Counselling for living with a physical disability 

Not coping? Don't feel yourself since developing a physical limitation? Or has a long-term disability suddenly become more of a problem now you are facing a life change? And feel alone with the despondent thoughts in your head?

Physical disability and mental health 

When illness or injury leaves you with a physical disablity, it can be challenge enough to adjust to the practical differences of a life that is different than the one you knew or expected. Then come the many mental and emotional challenges. 

You might feel stressed about things like your career and dating life. Or struggle to navigate new dynamics in the relationships you already have. It can be isolating when others around you can't understand what you are going through, and your sense of self can flounder in the face of so much change.  

Physical disability and depression

You are far from alone in your struggles. In their report on disability, wellbeing, and loneliness, the Office for National Statistics [1] found that having a physical disability almost doubles your chance of anxiety, and research worldwide connects physical impairment to a higher chance of depression [2] [3].  

Other common issues besides anxiety and depression include:

• anger problems
• grief and bereavement symtoms
• identity issues
• loneliness
• low self-esteem
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• relationship problems
• substance issues. 

Counselling and psychotherapy for physical impairment  

There is no going back from physical disability. But there is going forward. At Harley Therapy™, our disability support therapists are focused on helping you find the inner resources you didn't know you had, and the powerful sides to your personality that life change is an opportunity to recognise and harness. We support you to: 

• process your grief and anger 
• feel more comfortable in the life you have 
• look to the future instead of the past 
• cope better with day-to-day life 
• feel more in control of your life and your moods 
• find a new sense of meaning and purpose
• stop the feeling of surviving and start thriving. 

Life beyond disability - The Harley Therapy™ approach

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends the following for disability-related depression:

• cognitive behavioural therapy
• behavioural couples therapy.  

But you might be facing different issues than depression or relationship issues, or want to try another type of therapy you feel would suit you better.

Many of the therapists at Harley Street are integrative therapists, for example. They are trained in several therapeutic approaches and can tailor treatment to meet your unique needs.

Feel yourself again

Call us now or complete our online booking form to make an appointment with one of our counselling psychologists and psychotherapists who specialise in physical disablity.

You can do your sessions over the internet, or at one of our offices in the City of London, London Bridge, or at our head office on Harley Street.

Footnotes

[1]. Disability, Wellbeing, and Loneliness. Office of National Statistics, Government of United Kingdom, 2019. 

[2] Noh JW, Kwon YD, Park J, Oh IH, Kim J. Relationship between Physical Disability and Depression by Gender: A Panel Regression Model. PLoS One. 2016;11(11):e0166238. Published 2016 Nov 30. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0166238.

[3] Çağan, Özlem & Ünsal, A.. (2014). Depression and Loneliness in Disabled Adults. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences. 114. 10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.12.780.

Therapy for disability can help with:

• anxiety
• anger problems
• depression
• grief and bereavement symtoms
• identity issues
• loneliness
• low self-esteem
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• relationship problems
• stress
• substance overuse