategies and support inside
• Study of psycho-neuro immunology: The immune system is responsive to behaviour and to mental, emotional & spiritual attitudes

Strategies for coping

Problem based, Attitude based:

• Fatigue: Pacing, banking energy, 75% rule
• Cognitive symptoms: Lists, notes
• Sensitivities, Allergic responses: Modify environment
• Digestive disturbances: Basic nutrition, expert help
• Sleep disturbance: Gentle habit inducement
• Pain: Danger of reliance on pain killers, TeNS Machine, pain clinic strategies
• Emotional distress, panic: express, share, breathe
• Relationships: Partner, family, friends; boundaries
• Developing new ways - Letting go of old
• Emotional equilibrium: Self worth, pleasure, humour, creative work, meaning,faith, hope, prayer

Some skills of self- help

• Building awareness: Witnessing, monitoring, keeping a journal
• Scheduling: Organising time, taking charge
• Degrees of rest: Posture, body awareness
• Breathing: Deep from the belly
• Relaxation: Imagery, visualisation
• Meditation: Alpha state, relaxation response, one-pointedness
• Affirmation: self belief, hope

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