As living with vascular EDS happens within the context of your everyday life, it’s inevitable that the ‘ups and downs’ of both impact on each other. You can talk to our counsellors about anything that you are struggling with, and may impact on your ability to live as well as possible with the impact of vascular EDS. This might include:
It’s not always easy to access counselling. Annabelle’s Challenge Counsellors provide a safe, confidential relationship to work through difficult thoughts or feelings, think about options that are open to you, and explore new ways of approaching your difficulties.
Annabelle’s Challenge is pleased to be working in partnership with Rareminds to offer a new Free, Confidential Counselling Service for individuals aged 18+ impacted by vascular EDS in the UK.
8 - 12 sessions can be provided either via Zoom, or by telephone with both evening and daytime appointments available.
The Annabelle’s Challenge Counselling Team are
Zubyda Azzam
(Lead Counsellor) and
Louise Brookes. Both are trained and experienced therapists who have undertaken additional training in Counselling for Rare Diseases.
Zubyda Azzam UKCP Accred.
Zubyda has been a psychotherapist for over 15 years, and has worked in a variety of settings including the NHS, prisons, refugee camps, and residential therapeutic communities. She was also a volunteer with the Samaritans for over 10 years.
As well as being a Lead Counsellor she is the Therapeutic Groups Lead for Rareminds, and is particularly passionate about the therapeutic potential of groups for individuals and communities living with rare conditions.
Louise Brookes MBACP
Louise is an Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, and a registered member of BACP. She has worked in both the NHS and third sector with clients living with MS, ME, Cerebral Palsy and Neurodiversity as well as other disabilities and long-term health conditions.
She has a particular interest in issues around body-image, self-esteem and eating problems. She is an LGBTQI+ ally and particularly enjoys working with clients from this community too.
Please be aware that we are not able to offer emergency support in a crisis. If you are concerned that you may not be able to keep yourself (or another person) safe, please contact your GP, or dial NHS 111 for advice. If it is an urgent emergency, call 999 or go direct to your hospital Emergency Department.
The Samaritans also provide a 24-hour listening and support service, call free 116 123.
Page updated: October 2023.