*** Signups for the Autumn 2025 group have now closed. If you want updates on future groups please sign up to my group mailing list. ***
“You are never alone. There are others – sometimes in other countries or even on other continents – who understand what you are going through. Once you no longer feel alone, things become easier. I have met wonderful people, felt heard and seen, have received and given support, and I am deeply grateful for the experiences I’ve had and the insights I’ve gained from the sessions.” – testimonial from previous Black Cat Counselling group participant
Who is this group for?
This group is for adults (18+) with eczema who want to feel heard and supported by people who really understand the effect that eczema has on their mental health, in a small, intimate group facilitated by a lived experience-informed practitioner.
If you’re not in the UK but are interested in joining, please email me at info@blackcatcounselling.co.uk – it depends on my insurance and your country’s regulations around therapy as to whether you’d be able to participate in the group. Unfortunately I can’t work with people in the USA or Canada.
“Madeleine created a wonderful space to share both grief and hope, ensuring everyone’s access needs were met, and I’ve come away with a reinvigorated sense of purpose. I cannot recommend it enough.” – testimonial from previous Black Cat Counselling group participant
When is it?
TBA
How much is it?
TBA
I’ve had counselling sessions with you before, can I still join?
Yes! Previous individual counselling clients are welcome to join as long as there’s been a gap of at least a month since we finished working together. If you’ve attended one of my groups before, you’re welcome to join this one with no gap.
How big will the group be?
There will be a maximum of 6 people in the group (plus me as the facilitator). The small group size allows everyone to be heard and supported.
What topics will we talk about?
Some potential topics are:
- Stress & self-care strategies
- Boundaries and advocating for yourself
- Eczema & relationships
- Finding ways to improve sleep
- Processing grief, loss and anger
- Coping with anxiety & depression related to eczema
- Building community
- Finding purpose and meaning
Please note this group won’t include medical advice or discussion of different eczema medication or treatments.
I struggle with energy – can I still join?
Yes, I try to make the group as accessible as possible. It’s fine to attend the group from bed (as long as you’re dressed, pyjamas etc are fine), you can keep your camera off if you don’t have the energy to have it on that day, and you can interact via the group chat if that’s easier for you – there’s no pressure to speak if you don’t feel up to it. If you’re not feeling well enough to attend a session or need to leave one partway through, that’s OK. If you need any other accommodations, just let me know.
What’s your experience in running groups?
I’m an accredited counsellor and I’ve undertaken extra training in facilitating therapeutic support groups. As well as running groups in my private practice, I’ve also run support groups in previous jobs.
What’s your experience with eczema?
I’ve had eczema all my life, including dermatology appointments and hospital stays – I know how it can take over your life and affect your mental health. I work with adult counselling clients with eczema, offer consultations for counsellors who want to know more about working with eczema and I’ve published an eBook “Counselling Adults With Eczema”. I recently had an article on autism, ADHD and eczema published on the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society’s blog, and have a blog post on eczema and mental health here.
Are you struggling with your eczema and mental health and interested in 1-2-1 counselling? Find out more here.