The All Wales Adult CF Psychology Service & Supportive Care
Living with cystic fibrosis and its treatment can trigger a range of difficult feelings. These may include worry, frustration, resentment, stress or feeling down. It is normal to feel a certain amount of worry or upset when living with a health condition. Sometimes these feelings can go on for a long time or feel like too much to deal, and begin to impact on your ability to cope with day-to-day life.
The CF psychology service specialises in helping people cope with and adjust to the emotional stresses of living with cystic fibrosis.
Who are we?
Our clinical psychologists:
Catherine O'LEARY
Aimee STIMPSON
You can contact us by asking one of the team to refer you. Alternatively, you can contact us directly
Telephone: 029 21 824597.
Dr Bryne, joined the CF multidisciplinary team a number of years ago and offers an invaluable contribution to the continued well-being of CF patients with significant problems relating to pain and symptom management. Many of our patients will have built up an excellent rapport with DR Byrne, following his input into their ongoing care management plans; all of whom have found benefit from having joint CF/supportive care input.
Dr Anthony BYRNE
Dr Byrne, also provides invaluable input in respect of end of life issues and ensuring joined up integrated care is provided to meet patient changing needs, joint management pathways are in place and patient expectations are met according to their wishes.
What sorts of problems can we help with?
We see people who are having all sorts of difficulties. The list below is just some of the problems we can help you with:
- Coping with treatments that you might feel worried or stressed about. For example, dealing with needles and blood tests, taking tablets, having surgery and other medical tests.
- Helping you make decisions about your treatment.
- Managing symptoms such as pain, tiredness and other physical symptoms and bodily changes.
- Dealing with the effect of the condition on your life: with college or work, friends and relationships.
- Dealing with the feelings of having CF, for example, feeling different to other people or feeling angry.
- Helping with problems with eating, sleeping, or getting around.
- Feelings of low mood, anxiety or worry.
- Thinking about whether to start a family.
Seeing a psychologist doesn’t mean you are weak or there is something wrong with you psychologically. You are just having to cope with extraordinary circumstances. Living with CF can be hard and speaking to a psychologist can help you find new ways to deal with the difficulties.
We are available for inpatient and outpatient appointments. We can meet for a one-off appointment or for regular sessions, depending on your wishes and needs.
This short video from CF Psychologist, Anna, explains why all emotions are important.
Useful information
We have put together information on a range of services that may be helpful for dealing with the stresses of living with cystic fibrosis. These services can be accessed by patients and their families, and do not require a referral.
Please feel free to contact our service if you have any questions. You can contact us by asking one of the team to refer you. Alternatively, you can contact us directly by telephone: 029 21 824597.
Newsletter
Counselling and Support
The Cystic Fibrosis Trust has a great range of support and up-to-date information about Cystic Fibrosis. Here are just some of the ways they can support you - Support (cysticfibrosis.org.uk)
Mindfulness
If you’ve never tried mindfulness before, this might be a good time to give it a go. We’ve recorded 3 short mindfulness exercises for you to try.
A Short Breathing Exercise
A Mindful Cup of Tea
A Grounding Exercise