Disability West Lothian
Peer Counselling Service

The Peer Counselling service provides a high quality
service which is: -

• Free and Confidential
  
• Inclusive and Accessible
  
• Professional and Supportive

Peer Counselling has been shown to reduce the feelings of isolation, anger and depression.

It gives the time and the opportunity for an individual to express their feelings that they so often keep from family and friends.

Counselling can be and has been a useful way to get things off your chest and to explore new ways of tackling old problems.

The Service is free to disabled people from 16 years and upwards, carers and family members.

Counselling sessions are arranged by appointment Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursdays. Arrangements are made that best suit the client.

West Lothian Peer Counselling Service is the only counselling service within Scotland that provides an accessible one-to-one service to disabled people by a counsellor with a disability.

Referrals for counselling can come from - self-referral, General Practice Doctors, Occupational Therapists and Social Care Staff.

The service works within the ethical Codes and Guidelines of:-

• The British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
• The Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland Association

What is Counselling?

Counselling is a relationship which supports you to talk about your life, including any difficulties or problems you may have.

These may or may not include issues related to disability.

Counselling offers support if you are:

• Feeling depressed or anxious

• Experiencing loss or bereavement

• Facing a significant turning point

• Dealing with the challenge of independent living

• Interested in understanding yourself

• Experiencing relationship difficulties

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How does counselling work?

A counsellor will listen to you in an open, warm and friendly way.

They won't tell you what you should or should not do.

They will use their skills and experience to help you find a way to identify the changes that are right for you.

The counselling relationship can help you find your own strength and confidence. It can make it possible to examine problems and feelings which otherwise seem overwhelming. Counselling can provide a base from which you begin to explore the options that are available to you.

Our Peer Counselling Service is

A West Lothian Service that provides accessible counselling to disabled people by a counsellor with a disability.

Unique:- Our counsellor understands what it means to live as a disabled person in society and the challenges this can bring.

Accessible:- We currently provide counselling at the Ability Centre in Carmondean, Livingston, West Lothian.

Inclusive:- We work with disabled people from 16 years old and upwards, with no upper age limit. We also work with carers and family members.

Professional:- We operate a fully professional service. Our counsellor receives regular supervision from accredited counselling supervisors.

We work within the ethical codes and guidelines of both BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and COSCA (Confederation of Scottish Counselling Association).

Confidential:- The service is private and confidential. Our confidentiality policy is available on request.

Free:- Our Service is free to all disabled people and their families in West Lothian.

Counselling appointments are available between
9:30am - 3:30pm, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

We also operate a limited Telephone Counselling Service.

To find out more, contact:
West Lothian Peer Counselling Service

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