Our professional counselling program
At DEBRA Australia we understand that living with EB can often be a challenging and lonely journey, and we’re here to support you.
We are proud to be able to support access to a team of Clinical and Consulting Psychologists and Counsellors, who have experience with working with those navigating life with EB. At DEBRA Australia we really do understand the emotional impacts of EB whether you are living with EB yourself or caring for someone with EB.
How can we help?
Talking to someone outside of our friends and family may not be something you have considered previously but can be an additional option to think about when facing new and challenging situations.
It is not surprising that people navigating EB will find they have times which are really quite challenging, whether you are the person with EB or you are supporting your loved one. It can be especially tough when grappling with a new EB diagnosis, managing complications or new health issues, or just navigating hectic schedules around EB each day. Some of our feelings and responses may come up from time to time or last longer, depending on what is going on with EB and your wider life. It is really important if you are noticing feelings that are impacting your day-to-day wellbeing, that you reach out for support early as we are here to help.
Professional support
DEBRA and our Family Support Program team have been working with Clinical and Consulting Counsellors and Psychologists at HeadwayHealth Services since 2018, to support the care of our EB families. Your psychologist or counsellor has a special interest in chronic health and the impact and challenges of EB, and will want to get to know you, understand how EB affects your life, and work with you to identify your main concerns. As a team you will work together to develop strategies which will be tailored towards your unique situation to support your wellbeing.
Research-based strategies can be offered to support your journey based on cognitive behavioural therapies (CBT), acceptance commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, relaxation, meditation, and other therapeutic approaches to help with a range of common concerns. Appointments will provide individualised and focused support that involves goal focused shorter term contact as we know your time is precious with many, many appointments already! Strategies may focus on areas such as managing your mood and the more difficult days, and may cover getting a better night sleep, managing pain, dealing with worries and stress, alongside strategies for living around loss and supporting your lifestyle and well-being goals. As a patient or carer, you may also want to explore strategies to enhancing your skills in communicating with others around you, whether it’s your loved ones and family, your NDIS team, or your wider health care team.
Flexible appointments
DEBRA will help organise your appointments: Telehealth or telephone support will be planned at a time that’s convenient to you, or if you live in Sydney, you may prefer to meet your psychologist or counsellor in-person at one of HeadwayHealth’s clinics.
We can discuss access via a mental health care plan through your General Practitioner if appropriate; HeadwayHealth can also answer your questions about consent, confidentiality, and their terms if you are unable to attend your booked appointment, as this program is funded with the generous support of DEBRA, therefore there will be no cost to you.
Enquire now
Please contact Simone Baird, our National Family Support Co-ordinator, in confidence to discuss how this service may be of support to you on 0413 967 609 or via email at simone.baird@debra.org.au
For urgent help, crisis support is available through your local mental health and hospital services, GP, or Lifeline (13 11 14), and if you need immediate help please always call 000.