Free counselling for adults 16+ affected by skeletal dysplasia
Living with skeletal dysplasia can present unique hurdles in life that can be challenging to navigate without support.
That's why FEST has partnered with Rareminds, a charity providing mental health support for people living with rare conditions, to offer free confidential counselling for adults affected by skeletal dysplasia.
What's included:
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Up to 12 free sessions for individuals, or couples
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Sessions by video call or telephone
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Daytime and evening appointments: Monday to Friday
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All counsellors have been trained to understand the challenges of living with a rare condition
What kinds of things can you talk about?
You can talk about anything you are finding difficult. Common topics are:
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Family and relationships, feeling different, lonely or isolated.
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Anxiety, low mood, loss or grief
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Dealing with health professionals and services
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The pressure of having to be an 'expert' in your condition
Zubyda Azzam is a psychotherapist accredited by the UK Council for Psychotherapy, with additional training in counselling for rare diseases. She has worked in the NHS, prisons, refugee camps and therapeutic communities, and volunteered with Samaritans for over 10 years.
How to book
Email Zubyda at zubyda@rareminds.org to arrange an initial consultation. Rareminds aims to reply within 72 hours and can usually offer a first appointment within 14 days. In that first session (50 minutes, or 60 for couples), you and your counsellor will talk about what has brought you to counselling and decide together whether to continue.
Is it confidential?
Yes. All Rareminds counsellors are registered with BACP or UKCP and follow their professional codes of ethics. Nothing you say will be shared without your agreement, except in rare cases where someone is at risk of serious harm. Your counsellor will explain this at your first session.
Counselling is provided by Rareminds (registered charity no. 1205120) in partnership with F.E.S.T.
If you need help now
This service does not provide urgent or crisis support. If you are struggling to cope, please call Samaritans free on 116 123, at any time of day or night. For urgent medical help, call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.