Free specialist counselling
Our Counselling Service gives people living with MND the opportunity to access up to 8 free
one-to-one counselling sessions.
These sessions are led by a qualified therapist and could help you understand and manage difficult feelings you may be experiencing.
Please note, at this time, we are only able to offer support through telephone or virtual sessions.
Who our Counselling Service is for
Our free counselling service is available to anyone aged over 18 who has been diagnosed with motor neuron disease and lives in Scotland.
If your voice has been affected by MND you can still access this service. We have counsellors who are experienced in using different methods of communication and working with people using communications aids.
We know a diagnosis of MND can be extremely overwhelming and lead to people experiencing a wide range of difficult emotions. So, if you’re struggling in any way right now, please do get in touch with us.
Talking to someone outside your family or circle of friends may help you better understand your feelings and manage them more effectively.
We also offer this service if you are caring for someone with MND.
Everyone’s experience of MND is different, and so is the kind of support that feels right.
You might want to explore your emotions on your own at first, get information online, or speak with a trained counsellor.
The options below can help you decide what kind of support best meets your needs.
If you’re not ready to talk to someone yet, or just want to understand more about how you’re feeling, our self-help guides can be a good place to start.
They include information and practical exercises to help you:
- Understand and manage feelings such as anxiety, stress or sadness.
- Learn coping strategies to support your emotional wellbeing.
- Find small steps to build resilience day to day.
You can access guides any time — privately and at your own pace.
Sometimes you may just need to ask a question, get advice, or find information without booking a session.
Online chat and information service offers:
- A confidential space to speak with someone.
- Emotional support, information, or signposting to other services.
- Quick access to guidance if you’re not sure what kind of help you need.
This can be a good first step if you’re exploring your options or finding it hard to reach out in person.
Living with or caring for someone with MND can be emotionally demanding. Our counselling service offers a safe and confidential space to talk through what’s happening, how you’re feeling, and how you can cope.
You might find counselling helpful if you:
- Feel overwhelmed, anxious, or low.
- Are struggling to balance caring responsibilities and your own wellbeing.
- Want to talk openly without worrying about burdening family or friends.
You can access counselling at any stage — it doesn’t have to be a crisis. Our counsellors understand the challenges that MND brings and can help you find ways to cope, build resilience, and maintain hope.
If you’re unsure whether it’s the right time, we can talk it through with you and help you decide what would be most supportive.
How our counselling could help you
Our Counselling Service could help improve your quality of life by:
- providing personalised support that’s tailored to your circumstances
- allowing you to speak openly and confidentially about your illness
- reducing the sense of fear, anxiety or depression you may be feeling
- giving you new ways to think and manage difficult feelings
- increasing your confidence and motivation.
How to access our Counselling Service
To access our Counselling Service, please complete the application form below. We’ll then review your application and respond to it within five working days.
Alternatively, you could speak to your MND clinical nurse specialist and ask them to apply on your behalf.
You can also contact us on 0141 332 3903 or support@mndscotland.org.uk if you have any questions about our Counselling Service and the support you’ll receive.
When to consider bereavement counselling
Grief affects everyone differently. There’s no right or wrong way to feel after losing someone to MND, and it’s natural for emotions to change over time. Support from family, friends, or peer groups can often be most helpful in the early weeks and months after a bereavement. However, some people find that after a while, their grief still feels overwhelming or they’re struggling to adjust — this is when bereavement counselling can be beneficial
Bereavement counselling is usually most helpful around six months or more after a loss, once the initial shock has eased a little and you’ve had some time to process what’s happened.
You may want to consider counselling if:
- You continue to find it very difficult to cope with everyday life — such as sleeping, eating, or concentrating.
- Feelings of sadness, anger, guilt or emptiness aren’t easing over time.
- The death was sudden, traumatic or particularly distressing, and you’re finding it hard to come to terms with it.
- You feel “stuck” in your grief or unable to see a way forward.
- You’re feeling isolated or lacking support from those around you.
- Your grief is affecting your health, relationships or work.
- You’re experiencing anxiety, depression or thoughts of self-harm.
In the first few months, grief is often very raw. Counselling too early can sometimes feel overwhelming or unhelpful, as people may still be in shock or focused on the practical and emotional adjustments that follow a loss.
By waiting a few months, you may find you’re more able to reflect, talk openly, and begin to work through your grief with support.
Our counsellors understand the unique challenges of MND — both for those living with the condition and for families and carers. When you feel ready, we can offer a safe, confidential space to:
- Talk about your loss and how it’s affecting you.
- Explore difficult emotions, such as guilt, anger or relief.
- Support you in finding ways to adapt and rebuild your life while remembering your loved one.
If you’re unsure whether now is the right time, you can get in touch for an informal chat. We’ll listen and help you decide what kind of support feels right for you.
What happens after you’re referred
If you’re referred to our Counselling Service, we’ll contact you to identify your needs and make sure
you’re suitable for the service.
If you are suitable, you’ll be able to access up to 8 free one-to-one counselling sessions. Each session usually lasts up to one hour and takes place fortnightly. But we can be flexible to meet your needs and availability.
Need urgent help?
If you need to speak to someone right now about difficult emotions you’re experiencing, you can reach out to:
Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 or visit breathingspace.scot
Message SHOUT to 85258 for 24/7 text support
MND Scotland Counselling – Frequently Asked Questions
Who can use MND Scotland’s counselling service?
Our counselling service is available to anyone affected by motor neuron disease (MND) — including people living with MND, their partners, family members, and carers.
Is bereavement counselling free?
Yes. All counselling provided by MND Scotland is free and confidential.
Do I need a referral from my GP or nurse?
No. You can contact us directly to request counselling support. We’ll ask a few questions to help match you with the most suitable counsellor or service for your needs.
When should I consider counselling?
You can seek counselling at any time — it doesn’t have to be during a crisis. Counselling might help if you:
- Feel anxious, low, or emotionally overwhelmed.
- Are struggling to balance caring responsibilities and your own wellbeing.
- Feel uncertain about the future or changes to daily life.
- Want to talk openly without worrying about burdening family or friends.
What types of support are available?
We offer a range of emotional support options to help you find what feels right:
- Self-help resources – Practical guides and exercises to help you manage stress, anxiety and sadness at your own pace. NHS Inform Bereavement and Grief Self-Help Guide
- Online chat or information – A confidential space to talk, ask questions, or get guidance when you’re not ready for counselling sessions. Breathing Space Scotland
- Counselling support – Confidential one-to-one online sessions with trained counsellors who understand the emotional impact of MND.
How are counselling sessions delivered?
All counselling sessions are delivered online, allowing you to access support from the comfort of your own home, wherever you are in Scotland.
How many sessions will I have?
MND Scotland offers up to 8 online counselling sessions. This provides time to explore your feelings, develop coping strategies, and reflect on progress with your counsellor. The number of sessions can be reviewed based on your needs.
What happens in a counselling session?
Your online counselling sessions provide a safe, confidential space to explore how you’re feeling. Your counsellor won’t judge or tell you what to do — they’ll listen, help you make sense of your emotions, and support you in finding ways to cope.
Can family members or carers access counselling too?
Yes. Counselling is available for anyone affected by MND — including carers and family members — even if the person with MND isn’t using the service.
How do I access counselling?
You can contact our counselling team directly through the MND Scotland website or by phone. We’ll talk through your situation and help you find the right type of support for you.
MND Scotland Bereavement Counselling – Frequently Asked Questions
Who is bereavement counselling for?
Bereavement counselling is available to anyone who has lost someone to MND — including partners, family members, and carers. It offers a supportive space to talk about your grief and find ways to adjust to life after loss.
Is the bereavement counselling service free?
Yes. Bereavement counselling through MND Scotland is free and confidential.
When should I consider bereavement counselling?
There’s no “right” time to start counselling, but it’s often most helpful around six months or more after a loss, once the initial shock has eased.
You may find it useful if you:
- Are struggling to cope with daily life.
- Feel “stuck” in grief or unable to move forward.
- Experience ongoing sadness, guilt, anger, or emptiness.
- Feel isolated or lacking in emotional support.
- Notice grief affecting your relationships, health or work.
Why do we recommend waiting around six months?
Grief is an ongoing process, and in the early months emotions are often very raw. Counselling too soon can sometimes feel overwhelming, as people are still processing what’s happened. By waiting a little while, you may find counselling more beneficial and easier to engage with.
What if I need support sooner after a bereavement?
If you’re not ready for counselling but need support sooner, there are other options:
- Access self-help resources like the NHS Inform Bereavement and Grief Self-Help Guide.
- Use online support through Breathing Space Scotland.
- Contact our counselling team for an informal chat — we can help you decide when bereavement counselling might feel right.
How are bereavement counselling sessions delivered?
All bereavement counselling sessions are delivered online, so you can receive support safely and comfortably wherever you are in Scotland.
How many sessions will I have?
MND Scotland offers up to 8 online bereavement counselling sessions. This allows time to explore your grief, work through complex emotions, and begin to find a sense of adjustment and meaning. The number of sessions can be reviewed depending on your needs.
Support Services Referral
Other ways we can support you
Accessible holidays
Specialist holiday homes in stunning Scottish locations. Fully equipped to meet your needs.
Counselling for carers
Caring for a person living with motor neuron disease can be extremely hard, we’re here to help.
Advice and Support
Our advice and support team is ready to listen to your concerns and help solve any issues you’re facing.
Benefits advice
Our free benefits service can help you claim financial support you’re entitled to.
Grants for you
We offer a wide range of grants to help you live a good life and ease money worries.
Free counselling
We offer tailored counselling sessions to people living with MND and carers.