The Relationship Counselling Service
Funding support to improve lives
Brain tumours can have a huge impact on relationships. Research suggests that two-thirds of individuals diagnosed, have seen a negative effect with their partner and that the impact of a diagnosis can put an extra emotional strain on even the healthiest of relationships.
That’s why The Lewis Moody Foundation is proud to fund support to help couples handle the relationship changes that can take place following a brain tumour diagnosis. We know that good quality relationships matter for our overall health and wellbeing and believe in supporting The Brain Tumour Charities vital Relationship Counselling Service, to help improve lives.
What to expect
The Brain Tumour Charity has partnered with Relate, the leading relationships charity in England and Wales, to deliver a free counselling service for UK-based couples and individuals whose relationship has been affected by a brain tumour.
Counselling is a talking therapy and a place for you to speak, listen and be heard. Your counsellor understands that you are the expert on your own relationship and will work with you to support you to communicate with your partner openly. They will help you explore and understand the impact of your diagnosis on your relationship and provide a safe space for you to talk through this.
Counsellors don’t provide advice, they empower you to understand your own situation and work with you to identify problems you may face and how to address these with your partner.You’ll leave your counselling sessions understanding more about how you can make changes together and work towards a more satisfying new normal for you both.
People accessing the service can have up to 6 weekly sessions free of charge and if you or your partner need to take a break in sessions due to treatment, they can be delayed to a time that works for you. While social-distancing measures are in place across the UK, sessions can be conducted via phone, webcam, live chat or email.
Still have some questions? Find out more about the Relationship Counselling Service in the FAQs here.
How to access support
If you have experienced changes to your current or past relationships with a partner because of a brain tumour and would like to access support, we’re here to help you.
If you would like to find out if The Relationship Counselling Service is right for you, please contact The Brain Tumour Charity Support and Information team to find out more.
Interested in signing up? Please click the below to register your interest.
Dafydd and Lyn’s Story
Dafydd, aged 62 from North Wales was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
He shared his story with The Foundation, after noticing the effect his new diagnosis had on his relationship with his partner, Lyn. Dafydd wanted to raise awareness of the impact brain tumours can have on loved ones and the need for more relationship support services in the community.
“The brain tumour and its after-effects have impacted me and Lyn in different ways,” he says. “We’ve been through so many emotions together in the last 18 months: fear, shock, despair, sorrow and grief, but also love.”
“Our relationship is totally different from what it used to be. I was always a very loving person and used to give Lyn hugs all the time, but I just can’t do that anymore. I can’t look after her; instead she has to look after me.”
