Patient information

This might be your first time talking to someone about your feelings. We understand that this can feel daunting. We will make sure to go at your own pace to enable you to feel comfortable. After your referral we might contact you to arrange an initial assessment with the Clinical Psychologist.

During the assessment we will ask questions about areas such as your emotional wellbeing, physical health, employment, and your family/friends. Patients are seen for an initial assessment to determine suitability for the service; this may be 1-2 appointments that are approximately 60 minutes each.

After your assessment we might work with you to consider different resources you can use to help support your emotional wellbeing and breathing condition. We might also offer some sessions of talking therapy. If you agree to attend sessions our Clinical Psychologist or Assistant Psychologist will meet with you to work towards your goals for therapy. After your assessment we may refer you to another service if we feel they can support you more appropriately or alongside support from us.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and due to social restrictions we have tried to remain accessible by offering telephone and video sessions. We can also offer some face to face appointments, and these appointments will be based at Acre Mills, Huddersfield.

If you are a resident in Calderdale or Kirklees and receiving support for a breathing condition from CHFT, you can discuss a referral to our service with your nurse/doctor/physiotherapist. If your referral is accepted you will be sent an opt-in letter. You then have three weeks to respond with your decision to opt-in. If you opt-in you will be added to our waiting list and we will be in touch to arrange your first session.

• If you would like to print this information for yourself or someone else, you can download our Patient Information Leaflet by clicking here. If you would like this in a written copy but do not have a printer access, a member of your respiratory team may be able to print this for you.

• We also have developed a resource called “A compassionate approach to understanding breathing difficulties and emotional wellbeing” which can give you some more practical guidance. You can download this by clicking here… INSERT LATER

Please click any of the links below for further information which will open in a new page.

Patient information leaflet

Breathlessness leaflet from BLF

Living with COPD from BLF