Living with MS affects more than just your body
The emotional and psychological impact of MS is real and it deserves just as much attention as the physical side of the condition. Whether you're navigating a new diagnosis, managing the ongoing challenges of living with MS or simply looking for tools to build your resilience, our Counselling and Wellbeing services are here to help.
We offer two distinct but complementary pathways - Counselling and Wellbeing - both delivered via telehealth by our team of accredited Counsellors who have experience working with people living with MS.
Our programs
Our Counselling and Wellbeing services offer different types of support and many people find one or both helpful at different stages of their MS journey. You don't need to be in crisis to reach out. Both services are designed to support you wherever you're at.
Counselling
Our Counselling service provides a confidential, supportive and non-judgemental space to talk through your concerns and explore ways to navigate life's challenges. Our Counsellors are accredited professionals registered with PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia) and ACA (Australian Counselling Association) and have experience supporting people living with MS.
They offer personalised support, and will work with you at your own pace, building a relationship where you feel safe, understood and respected. People often seek counselling for challenges such as:
They offer personalised support, and will work with you at your own pace, building a relationship where you feel safe, understood and respected. People often seek counselling for challenges such as:
- Changes in identity and life roles following an MS diagnosis
- Adjusting to the impact of MS on daily life
- Processing grief and loss
- Managing depression, anxiety or stress
- Navigating relationship and family challenges related to MS
Wellbeing
Our Wellbeing service takes a proactive approach to mental health. We focus on building resilience and equipping you with practical, evidence-based tools you can incorporate into your daily routine. It's designed for people who want to strengthen their wellbeing, whether or not they're seeking traditional counselling.
Delivered by our team of qualified Counsellors, the Wellbeing service offers a series of standalone, psycho-educational modules via telehealth. All strategies can be practised independently or combined with others to build up your personal resilience toolkit. Module topics include:
- Mindfulness, meditation and grounding
- Stress reduction strategies
- Breathwork techniques
- Nervous system regulation tools
Who we support
Our Counselling and Wellbeing services are available to people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), via telehealth in South Australia and the Northern Territory. We support people who may be experiencing:
- Changes in identity and life roles following an MS diagnosis
- Emotional challenges related to living with a progressive condition
- Grief, loss and adjustment difficulties
- Depression, anxiety, stress or low mood
- Relationship and family challenges related to MS
- A desire to build resilience and improve overall wellbeing
Why choose MS Society SA & NT?
Our Counsellors are accredited professionals registered with PACFA and ACA, with experience supporting people living with MS. They understand the unique emotional and psychological challenges that come with a neurological condition and bring that understanding to every session.
As part of a broader multidisciplinary team, our Counsellors work alongside allied health professionals to ensure your emotional and psychological wellbeing is considered alongside your physical care.
All appointments are available via telehealth, so you can access confidential, professional support from home, wherever you are in South Australia or the Northern Territory.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Counselling and Wellbeing?
Counselling is a therapeutic process focused on exploring your thoughts, feelings and experiences with the support of an accredited Counsellor. It's well suited to people working through specific challenges or looking for ongoing emotional support. The Wellbeing service is more skills-focused featuring a series of standalone modules designed to build practical resilience tools you can use day to day. Some people find one more helpful, others find both useful at different times.
Are your Counsellors psychologists?
No. Our Counsellors are accredited professionals registered with PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia) and ACA (Australian Counselling Association). They are not psychologists and do not provide psychological assessment or treatment. If you are looking for psychology services, we recommend speaking with your GP.
Can I access counselling through a Mental Health Care Plan or Medicare?
No. Our Counselling service is not a Medicare-registered service and cannot be accessed through a Mental Health Care Plan. Funding options include NDIS and Fee-for-Service. Our team can help you work out the right option for your situation.
How are appointments delivered?
All Counselling and Wellbeing appointments are available via telehealth, phone or video, wherever you are in South Australia or the Northern Territory. There are no in-person sessions available through MS Society SA & NT.
What can I expect at my first counselling appointment?
Your first appointment is a chance for your Counsellor to get to know you and understand what you're experiencing, what you're hoping to get from counselling and what approach might suit you best. From there, they'll work with you to develop a plan that's tailored to your needs and goals, whether that means a short-term focused approach or longer-term support.
Can family members or carers access counselling?
Yes. We offer Counselling support to family members and carers of people living with MS on a Fee-for-Service basis. Please get in touch to find out more.
Do I need a referral to access Counselling or Wellbeing?
Clients don't need a referral to reach out to us. You will need to provide a letter of diagnosis or referral from your GP or Neurologist (dated within the last 12 months) as part of the registration process.
Family members and carers accessing Fee-for-Service counselling do not need a referral and can contact our our team directly using the enquiry form on this page.
Family members and carers accessing Fee-for-Service counselling do not need a referral and can contact our our team directly using the enquiry form on this page.
How do I pay?
Our Counselling and Wellbeing services can be funded through NDIS or on a Fee-for-Service (private payment) basis. Our team can help you work out the right option when you get in touch.
Get in touch
To find out more about our services, please complete the form below and we will be in contact with you as soon as possible.
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