​I will assess you and discuss my thoughts. Together we will decide your wishes about what is important to you and what you want to get out of our time together. I offer a range of research-based interventions to help manage and to reduce symptoms as far as possible. Together we will consider ways to build on those techniques you have already worked out to help you manage day-to-day.

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Breathlessness: Not only is breathing affected by physical conditions, but also by our breathing patterns, and the way we think and the activities we do. Breathlessness often is accompanied by other symptoms such as low energy levels, fear or worry. Together we will look at what factors increase the breathlessness, and then consider positioning, ways to manage and optimise breathing and other interventions that are shown to help manage this condition.

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Fatigue / low energy levels: Fatigue and low energy are very common during and after illness and treatments. They can also occur after periods of reduced activity as a result of muscles becoming weaker. Often energy levels vary and people find they have times they feel better than others ('good' and 'bad' days), and sleep may not help. Fatigue, whether physical, cognitive or emotional, is different for everyone, and so treatment options must be chosen for the individual; what works for one person may not work for someone else. 

 

Memory, and difficulty thinking or concentrating: These are common symptoms which can occur during and after illness, and sometimes as result of treatments; or as part of other symptoms, such as intense fatigue, stress or worry.

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Pain: Pain may be due to physical factors, treatments, posture, reduced activity, muscle tension and / or stress. Many treatments (including mindfulness and hypnosis) successfully reduce and manage pain. I also consider positioning, pressure care equipment, and ways to manage muscle tension.

 

Stress, worry, anxiety, and low mood: are natural reactions to difficult situations.  They can cause overwhelming thoughts and considerable physical symptoms, affecting heart, breathing, digestion; and can have considerable effects on your daily activities.  These affect most people in some way, and other people may have difficulty understanding how these reactions can take on a life of their own. There are many practical and complementary therapy techniques which are extremely effective for addressing stress, anxiety and low mood, and addressing these can often help improve other symptoms.

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Sleep: Difficulties may include problems falling asleep or staying asleep. I examine your sleep routine to identify factors to improve your sleep. This can include education about good sleep behaviours, changes to your sleep environment and introducing new routines. Often stress and anxiety play a part in sleep disturbance, and complementary therapies can be extremely helpful.

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