Carl FisherOct 31
Lyndsay Barwell

Hi all,
I'm sharing my study on the experience of seeking and having counselling due to symptoms of fatigue from ME/CFS or long covid. I am doing this for my master's dissertation in counselling.

I'll be doing interviews with questions about the impact of counselling on how people view themselves, their illness, and any influence on their relationships. If this sounds relevant to you and you are interested in participating and you are in the UK, please email me at [email protected].

Oct 30 at 4:23pmWeb
Show threadAllysse RiordanOct 30

@treehugger what sort of counselling count? I've only received group stuff but via online modules with some limited chat area.

I tend to count the long covid clinic support as counselling too but technically it wasn't. About every chat was me crying a lot and working through emotional stuff more than physical stuff.

Show threadLyndsay BarwellOct 30
@allysseriordan at this point, ideally it would one-to-one counselling with someone trained as a counsellor. But in my mind, the main thing is having an environment of empathy, and non-judgement to explore what is relevant to you related to the impact of chronic illness on your life rather than a CBT modality. If I don't get enough interest, I'll check with my supervisor.
Show threadAllysse RiordanOct 30

@treehugger noted.
Let me know, I'd be happy to help if I can.

Personally, I wanted one to one counselling but it was never offered even when I asked and pushed for it. I was always channelled into other avenues and I didn't have enough energy back then to look for a private option.

Show threadLyndsay BarwellOct 30
@allysseriordan good to know, thanks. I luckily did get a few sessions paid for by work but they are less generous since the NI increase for employers.
Show threadCalligrafaeOct 31

Alt text: Research participants needed for Chronic Fatigue study

Have you received counselling for your Chronic Fatigue symptoms?

Have you struggled with fatigue, particularly after exerting yourself?

Did therapy impact your life, positively or otherwise?

What am I investigating?
Your experience (positive, negative or mixed) of seeking therapy, having therapy, and any life changes following therapy.
Changes in how you viewed yourself and your fatigue.

1/2

Show threadCalligrafaeOct 31

What should I expect?
An online or in-person interview about 1 hour long, in which we talk in-depth about your experience.
Reasonable adjustments will be provided to accomodate your needs.

If interested, please contact Lyndsay: [email protected]

2/2

Show threadLyndsay BarwellOct 31
@welshpixie I have added that participants should be from the UK.
Show threadvulgalour - Free Range QueerOct 31
@treehugger I would like to help with this but I'm not sure I'd qualify since my experience is that I've been unable to get the therapy due to the lack of available NHS care. I haven't yet been able to even find a GP taking on new patients in my area so am currently without a GP and cannot afford to go private.