Help for families
CASK Research counselling service
Free, confidential counselling for individuals and couples impacted by CASK disorders — provided in partnership with Rareminds.
The service
CASK Research is pleased to be working in partnership with Rareminds to offer free, confidential counselling for people impacted by CASK disorders. Up to 10 sessions can be provided either via video call or by telephone. Both evening and daytime appointments are available (weekdays only).
The CASK Research Lead Counsellor is Zubyda Azzam, a trained and experienced psychotherapist who has also undertaken additional training in counselling for rare diseases.
Zubyda Azzam — UKCP Accred.
Zubyda is registered with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy and has worked as a therapist 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. She is particularly passionate about the therapeutic potential of groups for rare disease communities.
What you can talk about
As living with CASK disorders happens within the context of your everyday life, it's inevitable that the 'ups and downs' of both will impact on each other. You can talk to our counsellors about anything you are struggling with. This might include:
- Your family relationships
- Feeling different, lonely or isolated
- Anxiety or low mood
- Loss and grief
- Your relationship with health-care professionals, or navigating systems
- Coping with difficult, unpredictable or increasing symptoms
- The psychological burden of becoming a 'CASK expert'
- Managing unpleasant tests, surgery or treatments
- Fears about the future
CASK Research counsellors provide a safe, confidential relationship to explore difficult thoughts or feelings, and talk about the things that matter to you in living with the impact of CASK disorders.
Arrange an initial consultation
Email Zubyda at zubyda@rareminds.org, marking your email "CASK Research enquiry".