Counselling

No one should have to care alone.

Being a family carer can be very rewarding, but can also be very demanding. It is not unusual to feel overwhelmed at times. We know that many family carers struggle with stress, anxiety and depression. Family Carers Ireland is here to help. We believe that no one should have to care alone. Our free counselling service is available to all family carers in Ireland. Counselling can be a way to reset, to find ways to cope with the stress and make the challenges you are facing seem more manageable. To access the service, please contact your local Carer Support Manager to find out more.

What is Counselling?

Counselling offers a safe, non-judgemental space for you to talk about and work through any problems or difficult feelings you are experiencing with a qualified professional. A counsellor can help you to begin to address your problems in a positive way, exploring options, and supporting you to develop strategies and gain insight to address some of the issues you are facing. You may want to seek counselling for support with issues such as stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, burnout, depression, bereavement, illness, personal relationships, bullying and more.

How Can Counselling Help?

Counselling can help you:

• deal with overwhelming and confusing feelings
• make sense of your experiences as a carer
• work out your own needs and solve problems
• manage conflict, stress and other emotional factors that make caring more difficult
• build resilience and cope with change
• improve your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.

What is Phone and Online Counselling?

Due to COVID-19 we recognise that face-to-face counselling may no longer be an option for family carers. However through our service you can still engage with a qualified accredited counsellor over the phone, or speak to them face-to-face through a secure video link.

How can I Access the Counselling Service?

If you would like to avail of this service or support with any other aspect of your caring role, please contact our National Freephone Careline on 1800 24 07 24 or contact your local Family Carers Ireland Carer Support Manager.