Counselling
Living with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) can be an emotionally challenging experience for individuals and their families. Counselling may be helpful if you are finding things tough or need a space to process the grief, anxiety, stress and worry related to this rare condition.
While talk therapy is available through NHS services, waiting times can vary significantly, especially for non-urgent referrals. Below you will find a list of private and independent providers ready to support your emotional well-being on this journey.
A dedicated professional can offer mental health support to help you cope and build resilience.
While talk therapy is available through NHS services, waiting times can vary significantly, especially for non-urgent referrals.
We have collated a list of providers to support you if you think this may be something which would be of help to you or a loved one.
The counsellors and therapists listed here are independent practitioners. FOP Friends provides this directory for informational purposes only and does not endorse or guarantee the suitability of any specific provider. It is the user’s responsibility to verify a counsellor’s credentials and ensure they are the right fit.
Please note that this resource is not for mental health emergencies. If you are in crisis, please call 999 or your local urgent mental health line immediately.
How to Access NHS Talk Therapy
If you decide to seek therapy through the NHS, there are two main ways to begin:
* Self-Referral (Quickest Route): In most of England, you can refer yourself directly to your local NHS Talking Therapies service without needing to speak to a GP first. You can usually do this by searching online for “NHS Talking Therapies” plus your town or postcode and completing their self-referral form or calling the service.
*GP Referral: You can make an appointment with your GP to discuss your mental health. Your GP can then assess your needs and refer you to the appropriate local mental health service.
What to expect next:
Once a referral is made, the service will usually contact you for an initial assessment to determine the best type of support for your needs. Remember that while this is a free service, there may be a wait between your referral and your first treatment session.
Rare Minds Counselling for those living with FOP and POH
Thanks to securing special grants, we are delighted to offer free, confidential, individual counselling sessions for adults living with FOP, or their immediate family members (age 14+).
There is no charge and no waiting list for this service. These sessions are delivered directly and confidentially through our partners at Rare Minds.
If you feel this service may be of help to you or a family member, please contact Rare Minds directly to discuss your needs further and arrange your first session.
www.rareminds.org
