Our Guest Expert was
Dr Hannah Ryan (BA, MSc, DClinPsy)
A UK-based, registered clinical psychologist.
“Keeping on the level: Living well with long-term health conditions.”
Links to watch the full meeting video are at the bottom of this page
Introduction Where we clarified some guiding principles of the group and our meetings. Confidentiality – As a support group, we encourage all to speak openly about what issues that they face, but as such we ask everyone to respect everyone’s privacy and keep confidential any specific personal matters that are supplied during our meetings We are not doctors – We are not medically trained or qualified, so we will never seek to advise on treatments or medical matters. Whatever advice or personal experiences are shared, everyone should always consult with their own medical and healthcare experts for the best medical care and advice. We are not a charity – We are not a registered charity, we handle no money, we have no money. We are just people helping people. Positive Only – We are a support group, with the emphasis being upon support, so we encourage everyone to seek the positive in what we discuss, in our members situations and our overall attitude to our mutual challenges. Let us always try to find solutions rather than be dragged down by the problems, and let us always give encouragement and hope to each other. Tolerance & Friendship – The group is for everyone, and we can all seek different things from belonging to this group, but at the very least I hope we will all find some degree of friendship and comfort from meeting and knowing our fellow members. Let us all be tolerant of differences and respect that balance disorders come in many flavours and affect any person in any walk of life and at any age – so we of all groups, should acknowledge and celebrate the variety and differences in our members. Charity Support – The group is supported by the Menieres Society and VeDA as an official support group listed by both of their web sites. We support both charities in their good work for all things related to balance issues.
“Making Friends With Our Bodies: How ideas from Compassion Focussed Therapy can help those of us with vestibular and balance conditions to soothe our suffering with kindness“
Hannah has worked for many years within the UK NHS system and charity sector whilst suffering herself from a chronic vestibular disorder. Trained and qualified as a Clinical Psychologist, Hannah’s rare personal insight into chronic and severe balance conditions has resulted in a unique approach to helping those with chronic illness.
Hannah truly understands, from the “inside out”, how debilitating it can be to live with a balance condition, as well as how painful it can be when the world does not seem to understand. She has been drawn towards Compassion Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in her work with adults, as both have been shown to be compassionate, validating and effective therapeutic approaches for people living with chronic illness.
This was a first for the support group to be addressed by a clinical psychologist who lives with their own chronic balance condition, resulting in Hannah not only a “clinical expert” but also an “Expert by her Experience”. If you wish to explore options for further support, Hannah’s independent practice can be found at https://twoleavestherapy.co.uk/ where therapy via video link is now available.
Do take some time out to watch this brilliant content and please do share it with anyone who may benefit from seeing this video. See Meeting video links below.
Watch the full meeting now on Face Book or Zoom
Click here to watch on Facebook
Please come and join our group if you feel we can help and don’t wish to face your challenges alone. You are very very welcome.